Matthew Manger-Lynch

We are shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of Matthew Manger-Lynch. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife, family and friends.

We are all cyclists here. However safely we ride, and however many precautions we take, we, urban cyclists are painfully aware that riding in traffic is an activity fraught with risk and danger. It is out sincerest hope that one day, soon, Chicago's streets will be safe and hospitable to all cyclists.

Comments

[Jojo]

"It is out sincerest hope that one day, soon, Chicago's streets will be safe and hospitable to all cyclists."

Traffic signals and stop signs are there to make Chicago's streets safe and hospitable. The streets are safe, if the rules are followed. Ignoring those rules puts lives at peril, as it has in this tragedy.
As we share the roads with fellow cyclists, vehicles, and pedestrians, we must follow the rules and be aware of our surroundings.

[Jennifer]

"The streets are safe, if the rules are followed."

Not necessarily. The streets are safe if the rules are followed AND if contingencies are handled accordingly. If the car just ahead blows a tire and lurches into the bike lane while I'm pedaling past a group of children, what happens next will depend on how prepared I am to react to the sudden change in the conditions.

[Jojo]

I agree, but you need to plan for contingencies. If you're going a safe speed, not staying too close to vehicles (or other cyclists), and have a good understanding of the conditions of your gear and the road, that should handle most contingencies. If not, then it's an unavoidable accident. Nothing much anyone can do about that.

Thanks for adding that on.