The Chainlink

Bike Mirrors

I'm wondering how many people ride with some type of rear view mirror? 

Recently I've heard to two very serious bike accidents where the cyclist was hit from behind; one resulting in death. I don't know if the riders had a mirror, but I'm wondering if that would have helped them. 

My mirror is the kind that is attached to my helmet. (it's hand made by the fellow from Gambier, OH; it's a work of art!!) I feel it is even more important to my safety than my helmet; I love it. Especially since I've noticed recently more than a few drivers LOOKING at their phone while they are driving. It's making me a bit anxious. With a mirror I feel like I at least have a chance of diving off the road if a car isn't going to pass me properly. Also with a mirror I can assess the situation ahead and determine if I need to take the whole lane to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. 

What do you think?

 

 

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 7, 2011 at 6:08pm
I like to be surprised.
Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on September 7, 2011 at 6:13pm
I've never used one, but have been told they are great.  Good question here.
Permalink Reply by S.Presley☠ on September 7, 2011 at 6:41pm
Do you have to move your head to see around the blind spot it causes?
Permalink Reply by Rich Scott on September 7, 2011 at 7:00pm
Yes...you have to move your head SLIGHTLY to the left. But....that's also part of the advantage, because you can see everywhere behind you by moving your head around. For example, if I move my head far enough to the left I can see someone coming up on my right side. Plus, since the mirror is close to your eye the clarity of the image is very good.

S.Presley said:
Do you have to move your head to see around the blind spot it causes?
Permalink Reply by Liz on September 7, 2011 at 7:05pm

I have a bar end mirror that I use for merging before turning left, I'm not sure it would help if someone was coming from behind and collided with me though.  

I'm not sure how to distinguish between a car that would pass properly or a car that wound run right into me.  

Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 7, 2011 at 7:35pm
Accidents from behind are extremely rare. This study identified about 4% of bicycle-motor vehicle accidents as occurring from overtaking vehicles or sideswipes. Focus on what's in front of you-from a statistical standpoint, that's where the accident's going to happen.
Permalink Reply by Rich Scott on September 7, 2011 at 7:44pm
An interesting study....thanks for pointing it out. However, the study is from the late 80's! Smartphones have made sharing the road a whooole new ballgame.

Kevin C said:
Accidents from behind are extremely rare. This study identified about 4% of bicycle-motor vehicle accidents as occurring from overtaking vehicles or sideswipes. Focus on what's in front of you-from a statistical standpoint, that's where the accident's going to happen.
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 7, 2011 at 7:53pm
Perhaps, but until there's new data, I only "know" what other people have quantified. Do you "know" that smartphones have changed the number, character and composition of bicycle-motor vehicle accidents? If so, by what magnitude? 300%? So now 12% of bicycle accidents occur from overtaking/sideswiping cars? Still a statistically low enough number that a rider's energy and attention is best employed being vigilant for threats in front of them. 

ghreg said:
An interesting study....thanks for pointing it out. However, the study is from the late 80's! Smartphones have made sharing the road a whooole new ballgame.

Kevin C said:
Accidents from behind are extremely rare. This study identified about 4% of bicycle-motor vehicle accidents as occurring from overtaking vehicles or sideswipes. Focus on what's in front of you-from a statistical standpoint, that's where the accident's going to happen.
Permalink Reply by Reddog (Cliff) on September 7, 2011 at 8:00pm
I use a helmet mounted mirror on a flexible arm.  It is really usefull, but it still does not replace taking a quick look behind you now and then. I enjoy having the constant feedback only a glance away, and it has helped me out in many situations. It may take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of having that little mirror, it comes in handy.
Permalink Reply by Rich Scott on September 7, 2011 at 8:12pm
fair enough.....I have no empirical evidence that smartphones have caused more bicycle-motor vehicle accidents. (other than my own limited observation and telling a few drivers, "put your stupid phone down you jackass and pay attention to what you're doing!!!!") lol, sort of. And, of course, I agree with you that watching what's going on in front of you is a good thing. Does that preclude one from watching what's behind you? There is no doubt that you can't be looking two places at once.....and I have thought about that. But, despite that flaw, I still REALLY like my mirror :) 

Kevin C said:
Perhaps, but until there's new data, I only "know" what other people have quantified. Do you "know" that smartphones have changed the number, character and composition of bicycle-motor vehicle accidents? If so, by what magnitude? 300%? So now 12% of bicycle accidents occur from overtaking/sideswiping cars? Still a statistically low enough number that a rider's energy and attention is best employed being vigilant for threats in front of them. 

ghreg said:
An interesting study....thanks for pointing it out. However, the study is from the late 80's! Smartphones have made sharing the road a whooole new ballgame.

Kevin C said:
Accidents from behind are extremely rare. This study identified about 4% of bicycle-motor vehicle accidents as occurring from overtaking vehicles or sideswipes. Focus on what's in front of you-from a statistical standpoint, that's where the accident's going to happen.
Permalink Reply by Jeff Markus on September 7, 2011 at 9:32pm

I use Rhode Gear bar mounted mirrors. While not a perfect solution and prone to disappearing occasionally while parked, I find them quite helpful in maintaining a grasp of traffic around me.

The swivel allows the mirror to be swung out of the way when storing or loading into racks. This also allows easy positioning and repositioning during rides to address changing needs.

Jeff

The Chicagoan

Permalink Reply by Allen Wrench on September 7, 2011 at 9:58pm

I've tried lots of mirrors from little dental things on the helmet to big metal arms on the handlebars and I think they're really useful in traffic. You can look back without taking your main view off the pothole you plan to swerve out and avoid. Or see if your partner is still following you. You get used to having them pretty quickly. Right now I'm using a bar end Mountain Mirrycle which gives you a good wide view, folds and doesn't break very easily (though it's glass and breakable) - they work well on straight or North Road type bars. We also have an oval CatEye bar mirror but you have to readjust it all the time. The little dental ones always seem to be in the wrong place and they break off when you put your helmet down. Haven't seen the nifty one at the top of the post yet. 

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