On Aug 12, 9:23*pm, "Colin McKenzie" wrote:

It really isn't all that dangerous, even when it's frightening. I doubt *
Ireland (if you're there) is much different from the UK, where government *
figures show cycling is about as safe per mile as walking.

It can still be unpleasant having a lorry zoom past a couple of feet
from you, however often you cycle, and however good your awareness
etc.

Segregation doesn't work, for the same reason that annoys you about white *
paint. It reduces the chances of rare collisions (being hit from behind *
between junctions) but greatly increases the chance of being hit at *
junctions, which is much more likely to start with. This is because to be *
seen by drivers you need to be where they're looking, which is on the main *
carriageway.

Or completely segregated Dutch-style. I found this a lot more
pleasant as a cyclist than riding on a busy road, personally - and the
cycle paths are, unlike in the UK, largely up to standard and pleasant
to use. As a UK example, while the Milton Keynes Redways have some
major design flaws (some of which, e.g. blind bends, results in them
actually being quite a lot less safe than they nominally should be),
they're in my view generally nicer than cycling on 70mph dual
carriageways. Though a set of good Kevlar tyres is a must.

The priority over sideroads is a difficult one, though. I suppose
traffic lights would have to be used, as the culture of cars-have-
priority is difficult to change.

Neil