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Whats more dangerous? cycling? or driving?

It seems like someone is always starts this conversation with me. I always say that driving is more dangerous. I hate driving. There are a lot of reckless drivers out there and most of the time cyclists get hurt because of reckless drivers. Drunk driving, and all that as well. I don't know that's just my opinion but someone always tries to tell me that cycling is more dangerous. I guess it can go both ways though.

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Permalink Reply by Jimmy Jam on April 22, 2012 at 11:00pm

lol.  Bus drivers are dangerous drivers.  At least many of the drivers I encounter, whether in my car or on my bike.

However, as someone mentioned earlier this question has far too many variables.  Those change day to day.  IMO driving(the act of, not the driver) is safer for a few reasons.  You are, in many ways, restricted while driving a car.  Only can operate on the street(lest you have a Jeep), typically you follow traffic signals and somewhat follow the speed limit.  You have more respect for other travelers, again typically.  When driving, I believe you take into account the damage to your vehicle and the trouble of an accident, so are more cautious.

I imagine cyclists feel cars are not as safe because vehicles don't respect cyclists as they do other vehicles.  You do not represent the smashed bumper and fender.  They also probably hate bikers like myself that pass them at every light they sit at.

Again, too many variables to analyze which is truly safer.  Here in Chicago? I go with driving.  Portland?  Probably cycling as it is one of the most bike friendly cities in the world.  But, then again, the more people you add to an activity, the chance of injury rises.



Samuel Diaz said:

I was on the Milwaukee bus a few days ago. This biker and the bus driver were arguing on the topic. The bus driver went on a rant on how bikers just make drivers nervous and cause problems. He went on to say they cause most of car accidents. I couldn't help but laugh. It came to a point where the bus driver wanted to kick the guy off the bus and not let him get his bike off the rack. 

Permalink Reply by Samuel Diaz on April 22, 2012 at 11:14pm

I've been wanting to check out portland. I'd like to bike through that city someday.

Permalink Reply by Rich S on April 22, 2012 at 11:38pm

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on April 23, 2012 at 12:53am

 I enjoyed that fish-tailing bus at the 28 second mark.

Wow.

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on April 23, 2012 at 2:27am

Can't they learn to use the bathroom like city folk?

Adam "Cezar" Jenkins said:

Out near me they go into the other lane

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on April 23, 2012 at 2:34am

115 people die in cars every day in this country and 3300 worldwide.

I don't believe that the occupants of cars actually are safer just because they're inside.

Would be great if anyone had anything to back up their guesses and assumptions with.

James BlackHeron said:

+1

Cars and their drivers are a danger to everyone around them -while they are relatively safely ensconced within their steel cocoons padded with high-tech airbags and restraint systems designed to insulate them from their mistakes and the carnage they produce outside. 

Samuel Diaz said:

Dangerous to society

James BlackHeron said:

Dangerous to WHOM?

Permalink Reply by Lanterne Rouge on April 23, 2012 at 8:11am

Are people just more inclined to drive like assholes in that tunnel?

 

And yes, that Maaaaaaaxium drrrrrrrifting bus was awesome.

Rich S said:

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on April 23, 2012 at 8:17am

In Soviet Russia car crash YOU!

Permalink Reply by mike w. on April 23, 2012 at 10:05am

This viddie and the others linked explain a LOT about the driving habits i've seen of certain cabbies up here in the N suburbs... when i see those particular light blue and white taxis in my reaview, i cringe...

Permalink Reply by Samuel Diaz on April 23, 2012 at 2:02pm

that tunnel is crazy. What about it makes people crash?

Permalink Reply by Fran Kondorf on April 23, 2012 at 2:22pm

High rates of speed fueled by excessive consumption of vodka would be my guess.



Samuel Diaz said:

that tunnel is crazy. What about it makes people crash?

Permalink Reply by Samuel Diaz on April 23, 2012 at 3:00pm

Haha That makes perfect sense. 

Fran Kondorf said:

High rates of speed fueled by excessive consumption of vodka would be my guess.



Samuel Diaz said:

that tunnel is crazy. What about it makes people crash?

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