The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

When a Cyclist Gets Hit by a Car: The Uphill Battle for Justice Quick Answer: When a cyclist gets hit by a car, the legal and insurance battles are often stacked against them. Even with clear evidence, cyclists face blame-shifting, denied claims, and lengthy legal fights. Advocacy and awareness are critical to changing this system. Cycling is a beloved sport for many, but unfortunately, it can also be a dangerous one. Cyclists face a range of risks on the road, including collisions with cars, which can result in serious injury or even death. 📍 A Recent Case Recently, a cyclist in a major city was struck by a car while riding in a designated bike lane. The driver, distracted by their phone, veered into the lane and hit the cyclist from behind. The rider was hospitalized with a broken collarbone and a concussion. ⚖️ The Insurance Battle Despite the driver’s clear fault, the cyclist faced an uphill battle for justice. The driver’s insurance company denied the claim, arguing th...

Quick Answer: Cyclists often get a bad rap as arrogant or dangerous, but most of us are just everyday people who love to ride. By being courteous ambassadors and sharing our real stories, we can change how people see cyclists. Why Do People Dislike Cyclists? Breaking Down the Stereotypes Cyclists often get painted with a broad brush. The stereotype? We’re seen as elitist, narcissistic, or even dangerous. But here’s the truth: most cyclists don’t fit that picture at all. We’re not out to rule the road—we’re just regular people who happen to love riding. Yes, there are a few riders who feed the cliché. They’re the ones flashing pricey gear, blowing through stop signs, and giving off an air of superiority. But they’re the minority. The majority of us? We ride for exercise, fresh air, stress relief, and sometimes just the simple joy of feeling like a kid again. Common Reasons Drivers Dislike Cyclists Perceived danger: Drivers often feel cyclists are unpredictable, weaving...

Be a Better Cycling Ambassador: How Riders Can Change Minds (and Streets) Be a Better Cycling Ambassador: How Riders Can Change Minds (and Streets) Last Updated: September 5, 2025 Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the blog. Quick Answer: The fastest way cyclists improve public perception is by being courteous, following the rules, riding predictably and visibly, and showing up—calmly—to advocate for safer bike infrastructure. Too many city meetings go sideways because someone had one bad encounter with a cyclist and now wants to kill every bike lane. It’s maddening—and it’s fixable. We won’t win everyone over, but if more of us act like ambassadors, we make it harder to use “that one rude rider” as the excuse to block safer streets. Why the “elitist cyclist” perception hurts us Fair or not, a lot of non-riders think cyclists are e...