FitSmart by Jorge Cruise in USA Weekend Magazine

[Mike.Roberts]

Some good information about bicycling and staying safe by a columnist in the
Sunday magazine incuded with many newspapers. Obviously he's very
knowledgable about bicycle safety. How do you get a job writing such drivel?

http://www.usaweekend.com/07_issues/071216/071216thinksmart-kids-teens.html#fitsmart

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Dec 18, 8:21 am, "Mike.Roberts" >
wrote:
> Some good information about bicycling and staying safe by a columnist in the
> Sunday magazine incuded with many newspapers. Obviously he's very
> knowledgable about bicycle safety. How do you get a job writing such drivel?
>
> http://www.usaweekend.com/07_issues/071216/071216thinksmart-kids-teen...

From the linked article:

Per John T. Gill, M.D.:

"Don't turn your brain off when you climb on the saddle."

and

"Most injuries result from rider error."

and

"Knowing what to do and paying attention to your surroundings can help
you avoid accidents."

And, per Jorge Cruise, the article's author:

"Be sure your bike fits you properly; a poor fit can lead to a lack of
control."

and

"And stay well hydrated when you bike - - even during the cooler
months."

Simple advice, lacking in depth, but, other than that, what's your
objection?

[SMS]

On Dec 18, 6:44 am, Ozark Bicycle
> wrote:

<snip>

> Simple advice, lacking in depth, but, other than that, what's your
> objection?

I expect that it's the endlessly quoted "up to 85%" statistic. Quoting
such statistics out of context gives a false impression of bicycling
being exceedingly dangerous. The FARS data, while showing some benefit
for bicycle helmets, is a more accurate source of statistics.

I knew the 85% statistic had gotten out of hand when Jeopardy had a
category entitled "Bicycle Safety" and one of the answers was "85%,"
and the question was "How many head injuries helmets prevent?"

[Ozark Bicycle]

On Dec 18, 12:46 pm, SMS > wrote:
> On Dec 18, 6:44 am, Ozark Bicycle
>
> > wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
> > Simple advice, lacking in depth, but, other than that, what's your
> > objection?
>
> I expect that it's the endlessly quoted "up to 85%" statistic.

Well, there was quite a bit more than just that, wasn't there?

<snip>

[Tom Sherman[_2_]]

SMS aka Steven M. Scharf wrote:
> On Dec 18, 6:44 am, Ozark Bicycle
> > wrote:
>
> <snip>
>
>> Simple advice, lacking in depth, but, other than that, what's your
>> objection?
>
> I expect that it's the endlessly quoted "up to 85%" statistic. Quoting
> such statistics out of context gives a false impression of bicycling
> being exceedingly dangerous. The FARS data, while showing some benefit
> for bicycle helmets, is a more accurate source of statistics.
>
> I knew the 85% statistic had gotten out of hand when Jeopardy had a
> category entitled "Bicycle Safety" and one of the answers was "85%,"
> and the question was "How many head injuries helmets prevent?"

DIE, THOMPSON, RIVARA, THOMPSON, DIE!!!

How can a completely discredited study have such staying power?

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
Beer - It's not just for breakfast anymore!