Unfortunately, that’s not the first I’ve heard of experienced cyclists being killed by motorists. It’s unfortunate. In the snippet you posted, the driver crossed the double yellow line, hitting the cyclists head-on.

Hitting another motorist head-on would could kill them in their car, too. Dangerous driving is a problem. But it’s not a bicycle-specific issue.

The speed difference with cyclists and cars on a highway is comparable to the speed difference with cyclists and pedestrians on a multi-use path. Should we then have a separate set of walking paths and bike paths to avoid the dangers there?

The fact is that when you go out on the road, there is risk. The faster you go, the more dangerous a crash is. The large, heavy, metal cage of a car can offer some protection, but it usually comes at great expense to the owner, the environment, and our collective health.

In my years of experience, the reward of saved money, freedom and health has outweighed these risks.

“New Haven Road offers a straight, flat route with a wide shoulder. But about halfway into their 32-mile jaunt Sunday, a driver rammed into a mailbox, crossed the double yellow lines and plowed into the group of cycling enthusiasts.

Amy Gehring and Terry Walker, two of the 10 cyclists, were killed.”

These cyclist were experienced, and where they should have been.

I’m moving to a spot in Lafayette that will only be 3.5 miles from work — a fairly easy bike ride during much of the year. But the need for professional attire and possibly a shower once I get to work seems cumbersome.

Bicycling can take about the same amount of exertion as walking, so it need not involve sweat for short distances. (Although, I realize some people are more prone to sweating anyway!)

Regarding the professional attire: At slow pace, you might get away with wearing a suit on a bike. Otherwise, you may be interested in some of the garment bag panniers, which can carry a suit, shoes, and even a laptop!

The problem with bike transportation currently is that there is no safe way to do it.

I’ve been bicycling regularly around Richmond for the last eight years, and
from personal experience, I disagree. Not owning I car, I bicycle around town
for all manner of reasons, from going to work and getting groceries to
recreational riding.

I’ve been on roads all over town at all times of day as well as night, I can’t
think of a time I’ve felt particularly unsafe. Sure, I avoid busy roads such as
40 and 27. Often on a bike there are a quieter routes that are more pleasant and take
about the same amount time anyway.

Overall, I’m impressed with with the respect that Richmond motorists give me
while I’m cycling. They even behave well when I exhibit behavior they may not
be used to seeing from cyclists, such as passing them at 25 MPH in moving traffic.

Frankly, it’s more often that I’m disappointed with other bicyclists in the
equation than other motorists. Too often other bicyclists are see aren’t
obeying the rules of the road or ignoring safe principles. I would like to see
a stronger bicycling culture that fosters bicycling etiquette and education.

The only viable solution to making a community more biker friendly is bike trails.

Again, as veteran area cyclist, I disagree. This is an open debate, not an absolute.
Wikipedia even has a page
for cycle path debate including several reasons why they are bad ideas.

I see merits to both sides.