Finding new ways to cycle safely

 By Don Snyder

Don Snyder at a cycling event.

Five years ago, I wrote an article about my personal experience with roadway safety after others heard my story about surviving a car-bicycle crash I was involved in. That story detailed what had occurred on a late evening ride in May 2014 when my wife and I were struck from behind by an inattentive motorist. Fortunately, we both survived that incident, although there were lingering effects from our injuries for some time after that unfortunate event (read 2016 story here).

Now I’m sharing an update to my current status as an avid cyclist, what experiences I have had and what changes I may have made since this accident.

I suppose as a natural progression of my cycling activities, I have become involved with other types of events, as well as becoming more involved with group rides. Many may be aware that the gravel riding scene has grown rapidly, and I too have become more active in these types of rides. Of course, there is typically much less traffic on gravel roads than on paved roadways, so naturally less chance for conflicts with motorized traffic. The lower speeds vehicles travel on unpaved roads also gives more time for both drivers and cyclists to react to each other’s presence.

 I have also discovered a great group of fellow cyclists to ride with on shorter evening rides and longer weekend events. Travelling in a larger group makes all of us more visible than we would be on solo rides, and vehicular traffic seems to be more conscious of passing our larger groups more cautiously.

 There are also more options these days for locations to ride that are not on major roadways. The City of Wichita and the surrounding areas have a pretty decent network of both paved and unpaved riding trails that cyclists can utilize where we do not have to be as cognizant of other road users.

I still do some paved road cycling where I am riding in the same type of environment where I had my accident seven years ago, but I make every effort to be aware of vehicles on the same roads I am on. I have used a rear-view mirror that is attached to my helmet for many years so I can see what is approaching from behind. I also choose not to have any audio devices playing while I ride so I am more aware of the sounds of others on the roadway.

So, in conclusion, I did not let the accident I was involved with take away what has become my favorite pastime, and of course I was very blessed that my injuries did not create permanent debilitating physical issues. Cycling will always be part of my lifestyle as long as I am physically able to ride, and the lessons I have learned while riding have made me more safety conscious so I can continue these activities. 

Motorists and cyclists both have to share the same roadways to get to our destinations, and we all need to be aware of others on our journeys and show the same level of respect we want for ourselves.

 

Don Snyder is the KDOT Metro Engineer in Wichita