Afraid to ride

[Helene2013]

What if they had huge panel before that road to tell cyclists to be aware of danger of cars driving by...and same on vehicules side? Having large panels or even a red flasher or strobe light would alert everyone to be careful. Who can miss a strobe light

[Catrin]

What if they had huge panel before that road to tell cyclists to be aware of danger of cars driving by...and same on vehicles side? Having large panels or even a red flasher or strobe light would alert everyone to be careful. Who can miss a strobe light

The problem is you still have to actually block the intersection before you can see IF anyone is coming. Certainly signs and lights help people to be aware there is a crossing - but you STILL have to enter the intersection without knowing if it is clear or not

[Helene2013]

You'll have to take a pic for us.

[emily_in_nc]

Aw, Catrin, so sorry that happened. I had wondered what had happened when you'd posted that you couldn't ride for an undisclosed (but obviously traumatic) reason. I know that is a huge fear of mine too -- hitting a cyclist would almost feel worse than being hit myself. But the intersection is clearly NOT an appropriate one for a bike path to cross. Seems like the best solution would be a very costly one -- a ped/bike under- or overpass.

Hope time (and maybe some suggestions from crankin) will help you move past this and get back out there. The mind can really do a number on us. I know I was scared to ride for a long time after my dad died in a car accident...I was afraid the same would happen to me (even though he was in a car and I was on a bike). And I was scared for my DH to ride too. Still worry about him out there more than I worry about myself.

Best wishes to you -- and a big hug!

[OakLeaf]

Those big convex mirrors are pretty common at parking garage entrances, alleyways, etc. I would think whoever is responsible for the trail would be open to installing one, so long as they could get the appropriate easement if it wouldn't be on the trail's own property. It could be on a post together with a caution bike crossing sign.

[emily_in_nc]

Those big convex mirrors are pretty common at parking garage entrances, alleyways, etc. I would think whoever is responsible for the trail would be open to installing one, so long as they could get the appropriate easement if it wouldn't be on the trail's own property. It could be on a post together with a caution bike crossing sign.

Yes, that's a great idea, and a lot cheaper than a bridge! We own a small piece of property down a rural mountain road in NC, and they have that kind of mirror around a couple of the curves; otherwise, just driving in a car around a blind curve on a narrow road way up high would be very risky.

[Catrin]

I know who to contact about this, and he is notoriously difficult to reach. I will, however, persevere. It is the easiest solution and even if my efforts fail, I will have tried. Thankfully that particular part of the intersection isn't on my usual route to the gym - unless I am coming from work rather than home. Which is happening more frequently...so the cars behind me are just going to have to be patient!