Bike Ping
I've been a long time advocate of stronger protections for cyclists and tougher penalties for motor vehicle caused accidents when they are at fault. I also campaigned in lawyer rich California to pass a law requiring tow truck operators to clean up all accident debris and broken glass after a vehicle accident and charge the driver's insurance company. That went nowhere, even with a liberal legislature that could have taxed the invoice.
That said:
Upper level recreational riders, licensed USCF riders and triathletes are usually a cut above most road riders when it comes to personal safety and courtesy concerning vehicles. There are a lot of simple common sense practices that go with keeping ourselves alive.
I am hard pressed to understand riding in a major metropolitan area on high traffic city streets, especially without a group which makes drivers more aware. I'll admit to not being familiar with places like New York. (thank GOD)
But, unless someone is determined to buck traffic for a job commute, I don't understand not racking your bike and driving out of town to train. The scenery is better and how long could that take, anyway?
The author says he lives in San Francisco. I used to ride there quite a bit and never had any trouble getting out past the Marina and across the GG Bridge into Marin County for a Mt. Tam ride or down the Great Highway and out to Pacifica / Highway 1 to hammer in the wind. I think he's blowing smoke about having to ride a trainer in the basement. Maybe articles like this make money when sold to magazines that know no better. Hmmm, I might try a new profession.