Hybrid Cars are Scary Quiet

The downside of hybrid cars is the operate in near stealth mode, usually you can hear a car coming up behind you.  This time not even the smallest sound, I didn't even know the car was there until it was passing me and it startled me since, cars appearing out of nowhere are usually not good for you.  That happens a couple more times and I'm going to have to get a mirror. 

If I ever own a hybrid I'm going to install some sort of ambient car noise and when I get near pedestrians or bikers will turn it on.  5 senses and all that and I still can't believe it when I see bikers and drivers with earbuds in.

H/

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Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on May 24, 2013 at 12:55pm

I'm not going to go running around crowing that everyone needs a mirror, but I'll say that getting one has been one of the best cycling-related decisions I've made in recent years.

The quiet car problem has been discussed at length over the years on various lists and fora, and your experience and reaction is not unique.  What needs to happen is for a national advocacy organization e.g. LAB or Bikes Belong to lobby for legislation requiring some sort of a sound generator in non-combustion vehicles.  I fear there's going to need to be a list of cyclist deaths-by-electric-car before the problem is recognized.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on May 24, 2013 at 1:12pm

Ask and you shall receive. NHTSA proposed a rule in January 2013 after Congress told them do do so in 2010:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle_warning_sounds#United...


h' 1.0 said:

I'm not going to go running around crowing that everyone needs a mirror, but I'll say that getting one has been one of the best cycling-related decisions I've made in recent years.

The quiet car problem has been discussed at length over the years on various lists and fora, and your experience and reaction is not unique.  What needs to happen is for a national advocacy organization e.g. LAB or Bikes Belong to lobby for legislation requiring some sort of a sound generator in non-combustion vehicles.  I fear there's going to need to be a list of cyclist deaths-by-electric-car before the problem is recognized.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on May 24, 2013 at 1:37pm

I don't ride with earbuds or headphones, first the wind noise bugs me and I like all my senses going when riding. Just being able to see isn't enough when riding in the streets.

I test drove a hybrid and it's cool but it could beat a Ninja for stealth mode.

Permalink Reply by Jeff Markus on May 24, 2013 at 2:23pm

OK OK OK so now we bikers get a feel for how a pedestrian (or skater or runner, etc) feels when they are startled by a bike closing on them from just out of their periphrial vision...after a couple of oooops moments ya might just start carrying a bell or at least practicing yer "on yer left" call.

Permalink Reply by Haddon on May 24, 2013 at 2:34pm

Very valid point

Jeff Markus said:

OK OK OK so now we bikers get a feel for how a pedestrian (or skater or runner, etc) feels when they are startled by a bike closing on them from just out of their periphrial vision...after a couple of oooops moments ya might just start carrying a bell or at least practicing yer "on yer left" call.

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