4 December 2007
Resist the temptation
Posted by todd under: Words from cycling sages .
“It is tempting to run a stoplight or stop sign if there is no visible cross-traffic. You can whip a bicycle quickly around a line of stopped cars, and it can give you a satisfied feeling to leave the automobile at the light as you wend your way down the next block. But this is a hazardous undertaking; you simply cannot tell when a car might shoot out of a hidden intersection, alley, or driveway and come barreling down the street toward you. A bicycle simply cannot move out of the way fast enough. And if you are run into after having violated a traffic regulation, you will have a mighty tough time collecting on the other guy’s insurance!”
– Eugene A. Sloane, The New Complete Book of Bicycling, 1974
2 Comments so far...
Samuel Says:
6 December 2007 at 11:49 am.
Parking lots are also very dangerous. The worst spill I ever had was in the parking lot of T.J. MAX. I was completely broad sided by a sedan. The speed wasn’t very fast, but the force sent me sideway on my shoulder and head for about 10-15 ft. Wasn’t much left of my shirt or skin on my shoulder. Thankfully, the scars have faded into oblivian now. See and be seen!
Liz Says:
6 December 2007 at 11:44 pm.
Excellent website Todd, I read every word. It was fun to read. I love the illustrations. And that is an awesome picture of you riding your vehicle. 
In fact, I almost ALWAYS wear one (while riding a bike anyway). (On the other hand, if YOU don't want to wear a helmet, I have no problem with it.) I don't remember what happened on this particular day. Fortunately for all of us it makes for a less-nerdly picture. My exceptionally talented professional photographer friend Charles Bertram took this photo.
I asked my 6-year-old son, Caleb, an avid bicyclist and artist, to draw a bike for me. I think he did a great job!
