Re: how to convince someone cycling isn't dangerous


"Adam Lea" <asrlea@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:7p-dnb3A8avWmKXZRVny3g@xxxxxxxxx
When I told my mother I was cycling to work a couple of times a week she was worried that I am going to have an accident due to a motorist not seeing me. I have come across websites that give convincing arguments that cycling isn't dangerous, at least compared to many other everyday activities, but I cannot find them now. Could anyone here point me to some websites that might stop my mother from worrying unnecessarily about me (or give some good arguments themselves)?

Thanks

Adam

I am a mother. The job description of being a mother includes the duty to worry about offspring for their entire lives, from birth through to the day you (the parent) depart this earth. It is second in the list of rules for motherhood, only surpassed by the number 1 rule which requires parents to embarrass their offspring when offspring are teenagers by doing things such as dancing at parties inna-1980s-disco-stylee at every possible opportunity.

My offspring is a teenger - he cycles 26-miles a day to college & back. I would *not* allow him to do it if it was inherantly unsafe. It is a remarkably safe thing to do, and it keeps him fit, develops independence and road awareness, all of which will stand him in good stead to be an outgoing, independent & healthy adult. It is the natural tendency of a mother to wrap the offspring in cottonwool. I have this tendency too, and I know I have to fight against this - as the main part of the job is to raise the offspring to be confident, independent adults. This conflict between being overprotective and allowing the offspring to be independent is one that does not resolve itself easily. Being a mother is not easy.

If you are an adult, you make your own decisions - if you are not an adult, you are limited by what your parents allow you to do and not do. Some limits are entirely reasonable, some are not.

Suggestions - get some cycle training to show your mother you cycle safely. Get the book Cyclecraft, read, absorb and put into practise the cycling techniques described therein. It's good stuff. Use lights when it's iffy visibility... wear fluorescents/reflectives... do what you can to help reduce any risks.

Finally - life is a risk. It comes with no guarantees other than one day, we die. It's nice if that particular bit happens after a long, happy and healthy life, but there are no guarantees. In the meantime, cycling is fun and relatively safe and it keeps you fit. Enjoy life.

Cheers, helen s


.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Dumbledore is Gay? Thats creepy.
    ... year old was having a sexual relationship with a 33 year old teacher, ... jealous) told his mother, ... adult man. ... By 14, it's paedophilia no longer, on way or the other. ...
    (alt.fan.harry-potter)
  • Re: Dumbledore is Gay? Thats creepy.
    ... year old was having a sexual relationship with a 33 year old teacher, ... jealous) told his mother, ... adult man. ... Probably because the boys DON'T complain! ...
    (alt.fan.harry-potter)
  • Re: What to do when your son tell you he hates you.
    ... A parent shouldn't be playing que-es-mas-macho. ... You never called your mother that because *she* was unpleasant?? ... being the adult with a minor child, ...
    (misc.kids)
  • Re: OT: THE MURDERESS, ANDREA YATES IN HOUSTON, TEXAS
    ... She apparently had never threatened to harm her husband, an adult. ... She was also likely not the type to "make waves" and try to be rude to say her own mother. ... Andreas's mother or if she was nearby) who would simply refuse to leave ...
    (sci.med.transcription)
  • Re: how to convince someone cycling isnt dangerous
    ... The job description of being a mother includes the duty to ... You, sweet Waffles, are a cyclist so appreciate the dangers of cycling and ... experience of the activity in which their offspring wishes to engage. ... (though she was never completely comfortable about my cycling in London). ...
    (uk.rec.cycling)