Why Mountain Biking is Better
June 3rd, 2005 by Tim Grahl…in mountain biking, if you crash in the woods you might break a bone, but the chances of dying from an accident are fairly minimal. In road riding, the risk exists for getting clocked at 75 mph by a two-ton canister of steel - either from the front or rear - basically equating to game, set, match. It’s a conversation I’ve had with folks fairly often, and we’ve concluded that this is actually a legitimate reason why mountain biking is preferable - and safer - to road riding.
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
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I’m not sure I’d agree that moutain biking is inherently ’safer’ that road cycling. Being hit from behind by an auto while riding on the road is usually catastrophic and often fatal. But it is really, really rare. Being hit by an oncoming (usually left-turning car) is more common but also more avoidable.
Unfortunately, I’m in way better shape now that I ride road and off road than when I was off road alone. It’s a fact. I figure I risk life and limb every time I’m in the car or get on the interstate, and I hate doing those things. Might as well risk my life doing something I actually like. I’m not ready to give up my right to the roads just yet.