General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Is It O.K. to Kill Cyclists? [View all]Daemonaquila
(1,712 posts)Half the time, the guy in the pickup is going to be "surprised" no matter what because he isn't watching for anything but cars, assuming he's even paying that much attention. It doesn't matter how predictably a biker rides. The couple times I've been nearly taken out, I was riding in the most predictable way possible - in a well-marked bike lane. For good or ill in the larger social sense, riding aggressively and like an asshat is the best way to be noticed, nimble, and safe.
I've biked in big cities for 20+ years, and I'm long past any delusions that there is a way to ride safely, but I happily ride anyway. I don't wear a helmet, reflectors, or protective clothes - they're a waste of money and just cut down on your freedom of movement. I assume every car on the road is out to nail me. So far, zero accidents. I can't say the same for the people I know who go to great lengths for the delusion of bike safety.