I just read a fascinating article by Frank Krygowski in the latest issue of Midwest Bike Magazine about bicycle saftey. He cited many authoritative sources in making his case. Basically, he convincingly argues the notion that "cycling is dangerous" is a myth and that cyclists themselves must stop believing the myth as the first step in stopping others believing the myth. I invite you to read the entire article for yourself, but here are a few of his numbers to prod your interest a bit:
Emergency Room visits (U.S. annual number / related to):
Basketball / 690,000
Cycling / 590,000
Beds / 466,000 (that's right - getting out of bed is only slightly less dangerous than cycling)
Deaths (U.S. annual number / related to):
Heart Disease / 700,000 (which would decrease if more people cycled regularly)
Automobiles / 33,000
Pedestrians /5,000
Drowning / 4,000
Cycling / 750
Head Injury Deaths (U.S. annual number / related to):
U.S annual total / 70,000
Pedestrians / 3,500+ (crossing the street is much more dangerous than cycling)
Cycling / fewer than 500
He argues that the widespread belief in the "cycling is dangerous" myth provides support for those who want to impose restrictions on cycling and cyclists. Those who desire to keep cyclists out of the mainstream transportation infrastructure use fear mongering supported by belief in this myth. Learn the facts, not the myth.
"Put your mettle to the pedals."
Emergency Room visits (U.S. annual number / related to):
Basketball / 690,000
Cycling / 590,000
Beds / 466,000 (that's right - getting out of bed is only slightly less dangerous than cycling)
Deaths (U.S. annual number / related to):
Heart Disease / 700,000 (which would decrease if more people cycled regularly)
Automobiles / 33,000
Pedestrians /5,000
Drowning / 4,000
Cycling / 750
Head Injury Deaths (U.S. annual number / related to):
U.S annual total / 70,000
Pedestrians / 3,500+ (crossing the street is much more dangerous than cycling)
Cycling / fewer than 500
He argues that the widespread belief in the "cycling is dangerous" myth provides support for those who want to impose restrictions on cycling and cyclists. Those who desire to keep cyclists out of the mainstream transportation infrastructure use fear mongering supported by belief in this myth. Learn the facts, not the myth.
"Put your mettle to the pedals."
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