Not dangerous

In 2013, we’ve heard a lot about the dangers of cycling. So, as the year comes to end, it’s time for a brief reminder of some things that aren’t dangerous.

Riding a bike without a helmet is not dangerous.

Riding a bike without hi-viz clothing is not dangerous.

(Even when it’s a bit gloomy.)

Riding a bike while keeping yourself dry with an umbrella is not dangerous.

Riding a bike while someone else keeps you dry with an umbrella is not dangerous.

Giving someone a backie is not dangerous.

At any age.

Giving a newly-purchased grill a backie is not dangerous.
Giving someone a backie while they tow a suitcase is not dangerous.

Listening to music while riding a bike is not dangerous.

Listening to music and drinking coffee while cycling is not dangerous.

Taking the dog for a walk by bike is not dangerous.

Even with plants from the garden centre.
Adjusting your iPod while cycling is not dangerous.

Riding a bike with a child on your handlebars is not dangerous.

What can make cycling dangerous is the physical environment. Tellingly, all these pictures show people cycling in places where they are insulated from danger – where they are separated from motor traffic.

As Chris Boardman so often states, cycling is not an intrinsically dangerous activity. If we truly want to make it safe and attractive, we need to focus on changing the physical environment, not on the way people dress or behave. Let’s remember that in 2014.