Do you know what causes 24% of cycling deaths?

a) Drunk cyclist.
b) Drunk driver.
c) Driver on cell phone.
d) Cyclist on cell phone.

I didn’t get it right.  Go here to see the answer, which is surprisingly optimistic.

Also, from the Baltimore Examiner, a scare-you article on the increase in cycling fatalities nationwide.  As if they are anywhere near automobile fatalities or even pedestrians.  Notice the lack of any local fatality statistics — and the asshole comments at the end!  You can’t blame everything on drivers.  This much is true: “‘For those [cyclists] who run traffic lights or go the wrong way in traffic — you’re hurting the rest of us.’”  But let’s not forget the people in huge metal boxes that kill cyclists.  You know, they hurt us more, no?

Being safe is one thing.  I wear a helmet myself, have lights on my bike, use a safety vest after dark.  I’m not stupid; I know that Baltimore drivers don’t look for cyclists all the time, not all of them.  But I’m sick of authors/bloggers/jerks talking people out of cycling because they can’t/don’t/won’t ride.  If you choose to drive, that’s your thing, man.  How would you like people telling you how unsafe it is constantly, especially when, statistically, it is?  Get over your issues.

Cycling is safer, mile for mile, than even walking.  Look it up.  Are you scared to walk?

[Image courtesy of Philip in Iowa City, used with permission.]