The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

  The Biggest Threat to Long Distance Cyclists: The Rise of the Distracted Driver While the dangers of the open road are numerous – from inclement weather to mechanical failures – the single biggest threat to long-distance cyclists today is the rise of the distracted driver. In an era of smartphones, texting, and in-car entertainment systems, drivers are more preoccupied than ever before. This inattention has devastating consequences for cyclists who share the road. 1 Texting While Driving: This is perhaps the most insidious threat. Drivers who text are functionally blind, unable to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions, such as a cyclist moving into the lane. Social Media Scrolling: The allure of social media can be powerful, distracting drivers from the crucial task of safely operating a vehicle. 2 Eating and Drinking: Eating, drinking, applying makeup, and adjusting the radio all take a driver's focus away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. 3 The con...

  Will Global Warming Harm Cycling Forever? The rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns associated with global warming pose a serious threat to the future of cycling. 1 While cycling offers a sustainable and healthy mode of transportation, the impacts of climate change could significantly diminish its appeal and even endanger cyclists. Here's how global warming could harm cycling: Extreme Heat: Rising temperatures can make cycling during peak hours unbearable, especially in urban areas. Heatstroke and dehydration are serious risks, potentially deterring people from choosing cycling as their primary mode of transport. 2 Increased Air Pollution: Higher temperatures can worsen air quality by increasing ground-level ozone and exacerbating the effects of other pollutants. 3 Breathing polluted air while cycling is detrimental to health. 4 More Frequent and Intense Heatwaves: Extreme heatwaves can create dangerous conditions for cyclists, leading to an ...