Did you do the test first?
Go do it...I will wait...
Okay, so according to Mr. Jalopy, "This phenomenon is known as "change blindness" - only a tiny fraction of all the information going into your brain enters your consciousness. People often fail to see a change in their surroundings because their attention is elsewhere.
Even stranger, if you are concentrating on something, you can become blind to other events that you would normally notice. This "inattention blindness" is possibly the reason why motorists collide with cyclists.
Just as it is important for road users to keep an eye out for cyclists, cyclists must also take steps to ensure they are seen by motorists."
According to me, this is important to forward to both cycling and non cycling friends because it is a reminder to both that we need to be open minded, perceptive and (I hate this expression)expect the unexpected.
I am a little ticked off today because I had yet another friend (this is the 3rd since July) have an accident with a car yesterday. Specifically (and this has happened 2 of the 3 times), a driver of a truck was passing a cyclist, buzzed them (perhaps to make a point, I don't know) and the rider was hit by the passenger's side mirror. One was fine immediately afterwards - she was knocked off her bike, scratched up and generally shaken up. My other friend hit yesterday is going to be okay, but he did have broken ribs and some other issues. He did require transport to the hospital. Not fun...but everything will be fine...
In an attempt to be generous I am assuming that both drivers were unaware of the width of their car and the necessary room to safely pass the cyclists. I am unable to confirm this assumption because in all 3 cases the drivers bolted and were never to be seen again.
This doesn't mean that all cyclists are saints. I have ridden with and chastised many an idiot cyclist about creating risk for drivers and other riders.
My point today, is take the aforementioned Awareness test. Pass it on to friends and family and start a dialogue. We are seeing more and more new cyclists on the road given gas prices and the new greening of American choices. I love it and am 100% supportive of it. I love new riders and I want everyone to know how fantastic and healthy it is to ride a bike. However, we need to make sure that we are getting safety information out in our community to both cyclists and drivers.
3 comments:
That is a very interesting test, Counselor. I did it. I did not ever see a moonwalking bear.
I'm really sorry to hear about your friends' accidents. That is disconcerting! Too few people ride bikes and it's a shame those who do have to be ultra concerned about getting hit by a vehicle.
I am being totally honest when I tell you that my old next door neighbor (in PA) had a boyfriend that was killed on his bike by a motorist. He was riding through Valley Forge park and back to his house. Terrible tragedy. I did not know him well, but it was very sad indeed.
Will pass the word around....
Cindy
Yes, I saw that!! ARRRRGGHHH!!!!!!
I think Obama should go the way of "It's the economy, stupid" but (and he's already begun to do) tie the importance of the debate to the economy.
I have one last thing to say,
ARRGGHHHHH!!!! again!
Cindy
Cyclists! Cars! All so dangerous! Sometimes it totally freaks me out that we don't all get killed on the roads every day with tonnes of metal flying around with uncoordinated idiots (eg me) in charge. When I was at university, before I could drive, I used to cycle everywhere and I was pretty blase about the risk from cars. Now that I can drive, and I know how easy it is not to spot cyclists, I wish I could go back and give my younger self a road safety talking-to!
Really sorry to hear about your friends' accidents. Even more sorry that the drivers took off - that's such appalling behaviour. I'm shaking my fist at the thought of it!
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