Insiders in the field know that the main deterrent to more bicyclists riding on our roads and trails is fear of danger from cars when riding.
Bicycling deaths increased by 1 percent in 2023 and alarmingly increased 53 percent over the last 10 years, according to the National Safety Council.
Meanwhile, grinding at the wheel on an overcast astoundingly cold and windy Monday morning, I made a stop along the way to my place of employment to take pictures of sacred ghost bikes.
For those that are learning, a ghost bike memorial is a usually painted all-white bicycle, often adorned with flowers, plaque or other symbolic mementos locked to a street sign or fence near the site of a fatal cycling accident.
The ghost bike serves as a somber reminder of the killed cyclist and a call to drivers for safer driving.
However, the situation is becoming safer in some places especially with the increase in safe infrastructure as well as improving equipment and safer riding skills.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021 invests $1.2 trillion in our infrastructure,, including appropriating funds to make bicycling infrastructure safer.
Separation from cars means more safety for bicyclists. There is a mantra in cycling that separation means safety.
In infrastructure this means building protected and separated from cars paths or even bikeways and trails where bicyclists can ride safely with more enjoyment free of cars and free of fear. We can commune with and enjoy nature here.
Rewarding riding with timely swag purchases that make us feel good and keeps us riding in pursuit of some goal or challenge adds enjoyment to our ride as well.
I just acquired a new Giro Trinity titanium matte helmet to replace the worn out one I have without pads or plastic size adjuster.
I also like to acquire a different color bar-tape in the run up to the new road-biking season in March or April each year. This year it’s cardinal red which matches nicely my white frame.