Comments on: 06/19/2012 – Don’t Look Back

By: NuitsBlanches

NuitsBlanches — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 20:44:55 +0000

Totally – it’s most emphatically NOT an either-or proposition, but another case of using the best tool for the moment/situation. Keep a running idea of what’s happening behind you w/ minimal interruption to forward scanning of the street/road ahead, then head-check when comes time to make a move: a) to confirm that you are clear to go and b) to actively “communicate” your coming move to people behind you.

Remember that a mirror can tell you “NO” (if you spot something in it) but NEVER “YES” (even if it seems clear, you still need to confirm w/ a shoulder check.)

By: fencer1964

fencer1964 — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 19:34:40 +0000

Helmet won’t make me more safe? Seriously, what kool-aid are you drinking? I had accident at speed while turning; bounced the left side of my head off an asphalt bike trail–the bounce is the only thing I remember for the next 1-2 minutes. Had I not been wearing a helmet, I wouldn’t have been able to ride after a few minutes. And I rode straight to the bike store for a brand-new helmet.

By: jon4t2

jon4t2 — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:15:20 +0000

Does one have to state the obvious? It’s not either-or!

I use a helmet mounted mirror that pivots so I can adjust it if I’m on the drops or sitting more upright. The mirror allows me to keep eyes forward and quickly check what’s behind me. Occasionally, I use the mirror to scan behind with a slight twist of my head from side to side. If I see a car approaching from behind, then I prepare for the encounter, and part of that preparation may include a shoulder look. I also look over my shoulder when I’m making a lane change, just as I do when I’m driving. Yep, I’m multi-modal and I employ an integrated visual acquisition strategy. (i.e. I use the best option available to me.)

Until Joe & Yehuda start selling DIY kits for installing eyes-in-the-back-of-your-head, I’ll use a mirror *and* shoulder looks.

Cheers!

By: jon4t2

jon4t2 — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:26:07 +0000

@Guest: Then why not ride with your eyes closed?

By: Ergates_thi_Ant

Ergates_thi_Ant — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:05:19 +0000

Nobody yet mentioned the major disadvantages of mirrors – they have blind spots and they reduce that look-interaction with motorists that is so important to our safety when negotiating in traffic.

By: Ergates_thi_Ant

Ergates_thi_Ant — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:03:58 +0000

Mostly true, but they do if you don’t look behind and use mirrors. Then, like on my recumbent, you still need to check your blind spots.

By: Ergates_thi_Ant

Ergates_thi_Ant — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:02:33 +0000

Yes indeed it is. Just look anywhere in the Netherlands, millions of happy calm healthy cyclists, with not a helmet in sight. Safety doesn’t come from helmets, and helmets don’t protect you from serious head injuries.

By: dondare

dondare — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 06:41:10 +0000

Bikes aren’t like cars. They don’t have blind spots.

By: Eli

Eli — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 05:02:04 +0000

I sometimes miss having my Take-a-Look mirror when I’m just walking around!

By: baudman

baudman — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 04:49:48 +0000

The head check also allows you to make eye contact with cars, and also makes you less ‘faceless’ and help to signal your intentions. I use them often.