Comments on: CYCLING SAFER THAN EVER – NHTSA BIKE & MOTORCYCLE STATISTICS Back It Up!

By: Jaz

Jaz — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:49:49 +0000

Unfortunately, your theories are wrong. The drunken bicyclist are good bikers. Probably most of them. Some may come from parties, work, or just riding. I’ve lost a few people to drunkeness. Doubtful that they may drive at all. When I was younger, I rode drunk once and was immediately against it. I didn’t do it for many years. Been drunk once or twice though. In NY it’s not safer. At least it doesn’t feel like it. 20 years riding, I’ve seen a little.

By: Steve Magas

Steve Magas — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:19:44 +0000

Yea, the drunk cycling thing has boggled me for years. Not sure if it is group riding, parties or ex DUI-ers from 4 wheeled vehicles. They seem to be well represented every single year in bicycle deaths. Of course, motorcycle statistics are a “whole nother thang” – 50% of those are self inflicted – single vehicle crashes – often a motorcyclist coming home at night, after a couple drinks, who is too far into the curve before he notices that the road has shifted to the left or right!

By: Ross Hirsch

Ross Hirsch — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:15:45 +0000

Thanks for putting this analysis out there. Nice job. Twittered it. Not as surprised as you are re the drunk cycling numbers. While the vast majority of cyclists I see don’t parttake while riding, I’ve seen waaaay too many people partaking in alcoholic beverages on many of the night rides here in LA that I often go on, i.e., Critical Mass, Midnight Ridazz. (My participation is in the rides, not the parttaking, just to be clear.) While riding with a large group may give a relative feeling of safety, what happens when the ride is over? They’ve then likely got to bike at least several miles on city streets home, to friend’s couch, whatever. Wouldn’t want to do that drunk. Thanks again.