Dave's email

This is the first article in a series focusing on bicycle safety. The intended goal is to help all riders refine and develop their safety awareness, confidence, and riding skills in the modern urban traffic environment.

Before starting though, an explanation of the title: "The Safe Wheel". The question really should be who or what is a "Safe Wheel"? "Safe Wheels" are riders we enjoy being around because they always know where the right place is on the road. They have the ability to anticipate with uncanny accuracy. They know how to navigate tough intersections or situations time after time without being a danger to themselves, to riding partners or motorists. And they are always ready to willingly share their knowledge and skills with others in a non-threatening way.

A "Safe Wheel" is never in too big a hurry to disregard traffic laws. S/he will always stop at traffic signals or signs and in road etiquette acts, for all intents and purposes, like any other vehicle on the roadway. Of all the riders on the road the "Safe Wheel" is a visible and positive ambassador to other cyclists, motorists, and to on looking children of what good cycling is all about. They are the riding partners that make cycling fun and safe! A "Safe Wheel" has the ability to teach without ever saying a word.

Being fast or strong isn't enough to qualify as a "Safe Wheel". Thousands of training miles a year doesn't guarantee qualification either although one might think it should help. And age doesn't matter a bit.

A "Safe Wheel" is built over time with what we'll call knowledge "spokes". A full wheel includes many situational experience spokes, each shaped and crafted (often the hard way) over many miles and many circumstances. The wheel has a mental attitude spoke that contains an honest commitment to safety. There's the common sense spoke. There's an educational spoke, a willingness to constantly learn and apply lessons learned. And there's a sharing spoke that often gets loaned to others. Being a "Safe Wheel" means having all of these spokes and more in place and at the proper tension consistently on every ride, in every circumstance.

Why is any of this important? The answers are really simple: A cyclist on a 21 lb. machine on a 21st century roadway is at a distinct disadvantage to cars and trucks. Any single mistake can be fatal. There is no room for error.

Do you currently consider yourself a "Safe Wheel? Do you know riders who are? Do you know riders who may not be? The purpose of this column will be to collect and pass along ideas ("Safe Wheel" spokes) that over time will build a "Safe Wheel" we all can follow.

Until we get into specifics, think about how many spokes you have on your "Safe Wheel". Do you need extras or replacements? Do your skills and experience add up to a whole wheel or just a part of one? Are there spokes you'd like to know more about that could be talked about here? Send in your questions and ideas. We'll take those concerns and address them in future columns. Your input will help everyone.

Please be honest with yourself on these questions. This is all too often life and death stuff.

Dave Hein
Last modified: Date: 2001/03/12

Return to contents