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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Permalink Reply by Rich Scott on September 7, 2011 at 4:15pm
Here is a cool article from Adventure Cycling about the maker of the mirror at the top of this post. http://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/201104_MirrorMan_Siple.pdf
Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 7, 2011 at 4:46pm

Nice article.

 

But who are you and what have you done with ghreg?!

Rich Scott said:

Here is a cool article from Adventure Cycling about the maker of the mirror at the top of this post. http://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/201104_MirrorMan_Siple.pdf
Permalink Reply by Liz on September 8, 2011 at 3:24am

I do like my mirror for merging, but I still can't figure out how you would use it to avoid an accident. 

 

I don't know about your mirror but with mine I would have to have it aimed just right and be spending more time looking in it than in front of me (where, as kevin pointed out, the accident is more likely to occur) trying to figure out what the driver behind me is going to do.  Mirrors are great for increasing visibility, but I don't see having one as a way to avoid a rear collision. 

 



Rich Scott said:

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 :) 


Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on September 8, 2011 at 3:43am

I like having a mirror on cargo bikes, towing trailers and leading group rides (especially kids). In all of these cases I want to be checking behind me much more than when I'm riding solo and unencumbered. 

 

When carrying heavy cargo on a bike looking over your shoulder can put you off balance and is harder to correct than without. When towing a trailer it's nice to be able to look back regularly and see your load. On group rides, especially with kids, it's good to know where people are and how they're behaving. Many of the youth that I've done programs with have been amazed at how much I catch them doing because of having a mirror.

 

I'm partial to handlebar mount mirrors. I've used helmet and eyeglass mount mirrors and didn't like them. I didn't like having something always floating in my periphery and I found it weird and hard to focus with just one eye on something a few inches away and then the objects in the mirror being tens to hundreds of feet away. It gave me headaches.

Permalink Reply by Rich Scott on September 8, 2011 at 4:30am

I was riding on a quiet country road. I could see a big dump truck coming from behind. From my mirror I first noticed that he wasn't moving over AT ALL. Finally, because I could see him, I realized he had no intention of moving over. I did a quick exit stage right into the gravel shoulder, somehow managing to stay upright. I'm not sure if the driver did this intentionally, or if he was distracted and didn't see me. But I'm glad I could see him.

There are just too many idiot drivers out there. And my theory is that smartphones and texting are making this situation worse. I agree with Chris C, I'm uncomfortable riding without my mirror.

Liz said:

I do like my mirror for merging, but I still can't figure out how you would use it to avoid an accident. 

 

I don't know about your mirror but with mine I would have to have it aimed just right and be spending more time looking in it than in front of me (where, as kevin pointed out, the accident is more likely to occur) trying to figure out what the driver behind me is going to do.  Mirrors are great for increasing visibility, but I don't see having one as a way to avoid a rear collision. 

 



Rich Scott said:

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 :) 


Permalink Reply by Kevin C Dormant on September 8, 2011 at 7:41am

Try this wherever you believe it is safe to do so: If you typically shoulder check to the left, prior to turning, take your left hand off the handlebars and point with your index finger straight ahead. Then make your head turn. I bet you won't swerve, or alternatively, you will swerve less. As you become more proficient at this, the exaggerated motion of pointing will become less pronounced, but you will experience the same net effect; i.e. no more swerving. 

(It keeps you from activating certain muscles in your torso and back which would otherwise cause an unintended twist).


Daniel G said:

These seem like a good idea. I can't seem to glance backward without swerving at least a little, so I tend to keep my gaze forward. I've been working on that for a while, but it's hard to fight the urge to steer with your head.
Permalink Reply by David Barish on September 9, 2011 at 5:55am

I bought one from the same guy at the Hilly Hundred a number of years ago.  He is still making mirrors.  Mine broke a while back but I have replaced it with a sticky one that lost its stick. Its now duck taped to my helmet. When it breaks or the tape gives way I will replace it from the guy in Ohio. If you ever lead a group these things are essential for keeping an eye on the ducklings behind you.  Commuting in the city I find a mirror makes it much easier to safely maneuver in traffic.  I spend more time looking ahead with an occasional eyeball on the mirror and less time swinging my head backwards.  This way I am ready when there is a sudden change in front of me.  The guy who makes the mirror in the picture (he has all kinds of backs for the mirror)s is:

Chuck Harris
Ultra Light Touring Shop
P.O. Box 363
Gambier, Ohio 43022
(740) 427-3404

Permalink Reply by Chris B on September 9, 2011 at 7:23am
Thanks for the tip Kevin C i'll practice that and see how it goes.

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