There's a chill in the cycling community right now, fostered by reports of deadly accidents involving recreational cyclists hit by cars while riding on the roads.
The reports are not frequent. They come out every now and then, maybe one or two per year, but when they do, they hit home.
There were two men in July 2010, ages 75 and 56. They were hit and killed by separate drivers on the same day. The accidents happened just a few miles apart in a popular cycling area in eastern Oklahoma County.
Then there was the 36-year-old triathlete killed in August 2013 while finishing up a charity ride near Lake Overholser.
A 25-year-old New Yorker was killed in July 2015. He was hit by a distracted driver while riding his touring bike through Washita County in western Oklahoma. A few weeks later, a 53-year-old man was hit by another distracted driver while riding on the shoulder of a highway south of Purcell.
Those are just a few examples, but there are others. For many cyclists, those types of tragedies come to mind from time to time, triggered by the noise of a car or pickup whizzing by a little too fast or a little too close.
They are reminders of how dangerous cycling can be.
Consistent range
According to the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, an average of six cyclists are killed in our state each year.
Samantha Harcrow, safety office program manager for cycling, said there has not been an upward or downward trend from 1997 to 2015. Rather, the numbers vary each year, but the range has been consistent, mostly four to six a year.
There may be some comfort in the fact that Oklahoma's numbers remain consistent even as the number of cyclists in our state seems to be growing, and Harcrow indicates there may be more reason for optimism.
“As any population that shares the road increases, this could potentially impact the number and severity of crashes,” Harcrow said. “We are seeing this with crashes involving motorcycles and now pedestrians. However, the current numbers show no trend at this time for bicyclists.”
Perhaps drivers and cyclists are becoming more aware of each other and more willing to share the road.
Harcrow says that most drivers do not regularly encounter bicyclists, so there is a very real possibility that they do not always recognize cyclists as they survey the traffic scene in front of them.
The most important thing a driver can do to prevent accidents with cyclists is to watch for them and recognize them, she said. On the other hand, cyclists can play a role by doing what they can to be seen. Cyclists should be aware of the possibility that drivers may not always see them at intersections or coming over the crest of a hill.
“A bicyclist's life may depend totally upon their visibility and ability to ride defensively, being prepared for the possibilities and knowing their own obligations toward the rules of the road,” Harcrow said.
Her message is similar to what many of us heard as we learned how to drive. Be aware and be cautious. Our safety, to a large extent, is in our hands.
For example, cyclists might be more visible and safer riding in groups of two, three or more, rather than riding alone. It is also important to maintain a straight, consistent line that is easy for drivers to predict, and give drivers plenty of room to pass. It also means watching for traffic, obeying the rules, and listening for approaching vehicles. Riding a bicycle while wearing earphones is almost as bad as riding without a helmet, experts say.
Becoming safer
Harcrow said the investments municipalities are making in bike lanes, bike routes and trails are making Oklahoma a safer place to ride. Signs posted along these routes help warn drivers, which helps build the driver awareness that she says is so important. Bike routes and lanes also give cyclists and drivers more road space to share.
There are a growing number of bicycle and pedestrian trials in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and other communities, both of which give people opportunities to abandon city streets altogether if they choose to.
Cycling can be dangerous, but it is also a healthy form of exercise that can be done safely.
Tragic accidents have happened, and it is likely they will happen again, but I believe it is as safe to ride in Oklahoma as it has ever been. And, there is reason for optimism about the future as communities are becoming more aware of cycling, and they are accommodating us with ever increasing numbers of routes, lanes, trails and watchful eyes.
Chip Minty is a lifelong cyclist, writer and owner of Minty Communications LLC, a Norman-based public relations and marketing firm.
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