cyclist struck by lightning

[BertYardbrush]

It's a wet day here in Chesterfield - it would be, it's Bakewell Show today. I was wondering if a cyclist could be struck by lightning so I googled and came up with these. Both in August, one yesterday and the other some considerable time ago.

Cyclist Struck By Lightning In Boulder - Denver News Story - KMGH Denver

CYCLIST KILLED ON HIS WHEEL.; Instant Death from Lightning -- Rubber T... - Article Preview - The New York Times

 

[flecc]

These Americans, they don't have the same "resistance" we Brits have.

Seriously though, the central areas of the USA do suffer very high frequencies of lightning strike, and I see both of these are reasonably central, Denver and Chicago. Chicago is well north of the plains areas most affected by this phenomenon, and I'd guess this poor rider was well outside of the city and on flat open ground for the lightning to have earthed through him.

Very much less likely in our little island fortunately, usually plenty of higher objects more attractive to lightning nearby.
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[Barnowl]

Rubber is not an insulator at the high voltages involved with a lightning strike but becomes a conductor. Tyres provide no protection from lightning strikes. Consequently Cyclists are as vulnerable as any pedestrian except we can get home quicker.

This story would appear to contradict that theory though.

Biker's penis struck by lightning - Motorcycle news : General news - Visordown

 

[flecc]

Rubber is not an insulator at the high voltages involved with a lightning strike but becomes a conductor. Tyres provide no protection from lightning strikes. http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news--general-news/bikers-penis-struck-by-lightning/1511.html

It's not helped by the fact that tyres are made black instead of their natural dirty yellow colour by adding carbon, which is an excellent conductor.
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