Returning to the street on two wheels

Might is Nationwide Bike Consciousness Month. Yearly we hear the identical suggestions to “look twice for bikes” if you end up out driving. However there’s a lot extra to security on our roads for these on 2 and 4 wheels. The accountability is on each side.

I sat down with Bob Grooms of Milford final week to ask him a number of questions on his expertise using bikes and recommendation for drivers on each side.

First, I needed to ask about cell telephones and distracted driving.

“After I’m using I am trying in individuals’s home windows. I am taking a look at their mirrors, seeing what they’re doing. And the quantity of individuals which might be taking a look at their telephone and never paying that a lot consideration to the place they’re at and the place I am at, it is rather a lot,” mentioned Grooms.

However Bob mentioned it is not simply up individuals behind the wheel of a automobile to make the best selections. He spoke rather a lot about training, coaching and at all times being ready as a motorbike rider.

Based on ABATE of Ohio:

• 78% of bike fatalities in 2023 concerned riders who had been untrained.
• 82% of bike crashes happen between Might and October.
• Velocity is a number one trigger of bike crashes. 32% of riders concerned in deadly crashes had been dashing, in comparison with 25% of passenger automobile drivers.

Bob has been using grime bikes since he was 12 and a avenue bike since he was at a authorized age, so he is seen rather a lot, good and dangerous on the roads.

Bob Grooms

“Being ready for evasive maneuvers and put on some protecting clothes” topped Grooms’ record of primary solutions to be prepared for the street.

Some riders take accident scene administration lessons to make it simpler to answer a motorbike rider who goes down on the street.

“I at all times hold a vest, an orange and yellow one, so you may see me in site visitors, I’ve a trauma equipment which you can drag out and it is labeled for simple use, I’ve security gloves, blankets, glow sticks and lights to set on my bike,” mentioned Grooms.

Bigger obstacles are apparent, however some hazards are low profile however can have a big affect on driving circumstances. One thing so simple as grass clippings can show hazardous.

“I want they would not blow them within the street as a result of I’ve hit it earlier than, I’ve had pals go down. If you’re on a straightaway it isn’t so dangerous however for those who come round a nook and somebody has mowed their grass, it is like hitting ice,” mentioned Grooms.

Jennifer ketchmark

However like most of two wheels, they proceed to experience, head at all times on a pivot, as a result of they love the liberty of being on two wheels.

“Freedom, the wind, once I’m using I am not fascinated with anything however what’s within the street in entrance of me.”