Fear is reality sending you a message

A reader's comment to the Guardian story: I love cycling. But I drive---because I fear for my life:

After trying cycling short distances in urban environments I quickly and independently came to the conclusion that fear is nature's way of telling you that you are doing something stupid. Yes, it's nice to cycle, on a fine day---not too hot, not too cold. When you have the time, don't need to carry anything bulky, won't encounter any 1-in-5s and don't mind sweating like the proverbial pig when you arrive at your destination.

But I am not an extremist. I do not think that the freedom to cycle is a cause worth risking my life for. I do not want my tombstone to read "Here lies Graun, a keen cyclist but flattened by a lorry on the A406, even though he was in the right"

So I will surround myself with computer designed steel cages, crumple zones, collapsible doo-dads and improved visibility. Airbags, safety belts and every other safety device that is mandatory or optional. And I will do so in the knowledge that these are the major factors why accidents now are 3 times more survivable than they were 20 years ago.

But not for cyclists---no matter who's fault it is.

See also Oslo's car ban sounded simple enough. Then the backlash began.

And not just in Europe: Why Parking Still Matters in America’s Downtowns.

Bike guy Jason Henderson thinks Zero Parking is the way to go. Of course Henderson is a teacher at SF State and doesn't own a business or work downtown.

Thanks to Streetsblog