SOCIAL: 70% of all accidents fault of cyclists?

[Dave Snyder]

Sadly if those are CHP stats then they are referring to car-bike collisions. They are wildly inaccurate for a number of reasons, including incredible bias on the part of police officers. For example, running into a suddenly opening car door is often the bicycle rider's fault for "excessive speed for conditions" according to CHP data. 



Dave Snyder
Executive Director
California Bicycle Coalition
916-251-9433
Creating safe, healthy, and livable communities through bicycling
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On May 8, 2012, at 11:30 AM, Justin Fraser wrote:

I think that stat may not be far our of line but it's a little disingenuous in the wording. I think a majority of bicycle accidents are solo falls so yes you could say solo falls are the fault of the cyclist. Not sure that was what is intended by the author below though... be good to get a source.

Justin

From: jen schradie <schradie at hotmail.com>
To: social at deeptrouble.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 9:37 AM
Subject: SOCIAL: 70% of all accidents fault of cyclists?

really? someone on my kids' listserv (below) just posted this.

--------------------------- j e n s c h r a d i e 

Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 09:31:17 -0700
From: jaskart at yahoo.com
Subject: Re: [noccs] Bicycle safety - parents and kids
To: schradie at hotmail.com

Those efforts would be worthwhile (cutting back bushes, etc.) but futile if cyclists don't take responsibility for their own safety. It is one thing to be empowered, and another to be oblivious and entitled where it doesn't work. 70% of all bicycle accidents are the fault of the cyclist, not the driver! CHP data right there.
Putting responsibility on the drivers is exactly what this parent did, and it is a sure recipe for danger.

I grew up in San Francisco, during the 80's and there were no bike lanes, etc. and a LOT fewer accidents involving bikes, because cyclists understood that their own safety was their responsibility. Can't pass the buck in this situation. Kids need to STOP at intersections and busy driveways/parking lot entrances, even when they're walking, but especially when they're riding a bike.

From: jen schradie <schradie at hotmail.com>
To: noccs at yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 9:21 AM
Subject: RE: [noccs] Bicycle safety - parents and kids

Hi Jask,

Great timing! Thursday is the East Bay's annual bike to work (school) day. Bicycle awareness from bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians is all very important to support cycling. For NOCCS cyclists, there are a number of "energizer" stations Thursday with free food, tools, coupons and other cycling perks. The one closest to NOCCS is at 40th and San Pablo. Also one at Actual Cafe and at various other points.

Another bicycle issue at NOCCS is now that cyclists who park their bikes in the NOCCS parking lot are no longer able to go through the back door, cycling kids/parents/teachers need to walk through the parking lot entrance to go into the building. My kids have almost been hit by incoming cars into the parking lot two times. Very scary. Perhaps the bushes could be cut back (I'm happy to do this if I have permission), so drivers can better see cyclists coming from the bike racks, as visibility is almost nill.

--------------------------- j e n s c h r a d i e 

To: noccs at yahoogroups.com
From: jaskart at yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 8 May 2012 15:54:34 +0000
Subject: [noccs] Bicycle safety - parents and kids

 
Hey y'all, I know I pretty much never write here, just follow topics. My daughter graduated from NOCCS years ago, and I think it is a great school, and a school which is very community oriented.

That being said, I know many of our students ride a bike to school, and I have seen some very unsafe riding habits, from parents and students alike. Blazing through stop signs with your hand out is really dangerous, especially for your child, and totally unfair to the people driving.

I know that NOCCS parents are better than this, but I've seen it 3 times over the last two weeks. Parents please teach your children bicycle SAFETY. One day, they'll be riding on their own, and the safe habits will keep them alive!


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