sad event/why I would not advise moving to south fl!

[shootingstar]

Country roads in Florida are scary...d/t the "country" mentality. But again I suppose you find that in many places.

So if you feel you are in a bike friendly place...that is great. I never really thought it was so bad down here...thought it was not good, and sometimes the "norm" in dealing with ignorant, self absorbed people.

So--is everyplace that much better? Do you feel comfortable on all your roads...or do you know the "better places to ride"?

Just curious!

Still, 140 dead cyclists annually, sounds abit high in 1 state.
I don't know what the cyclists' injury and fatality rate here would be. But it probably wouldn't be too hard to find this on public statistical sources.

There is a research project right now being headed up by the local university where the medical researcher/epidemiologist and team members are trying to pinpoint more accurately the actual nature of injuries/fatalities of cyclists. This is to improve more accurate reporting right at the hospital emergency services depts. across the local hospitals in our area.

If one understands and maps out longer routes for cycling within our region, then one can feel abit "safer" since Vancouver area has alot more road bridges with heavy road traffic than other major Canadian cities.

Since I lived and cycled in Toronto, both in the congested downtown area daily and out in the suburbs, Vancouver is a tad easier. I have to disagree that just because a big city has a ton of car traffic, it doesn't mean it's more dangerous. In fact, I find it easier, because the cars often have to move slower due to congestion.

The biggest concerns out in the suburbs in certain areas of Vancouver and Toronto is much higher speed of cars, when combined with large peak volumes and....many MORE wide transport trucks on certain roads.

[Blueberry]

I haven't read the article or the comments - they get to me a bit much.

However, I do have 2 comments:

1) When we've visited Florida, it seemed to be much less cyclist friendly than average. I sincerely hope things are improving.

2) When we've had cyclists hit or killed here in NC (a place I'd rate middle of the road in terms of cyclist-friendliness), there are been terrible comments about cyclists getting what they deserved, etc., etc. In one case, a very drunk NC State student hit and killed someone at 11:30 in the morning. Same comments. I think those comment options on articles truly do bring out the worst in people.

CA

[katluvr]

I haven't read the article or the comments - they get to me a bit much.

However, I do have 2 comments:

1) When we've visited Florida, it seemed to be much less cyclist friendly than average. I sincerely hope things are improving.

2) When we've had cyclists hit or killed here in NC (a place I'd rate middle of the road in terms of cyclist-friendliness), there are been terrible comments about cyclists getting what they deserved, etc., etc. In one case, a very drunk NC State student hit and killed someone at 11:30 in the morning. Same comments. I think those comment options on articles truly do bring out the worst in people.

CA

In regards to #1...yeah some areas in Florida I would never ride my bike...my sister lives in the panhandle (Narvarre)--very scarey area. But I know of bike clubs in Pensecola (close to there).

#2...I agree. Comments do seem to represent a certain segment of the population--leaning towards those most ignorant.

I guess I always knew it was bad in Florida. We often talk about places more bike friendly. But I guess I just thought everyone dealt with this to some degree.

I'll be safe this weekend, going to a trail that is not only bike friendly, but "fast" bike friendly. Big training ground for serious biking!

[Trek420]

you might consider contacting the paper and asking them to moderate the comments a little better - remind them that the families of the deceased might be reading that cr@p.

Whether it's the newspaper or the *&^% morons who write that &^%$ they don't seem to realize that a human being, a member or their community, someone's beloved family member has died.

It's beyond human decency.

Sorry for the ranting tone but when my cousin's fiance was killed I remember rushing to call my Mom who at 86 gets her news online to warn her "don't read the Press Democrat! "

Here in one of the most bike friendly places on earth they had:

picture of her body draped in her cycling jacket
an article that was needlessly graphic. Dude, do your creative writing at the Junior College where you obviously study.
the nastiest mean spirited idiotic hostile spewing about cyclists

Ok, off soapbox now. But not before I say "I hope they sue the pants off the driver and make him ride the mean streets of Florida".

[Zen]

I wish newspapers would just stop allowing comments at the end of stories.
No matter where you are, it's the same group of idiots critiquing each and every story day after day.

My local newspaper also seems to get their 'talent' from high school journalists.