We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!
How to deal with tragedy?
unkeptwalnut83
Posts: 33 Member
Started my weight loss journey about a month ago. Haven't really ridden in a year, since I completed my first century. Lots of reasons why I had such a long break, but no good ones. Working on getting my bike pump working so I can start riding again.
Then yesterday, I found out a woman I knew was killed while riding her bike. I'm sad and terrified and not sure what to do now.
Then yesterday, I found out a woman I knew was killed while riding her bike. I'm sad and terrified and not sure what to do now.
0
Replies
-
Hi,
First, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I've had several friends badly injured from cycling accidents, including a couple of friends with permanent brain damage. Every one of them loved cycling dearly, and they wouldn't want their friends to stop riding because they were injured. I think your friend probably would have wanted you to keep riding, not for you to be afraid of cycling. Just be careful around cars, and always wear a helmet. Hang in there, and again, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. When someone is killed on a bike, it affects the whole cycling community.
Temira0 -
I agree with Temira, do not give up, things happen in all sports, but we need to keep on going, Im not trying to be insensitive about it at all, I know its hard to lose a friend, but please just make sure you wear your helmet, and watch out for traffic, be aware of cars that around you, I find if i get eye contact with drivers then they are more likely to pay attention to the fact that there is a bicyclist near by.
Take care
Joyce0 -
Agree with the above posts. What we do in honor of a killed cyclist is to paint an old bike white all over and permanently set it at the accident site. We call it a ghost bike in that person's honor. Wearing a helmet may not help in an auto collision, but wearing one should be a given. I also use a mirror to monitor traffic behind me, wear highly visible jerseys, and use a strong strobing red taillight like those sold by Dinotte Lighting. I do a lot of traffic riding so my head is always on a swivel. Keep pedaling......and my deepest sympathies for your loss!0
-
I am really sorry about your friend. Just recently, there have been two cyclists killed by hit and run drivers. Both cyclists were not found until some time later (this was 2 separate incidents). This makes me hyper-vigilant.
I always wear my helmet
I invested in Road ID
I wear a high visibility jersey
I ALWAYS notify somewhere where I am riding and about how far
I never wear headphones (which is illegal here anyway)
I have lights on my bike, even during the day
I try to avoid busy roads, obviously.
I'm sure there is more I could do, or some may view this as overkill. I want to get the best out of my ride and can only do that if I feel safe. Just do what others say and get back out there. Maybe ride on designated bike trails until you feel comfortable again?0
This discussion has been closed.