Very sobering. And not what a "nervous newbie", or any cyclist, wants to think about. So, is cycling worth it, given the potential for serious injury and/or death? I think so, if we try to manage the risks under our control -- riding safely and within our abilities, keeping our bikes in good repair, obeying traffic laws, not pissing off motorists...

We'll probably never know whether this guy misjudged a turn with tragic consequences, or was hotdogging downhill (which unfortunately many riders do), or even if it was the truck which crossed over the line. Very scary. But then again, so are SARS, and drunk drivers, and cancer, and....

What's the saying? -- Ride to live, live to ride.