Comments on: Bicycling deaths rose 8% in 2005; alcohol involved in more fatalities http://bluecollarmtb.com/2006/08/25/bicycling-deaths-rose-8-in-2005-alcohol-involved-in-more-fatalities/ Mountain Bike Reviews, News, Deals and How Tos Fri, 25 May 2012 20:22:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Fritz http://bluecollarmtb.com/2006/08/25/bicycling-deaths-rose-8-in-2005-alcohol-involved-in-more-fatalities/comment-page-1/#comment-44636 Fritz Mon, 28 Aug 2006 19:01:04 +0000 http://bluecollarmtb.com/2006/08/25/bicycling-deaths-rose-8-in-2005-alcohol-involved-in-more-fatalities/#comment-44636 I just noticed in Gene's article that he points out a 22% increase in drunk riding over 2004. I just noticed in Gene’s article that he points out a 22% increase in drunk riding over 2004.

]]> By: Fritz http://bluecollarmtb.com/2006/08/25/bicycling-deaths-rose-8-in-2005-alcohol-involved-in-more-fatalities/comment-page-1/#comment-44635 Fritz Mon, 28 Aug 2006 18:55:32 +0000 http://bluecollarmtb.com/2006/08/25/bicycling-deaths-rose-8-in-2005-alcohol-involved-in-more-fatalities/#comment-44635 Interesting. I wonder how much change there was in the ratio of drunk cyclists to non-impaired riders? In other words, is the increase due to a higher proportion of drunk cyclists, or is the increase due to other factors such as more cyclists on the road or more dangerous conditions? My sneaky suspicion is that there were at least 8% more cyclists on the road in 2005 than in 2004. Given that new cyclists tend to have a higher rate of injuries and fatalities than experienced, it turns out not to be too unexpected. The biggest lesson is probably that we shouldn't ride (or drive) while intoxicated. Interesting. I wonder how much change there was in the ratio of drunk cyclists to non-impaired riders?

In other words, is the increase due to a higher proportion of drunk cyclists, or is the increase due to other factors such as more cyclists on the road or more dangerous conditions? My sneaky suspicion is that there were at least 8% more cyclists on the road in 2005 than in 2004. Given that new cyclists tend to have a higher rate of injuries and fatalities than experienced, it turns out not to be too unexpected.

The biggest lesson is probably that we shouldn’t ride (or drive) while intoxicated.

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