What very constructive feedback, David.

I didn’t get “victim blaming” out of this. What I got is “a couple of ways to keep yourself from becoming a victim by your own hand”. There are things that are within our control, so we should make sure that we are actually controlling those things.

Bicycle crashes don’t necessarily have to involve motor vehicles. Many times, people crash bikes into walls, utility poles, guard rails, and each other. I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve seen people go over handlebars because they were to preoccupied to notice the drain grate or the streetcar track. One of my riding buddies fell off her bike because she forgot to re-tighten her seatpost clamp. Earlier this month, I saw a guy go full-speed into a pothole because he had his face in his smartphone while he was riding.

Then there are the people who don’t maintain their bikes. Brakes that don’t stop. Chains that snap just as you’re trying to beat traffic or that train. The tire that you should have replaced 5 years ago shreds. Derailleurs jam. QR levers pop loose. Stuff that’s less likely to happen if you’re diligent, attentive, and knowledgeable.