Women cyclists in more danger than men?

[Barnowl]

It's been covered before I know but still well worth viewing especially if you encounter lorries at junctions. Personally I avoid them like the plague.


BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | Are women cyclists in more danger than men?

PS I'm male but they still scare me.

 

[carpetbagger]

Its fine passing on the right as shown but its sods law that it sets off before you get in front......except for us with the added power.......

 

[Mussels]

In London you pass wherever there is a gap big enough, usually that is down the left hand side unless it's a bus as they tend to hug the kerb.
I think it's got a lot to do with speed, women usually ride slower and I guess don't get away from the lights before the lorry does.

 

[flecc]

In addition to the factors mentioned in the article, deficiencies of female spatial awareness are an important factor and I was surprised not to see them mentioned. However, in the comments below, Jamie of Wendover did raise it in this quote:

I think it's simply a matter of women failing to appreciate the space needed by HGVs when manoeuvring as well as men. Tests have shown that differences in spatial awareness account for why men are generally better than women at parking, and this could be an extension of the same problem.

In these politically correct days it's difficult to bring in such factors without being accused of prejudice or being anti-female, but unless it and the other factors are accepted and acted upon, women will continue to sadly and unnecessarily fall victim in this way.
.

 

[Barnowl]

I have to agree with Mussels and think that speed is the main difference. There are a lot less women cyclists on the road than men and generally speaking they seem to cycle at much slower speeds (I have encountered serious exceptions!). But the few I have been behind, at the front, at Traffic lights have been very very slow to pull away. Most male cyclists are watching the lights on the right change to amber/red and then they're off as fast as they can. I doubt a lorry has moved more than a few feet before we're across the the other side and steaming down the cycle lane.
The electric motor helps a lot especially when I'm having a problem getting my foot in the toeclip.

PS. Also when I'm at the front of the queue I like to be well forward of the traffic. I find a bit of dodgy looking wobbling as I creep forward (comes naturally) never goes amiss and usually ensures the vehicles stay well clear of me