Friday, July 30, 2010

Lessons Learned - Be Prepared!

It's been way too long since the last post... sorry about that. But, the only thing I really want to talk about is bike safety and I've been so worked up since the bike accident I probably would have lost my composure all together if I had decided to write about it before now.
If you've decided to ride a bike, you are assuming a bit of risk... period. Just like riding a motorcycle. It is legal to ride a bicycle, and there are laws that protect our rights as cyclists. However, 65% of all americans eat approximately three meals a week behind the wheel of a car while talking on the cell phone and driving with their knees (Don't research that statistic... I just made it up, but you get my point). People don't pay attention while they drive. I don't consider myself any different. If anything, this accident has made me aware of how fortunate I am as a driver to have gone so long without any serious incidents. I drive at least 3hrs a day for work and understand how easy it is to get comfortable while driving. Have you ever gone through a signal and not realized it was yellow... or worse... RED until you were already in the intersection. We've all been there. The scary thing about this realization is the fact that if you were to change any one of a few variables in the situations we face each and every day while driving... in the blink of an eye you could find yourself responsible for taking someones life, or even your own. Riding a bike comes with it's share of risks. The fact that most drivers are not looking for cyclists is the most important thing to understand. That way you don't go putting yourself in situations that make you vulnerable. The second most important thing to understand is that the motorists that do see you are not usually 'happy' to see you. You are usually going to be taking up "their" space in the road... going under the speed limit... or causing them to miss the next light because of your slow start and clipping in. So don't go doing anything that ticks them off even more. Just because nobody else is coming doesn't mean it's OK to roll through a red light. Traffic laws are there to protect us, so don't abuse them and give anybody reason to hate cyclists even more.
If you're being safe, smart, and courteous then you've done the best that you can do. Still... even if you have done all that (as is my case) people will still fail to see you, and may drive their cars into you. At that point, you just need to be prepared. Here are a few things that you need to know that will help you out.

1. Have good insurance. Most insurance carriers do not provide cycling insurance. However, a good unsurance company will cover the replacement of a bicycle under a homeowners policy at the cost of your deductible. This is usually not worth the hassle unless you just bought the bike of your dreams... like I did =(. Hopefully you will not have to use your insurance at all, assuming the wreck is not your fault, the drivers auto insurance should at minimum cover the price that you paid for all damaged equipment. If replacement cost ended up being more than what you paid, like mine did, don't hold your breath.
2. Call the cops. No matter how big, or small, the accident may have been. If there is any sort of bodily injury or damage to property the authorities should be notified and a report should be filled out. If you decide to file a claim with that motorist's insurance, even a day later, and there is no police report on file, the insurance will smell blood and end up claiming it was your fault and deny the claim... like mine did.
3. Write stuff down. If there are any witnesses, get names and phone numbers and ask them if they saw what happened. You might need to get ahold of some of those people later if the driver that hit you tries to claim that they didn't actually hit you... and say "it was the guy behind me that hit you"... like mine did.... =(.
4. Identify yourself. You need to get on the internet right now and buy a RoadID. This is a wristband that has your name and address and emergency contact information. You can customize these bracelets (or anklets) to carry even the most specific information... such as blood type. If you are rendered unable to speak for yourself, the RoadID will speak for you.
Nobody does an ironman, half, olympic, or even a sprint distance triathlon without doing a bit of training and preparation. Don't let your preparation fall short. Prepare for the unexpected. Protect the most valuable asset you have in this life... you. God has given you a great life, and other people don't always do the right thing. These tips will help you hold them accountable, and help you get the treatment you need if you find yourself in this situation.

And wear your stupid helmets people... geez, They're not that hot and uncomfortable!