Nerves !

[Shearwater Missile]

I am the same before I go out in the car as going out on the bike. I don`t fret about it but treat all other road users as potential idiots. I never believe indicators for example (if they are used) because people just never slow to a junction, they drive up hard and then brake. There are some roads I avoid locally because I know the standard or driving is hideous to say the least.
It is always nice to get back indoors safe, whether on a bike or in a car or for that matter on foot.

 

[kingrollo]

IMO cycling isn't as dangerous as it looks. But it isn't as safe as the stats suggest.

 

[Dogtrousers]

It does bother me quite a lot. But It's a perception thing though, isn't it?

I stopped commuting into Central London because it felt somewhat unsafe and I disliked that. Now, someone may start banging on about mile-for-mile risk assessments and turgid papers on denominator neglect but that will have absolutely no effect on my perception. If I get close passed I perceive that as being a high risk moment. I don't like it. So I stopped doing it. Not necessarily because it was unsafe, but because it was unpleasant.

I plan my routes very carefully and spend a fair bit of time considering where the biggest hazards might be. I try to be as careful as possible in terms of observation and defensive riding. But still, I sometimes roll up to a junction/roundabout, take one look, and say "f-that" and hop off the bike and take the pedestrian route through.

I also question whether mile-for-mile is really a useful comparison statistic.

 

[vickster]

I believe there is description for life changing injuries that hospitals use.

No idea

 

[Shearwater Missile]

It does bother me quite a lot. But It's a perception thing though, isn't it?

I stopped commuting into Central London because it felt somewhat unsafe and I disliked that. Now, someone may start banging on about mile-for-mile risk assessments and turgid papers on denominator neglect but that will have absolutely no effect on my perception. If I get close passed I perceive that as being a high risk moment. I don't like it. So I stopped doing it. Not necessarily because it was unsafe, but because it was unpleasant.

I plan my routes very carefully and spend a fair bit of time considering where the biggest hazards might be. I try to be as careful as possible in terms of observation and defensive riding. But still, I sometimes roll up to a junction/roundabout, take one look, and say "f-that" and hop off the bike and take the pedestrian route through.

I also question whether mile-for-mile is really a useful comparison statistic.

Risk assessments don`t mean a thing in reality. It is up to the individual. It does`nt matter how low the risk factor is, if someone is going to have you off the bike then they will. It can be the safest street to ride in a town statistically, but it only takes one error of judgement whether it is someone looking at their phone or under the influence or whatever and they shove the statistics right out of the window.
I too would opt for crossing as a pedestrian at a busy junction, off bike of course unlike some I see.

 

[wafter]

I tend to get a bit anxious about the prospect of riding (some associated with my lack of total confidence with the SPDs, less about other road users) but once on the bike I'm usually fine.

I'm fairly defensive and assertive, but equally aware of how many things are outside my control, that I'm getting older / less observant / attentive, and that the roads are only becoming less pleasant with deteriorating surfaces and ever-growing traffic volumes.

Currently a gravel bike seems like a compelling solution

 

[Ashimoto]

I dont drive, so if Im going anywhere off road I have to ride there. Im a confident road rider but I'd be lying if I said I never thought about road vehicles .

 

[DSK]

I have the same thoughts.

I drive 800-1,000 miles a week (have done so for the last 8 years) and what I see on a daily basis just boils my blood. Driver's blatantly watching videos/ipads with the heads down, reading novels, deliberately driving under the influence, pulling out without due care etc,

I just ensure that I am aware of whats going on, having mirrors helps plan/position ahead if needed, gives me an idea of closing speeds and general attitude of the vehicles approaching from behind. I'm well lit, camera recording front/rear, hold a slightly dominant road position but i just do what i can to ensure i'm visible, alert and aware, having chosen routes that I think are safer. Then, I just get on with it....

 

[oldwheels]

Nowadays I ride mostly on single track roads but formerly quiet routes are getting unpleasant due to overtourism. I ride assertively so any driver should be clear as to my presence and intentions but too many have no idea how to behave on such roads. Having now gone to a trike has made me nervous on single track but ok on quiet double track. On the mainland I mostly use cycle tracks or quiet roads which I know. This summer I hope to explore a bit further afield but try to stick to cycletracks where possible.