How Many Citizens Know What a Sharrow Is? (Raleigh, Cary: chapel, most dangerous)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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He RAN OVER two bicyclists he was either completely no paying attention, just didn't care, possibly drunk (we won't know that since he left the scene) or didn't have his lights on at that time of night which makes it really hard to see. I see so many people at that time of night with no lights on and it's ANNOYING.
I should have been on that road in that location at that time last night but went a different way.
Question: Assuming you are paying attention, what helps with visibility of bicyclists when you encounter one on the road? I bike a lot at night and have a front white light and blinking rear red light but am curious if that is really enough to be visible to most people on the roads.
Question: Assuming you are paying attention, what helps with visibility of bicyclists when you encounter one on the road? I bike a lot at night and have a front white light and blinking rear red light but am curious if that is really enough to be visible to most people on the roads.
The other day I was driving out towards Jordan Lake and there was a bicyclist with a blinking red light and the one thing I thought at the time is that I wish it was bigger and brighter. They seem to be fairly small and not too bright. For me, a fluorescent jacket or shirt is easier to see. (yellow or orange).
I have thought for many years that I would like and would enjoy road cycling, but the fear of the cars is what stops me. My hats off to all you that do not have such a fear.
He RAN OVER two bicyclists he was either completely no paying attention, just didn't care, possibly drunk (we won't know that since he left the scene) or didn't have his lights on at that time of night which makes it really hard to see. I see so many people at that time of night with no lights on and it's ANNOYING.
I should have been on that road in that location at that time last night but went a different way.
Well, I don't have all the facts, but I do know that the person driving had 18 prior arrests. Some were for violent acts. I can't find the details now, but a friend shared with me, including the account of each arrest. He was no model citizen. (That does not prove anything, but sure sets the stage for what might have happened)
Quote:
Originally Posted by JaPaKoMom
The other day I was driving out towards Jordan Lake and there was a bicyclist with a blinking red light and the one thing I thought at the time is that I wish it was bigger and brighter. They seem to be fairly small and not too bright. For me, a fluorescent jacket or shirt is easier to see. (yellow or orange).
I have thought for many years that I would like and would enjoy road cycling, but the fear of the cars is what stops me. My hats off to all you that do not have such a fear.
Couple things I find that helps:
Front light should be a bright, LED light that blinks. It helps distinguish from other road users. You can actually have two, one solid, so you can see, and the other blinking, so you are seen. You can buy super cheap on Amazon these days. The MagicShine, and all the similar knock-offs are under $35. I use those when I ride at off hours, and I ALWAYS keep a battery operated light on my bars, in case I find myself riding in dark, or bad weather when unplanned.
For the back, a strobing, blinking red light. Some of the strobing ones are REALLY bright. Two is better than one.
Clothing: I always wear Chartreuse if I know I"ll be on the road. It's the most visible. Great idea to buy shoes, and/or helmet/and or cloths with some reflective parts. My shoes all have them, as do most of my coats and vests. My helmet does not....
In my experience, when I ride with visible clothing and lights, I am treated much better by motorists. My guess is that when people have time to see you, process you, and plan on how to pass (or not pass), they are much calmer, and it's a better situation for everyone. There is still the occasional A-H driver, but far less than some others report.
Guy sounds like a real winner...half a dozen convictions for DWI, eluding arrest, etc. He pulled into a cul-de-sac to remove one of their bikes from his windshield before driving off.
One of the victims was Cary's transportation director...she's in critical condition.
My guess is that when people have time to see you, process you, and plan on how to pass (or not pass), they are much calmer, and it's a better situation for everyone. There is still the occasional A-H driver, but far less than some others report.
Guy sounds like a real winner...half a dozen convictions for DWI, eluding arrest, etc. He pulled into a cul-de-sac to remove one of their bikes from his windshield before driving off.
One of the victims was Cary's transportation director...she's in critical condition.
Oh my!
That's awful. Yeah... I don't think sharrows would make a difference in this case.
Or bike lanes. Sounds like he might've driven right into that one and mowed those people over.
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