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Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Reason #345 why I prefer trail biking
Here's just one reason why I much prefer riding my bike on trails rather than roads:
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5 comments:
Trails (at least any trails that actually go anywhere) increase the danger of exactly the kind of crash shown in this video. There are exceptions of course -- viable commute trails with fully separated crossings, and those are indeed wonderful -- but most still require you to cross roads at grade.
Hi Yokota,
As always, I appreciate your comments, but I have to respectfully disagree w/ you. In the video, the bicyclist was riding on the road in a bike lane. Since the vast majority of car drivers are not bicyclists, they don't understand nor care about the concept of bike lanes and they don't give them a second thought. Therefore, bike lanes are just about as dangerous as riding a bike in traffic. Bottom line: cars & bikes just don't mix.
It's easy for bicyclists to vilify car drivers & vice versa, but that doesn't help. It's the great experiment that just doesn't work.
Bike trails, on the other hand, are incredibly safe. They completely separate cars & bikes. Your point about road crossings is valid, but the vast majority of trails I've ridden on, all over the country, in cities & in rural areas, have very few at-grade crossings. When there is an at-grade crossing, the bicyclist must take the responsibility for their own safety. No matter where a bicyclist rides, it is ill-advised to ever assume anything about cars and their drivers. In an ideal world, there would be mutual consideration. But there isn't.
All too often, to most motorists, bicycles don't exist until they're wrapped around the car's fender. It's harsh, but realistic.
So on the average trail, I can relax & enjoy my ride 99% of the time. But when I get to road crossings, I must be completely vigilant for myself and the car driver. I don't mind doing that occasionally on a trail. It is extremely stressful to do it 100% of the time on the roads.
As for whether the trails "actually go anywhere;" every trail goes somewhere. If it was up to me, everywhere could be reached by a trail. It's a lofty goal but a worthwhile one.
Once again, thanks for your comment. It helps me to have someone bring me back to earth every now and then. I know I'm in the minority when it comes to my love of trails, but I truly think if more people spent more time on trails, there would be a greater appreciation for their utility and their recreational benefits.
I like your attitude, man -- cycle defensively where necessary and responsibly always.
Have a great New Year.
Thanks Yokota,
That's what I like about the biking community. We may disagree on some minor details, but we agree on the most important topic... biking of all kinds is awesome.
One of these days, I may include portions of our (above) comments on the trails network blog.
Please let me know if you'd rather I not use any of your comments.
Enjoy your New Year!!
I like your attitude, man -- cycle defensively where necessary and responsibly always.
Have a great New Year.
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