paraplegic after hit by car

[Gerokent]

Firefighter could be left paraplegic after he was hit by a car in Attadale (Perth) while cycling

I feel for this bloke, but why oh why do cyclists insist on riding on the road when there is a perfectly usable cycle path. Do they really belive lycra is a suite of armour?

[Ausfree]

Why would you want to cycle on a public road anyway. Too many idiots driving cars. Far too dangerous!!!!

[bee utey]

Why? Why do cyclists ride on the main roads?

Because they can, because they are allowed to, because they judge risk differently, because it feels good to go fast on a real road, because they believe in good luck, because they have been doing it for years, because they've never been hit before, because their mates all do it. etc. etc.

You might as well ask yourself why do you do anything, you so-called rational types. Everyone should build themselves a fortress out of wooly blankets and stay there forever. Keep out of the world, there's a 100% risk of dying in it.

[Psimpson7]

There appears to be no cycle path on the footage of the accident / road in question...

After watching the footage the car driver appears to be 100% at fault.

Also if morons didn't throw glass bottles and other rubbish out of cars etc, cycle lanes would be far more usable......

[Gerokent]

[QUOTE=Psimpson7;2195693]There appears to be no cycle path on the footage of the accident / road in question...


There is a cycle way, it goes from Fremantle to Guilford (long way), I used to ride my pushbike there when I was living in Freo.

[digger]

Even if there is a cycle way, its still legal for a cuclist to chose to use the roadway,

If you drive in such a way that you hit him (even if he is a bad rider!) then maybe you need to review your driving manner and if you should be on the road yourself..

That said, if there is a legal cycleway (as opposed to footpath) then it would be better to be used.

[sam_d]

And why, if there are all these great cycling facilities, are people still insisting on driving cars instead of getting on their pushies and and enjoying a bit of fresh air and exercise?

Anyway, I hope this poor guy recovers.

Oh, is anyone taking bets on how many posts it takes before this thread deteriorates into another anti-cyclist rantathon with the usual tired, discredited nonsense about rego, insurance etc?

I'm going to get me popcorn.

[p38arover]

There is a cycleway alongside the M7 here in Sinney. I've never seen anyone on it but I've seen lots on the motorway itself.

When the F4 (now M4) went into operation back in the 70s, cyclists were not permitted to use it. Now they can.

[Simon]

Reading one of the cycle forums it would seem there may be positive news in that he has been reported as being allowed be sat up and perhaps move to rehab.

Like many with cars I also ride a bike. I ride to work, I ride to the shops, I ride for exercise.

When I ride I have a responsibility to ride to the conditions, and pay attention. It's the same when I drive, except even more so as I'm piloting a couple of ton of not very forgiving metal.

Whether or not there are alternative routes someone could have taken, unless they literally jump out from behind I bush I'd suggest that if you hit them then you've failed in that responsibility to ride / drive to the conditions and pay attention

[Simon]

Edit - use of "you" is not targeted at anyone, just a manner of speaking