Scintilla wrote:You ride on country roads, in groups and solo. You know the deal. Of the two images, which is more hazardous, and why? (US image)
I have been touring on rural roads for the past 40 years. The times when I am MOST at risk is always when riding in the lower scenario. It is a deadly set-up.
Ride Wider; Stay Safer!
40 years ago it may have been safer. Now there are fools driving along staring at their lap half of the time.
Can't miss that facebook post or must answer that text now.
I achieve the space with a weave when there is a car coming toward me.
I don't pick up all of the cars behind me through my mind wanders and I just don't catch them all.
Sure if the road is very quiet I get most.
The 2 cases other than your friend were not the scenario depicted in the picture you posted.
Have a look at the damage on the cars.The black Hyundai from the Macedon death has collected the cyclist in the middle of the car.
Similarly Jason in Bendigo has not been hit at the far left of the vehicle.
Neither were gutter hugging.
There was no evidence of any swerve or braking until after the impact.
I am not advocating gutter hugging but that was not the case here.
They were not seen.
Many drivers simply aren't paying attention.
If you claim the lane on rural roads you increase the chances of being hit by someone who is simply not looking imo.
I have seen so many stupid, incompetent driving errors resulting in fatality in my vocation, I am not relying on the competence of the Australian driving public for my continued existence. I will minimise my exposure by choosing roads with a shoulder where possible and be as visible as I can.
Stay safe everyone. Ride as if every driver is an incompetent fool. A disturbing amount of the time you will be correct.