Category Archives: Safety
Tribute Ride For a Fallen Biker
About three weeks ago, a cyclist was killed while riding on the shoulder of a popular cycling road just west of Austin. A protest ride on his behalf several days later took cyclists from Austin City Hall to the State … Continue reading
A Fatal Rear-End Collision
Like the rest of the Austin cycling community, I am saddened by the death of cyclist Verter Ginestra, 55, over the weekend. He was riding on the shoulder of Loop 360, a major highway on the west side of Austin. … Continue reading
The Bike Butterfly
From time to time, we’ve vented here about road hazards we encounter. Pedestrians cause me even more problems than drivers. In each case, a near miss is often followed by them sheepishly saying, “I didn’t see you.” But that’s a … Continue reading
Filed under Safety
As Far Right As Practicable
In the last post, I mentioned the often-used rule of bicycling on the road: Ride as far to the right as practicable. But what exactly does that unfamiliar word — “practicable” — mean? Here’s what it’s not: It doesn’t mean … Continue reading
Filed under Safety
What Does “Car Back” Mean to You?
It happens every time more than one cyclist is riding on the roads. Sooner or later, one will raise the call, “Car back!” It’s an important warning, because whenever we cyclists tangle with two tons of metal, we’re going to … Continue reading
Filed under Safety
Cheating Death
No, nothing serious. But lately, I do feel at the end of my rides as though I have cheated death. Each time. It’s a combination of things, really. For instance, on Saturday’s ride with my wife. Out on the shoulder … Continue reading
Filed under Safety
Bike Checks
Earlier this week, Pat and I were about to take a short ride in the neighborhood. While I waited with the bikes in the driveway as she finished putting on her shoes, I glanced down at the rear wheel of … Continue reading
Filed under Maintenance, Safety
When Nice Drivers Cause Problems
Just the other day, I mentioned that sometimes when drivers are nice to cyclists (it does happen!), it can cause safety problems. Sure enough, on our club ride Sunday, we ran into that very situation — twice. One of my … Continue reading
Filed under Safety
The Hidden Danger of Bike Lanes
Normally, I’m a fan of bike lanes. In my area, which is a subrban-style neighborhood, they’ve been striped on most of the arterials. It’s reassuring for me to know that if I stay in my lane and the cars stay … Continue reading
Filed under Safety

