Sometimes the best cycling safety innovation costs about three dollars and looks completely ridiculous. After a driver squeezed past within inches on his morning commute, this UpRider went home, installed a pool noodle on his bike, and two days later watched it do exactly what it was designed to do. Here is his story, and his very practical advice for staying visible, taking the lane, and not taking yourself too seriously.
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Every UpRider has a story. Here is Jack’s.
What happened prior to this incident and why do you record your ride?
I was riding down Elbow Drive on my commute to work, taking the lane as I usually do to prevent cars from lane splitting alongside me, but someone decided to chance it anyway, putting their mirror within a few inches of my bike.
I record front and rear footage on every ride to capture incidents like this, in case I need to report them or have evidence to back me up. This one was a close call. The very next day I installed a pool noodle on my bike, and a couple of days later it did exactly the job it was designed to do.
When do you feel most vulnerable as a cyclist?
Single-lane feeder roads and residential streets are the worst, drivers attempt to squeeze past regardless of whether it is safe to do so. Honestly, I feel safer on the shoulder of a highway, which I ride on regularly.
What do you think are the most important things that can be done to improve safety for cyclists on the road?
Protected bicycle lanes would be the ideal solution, though they come at a significant cost to municipalities so you can’t always count on them. Beyond infrastructure, bicycle safety awareness is crucial, getting drivers to truly understand that they are operating a several-thousand-pound machine that can instantly kill someone if they are not paying attention.
Did you report your incident? What was the reporting process?
What is your advice for other cyclists?
Be aware of your surroundings, run plenty of lights, be colourful and make yourself as visible as possible, and always take the lane when you need to. It will save your life. And it may look a little goofy, but get that pool noodle!
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