DOCTORS’ LOUNGE
CYCLISTS’
SAFETY
Stanley A. Gall, MD
A
not just beginners.
n increasing theme in medical care
is the emphasis on prevention of
disease or injury. We advise patients to receive vaccines to prevent infectious diseases and for cancer prevention,
to have regular mammograms, and have
the first colonoscopy at the age of 50. The
state mandates automobile seatbelts and we
should mandate motorcycle helmets for all,
Kentucky statues also mandate that bicyclists (cyclists) display
a flashing white and red light at the front of the bicycle and at the
rear of the bicycle (reflectors do not count). Since we encounter
cyclists daily, how many have you noticed who are in compliance
with the law? (Less than two percent). I believe cycling is a great
sport for fitness and enjoyment. However, the average cyclist seems
to have forgotten the physics of an automobile versus a bicycle.
The modern cyclists have also forgotten that the background in
Kentucky is green and an increasing number of cyclists wear
dark colored clothing, making themselves perfectly camouflaged
to motorists.
Most cyclists have forgotten about bicycle etiquette and ride like
they own the road (i.e. two to three across rather than single file).
They do not own the road, yet the current mayor is trying to act
like a caring person for cyclists, but he would rather be known as
trying to keep up with other mayors in the competition for the
number of miles of roads converted to bicycle paths.
To address the prevention of unnecessary cyclists’ deaths, the
cyclists must be responsible for their own actions. Firstly, the bicycle should be compliant with state laws by having the flashing
white and red lights on both the front and rear of the bicycle.
Secondly, the cyclist is advised not to be camouflaged and to wear
bright colored clothing. Thirdly, the cyclist must remember the
laws of physics of the automobile versus the bicycle and adopt
an attitude of accommodation rather than confrontation with
the motorists. LM
Dr. Gall practices Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health as
part of the University of Louisville Physicians Group.
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JESSE ADAMS III, MD, FACC
Dr. Adams is board certified by the National Board of
Medical Examiners, the American Board of Internal
Medicine and the American Board of Internal Medicine
Division of Cardiology. He is a Fellow with the
American College of Car