The Roads Might Be Safer Than We Think

14
Dec
2012

I’m a huge supporter of all the great cycling advocacy organizations out there pushing for safer roads and improved cycling infrastructure, but I’m going a little controversial on you today and saying that the roads just might be safer than we think.

I’ve been living and cycling here in Grenada for over a month now and I’ve been heavily reminded just how scary a road can actually be.  I can’t complain about it because it was my choice to move here, but I wanted to talk about the incredibly poor riding conditions and the insanity a cyclist is faced with if they want to ride.

One thing is for sure, the roads of North America now seem like ultimate luxury lined with the softness of pillows.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and have decided that the roads of most locations in the world are not the heart of the problem….it’s the amount of traffic consuming those roads.  Mix in an increasing lack of focus and attention by drivers (and some cyclists) and you’ve now got an unsafe situation.

I feel as if the roads are not necessarily to blame and that putting up things like bike lanes, bicycle traffic lights, and share the road signs are more of a band-aid than a solution.  All these things definitely aide in making the roads safer for cyclists, but with enough traffic out there…even the best infrastructure becomes unsafe.

Unless we can construct pathways that are only for cyclists and nowhere near the path of vehicle traffic…..there is always going to be unsafe conditions.

I’m currently riding on uneven crappy pavement with lots of huge holes, super narrow roads, people (and animals) constantly darting out into traffic, broken glass, and so many other things that us cyclists consider the enemy.  Even a guy like me who has claimed to be a tiny lap dog who rides like he’s a Rottweiler, has moments of pure freight out there.  But I’ll tell you why it works (well, sort of works).

Less traffic, slower speeds, and focus.  There aren’t a lot of roads here in Grenada, and vehicles per mile of road is definitely less than what you’ll find in places like North America, Australia, and the UK.  The vehicles on the road are also moving a whole lot slower than in places with smoother and straighter roads…okay, the busses here think they are racing an F1 but for the most part people drive slower.  And then there is focus.  I can’t speak for everyone, but when I’m on my bike or driving our vehicle I am way more focused on what’s going on than I’ve ever been anywhere else.  Extreme focus is a must for me over here.

The Grenadian drivers are not the best that I’ve seen in the world, and there are more than just a few reckless drivers around here.  They also don’t seem to care much for the cyclists.  Those of us who ride in Grenada, take our lives in our hands in order to train on the roads.  Sounds like the situation in most places, huh?  Well, I didn’t seem to notice it as much when I was riding on nice roads with big wide bike lanes.

But like I said, it’s a numbers game.  With enough traffic on these roads, I know the situation would be increasingly worse.

So there you go….my bicycle advocacy advice.  If we can somehow get fewer vehicles on the road and a better focus from the people behind the wheel and handlebars, our roads of the world will be a safer place for everyone.

What do you think?  Maybe a couple of rides with me over here in Grenada will get you thinking the same way.

Enjoy Your Ride

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4 Responses to “ The Roads Might Be Safer Than We Think ”

  1. Chuck Huss on December 16, 2012 at 7:29 am

    I agree. I live in the Tampa Bay area where the traffic can be insane in some areas. I ride to work and it took me awhile to find a route that was somewhat safe. Recently I decided I needed a change so I went another way. This road was busy but it was well built with bike lanes all the way. I thought it would be safe but bike lanes mean nothing to busy, distracted drivers who are in a big hurry to get to work. One car drifted into the bike lane, almost hitting me. That forced me over just enough to keep the truck behind her from hitting me. I’m back to my old route with less traffic.

    • Darryl is Loving the Bike on December 17, 2012 at 7:09 am

      Thanks for your feedback on this one, Chuck. I hope you’re able to keep safe out there and that all of us cyclists can enjoy the roads. It sure would be great if we could somehow get less traffic on them.

  2. Ed on December 14, 2012 at 8:12 am

    This is a very interesting perspective. I have only ever cycled in Florida so my opinion will not be as worldly as some of the others who have something to say on this. I agree fully that there are far too many cars on the roads over here.

    • Darryl is Loving the Bike on December 17, 2012 at 7:10 am

      Thanks Ed. I’m not sure how to make it happen, but less cars on the road would be a very good thing.

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