Destination Positioning

Cycling, like most anything that requires you to be in a certain spot at a certain time, has certain basic rules.

There are those in this world that think the rules don’t apply to them and actually try to live outside those rules.  They may get away with flaunting the rules for a long time, but those rules will come back to find them.

In the case of cycling, those times could likely prove to be catastrophic.  This year alone, there have been several times where the cyclist has been killed due to errors made.  That isn’t to say it was wholly the fault of the cyclist, or for that matter wholly the fault of the driver.  I am going to venture a guess that the answer is somewhere between those two points.

 The CAN-BIKE program also has some basic rules.  Those rules are the cornerstone of safe defensive cycling.

We have spoken previously about the first set, the Four Core Values –

               Manoeuverability, Visibility, Predictability and Communication

I have also referred to these as   

                   See, Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Predicable.

For those of us that are spelling challenged.

 The rules I want to refer to in this installment is Destination Positioning.

These are the Five Basic Traffic Cycling Principles.  They are adapted from the book Effective Cycling, by John FORRESTER.  Effective Cycling is now into its 8^th edition.

1)      Ride on the right side of the roadway

2)      How and When to yield to crossing traffic

3)      How and When to yield to same direction traffic

4)      Destination positioning at intersections

5)      Positioning between intersection

 

Attached below is a copy of the list that I put into each training manual that I give out at each CAN-BIKE course that I teach.

 

FIVE BASIC TRAFFIC CYCLING PRINCIPLES

(Adapted from EFFECTIVE CYCLING by John FORESTER)

 

 

All drivers regardless of the type of vehicle they drive, follow the same basic traffic principles.  The size and speed of your vehicle may influence how you apply these principles, but the reason is the same: to reduce conflicts between road users.

 

Understanding the following basic traffic principals will enable you, as a cyclist, to ride safely in MOST traffic situations.

 

01)       Ride on the right side of the roadway.  DO NOT RIDE ON THE LEFT, OR ON THE SIDEWALK. Cyclists who ride facing traffic are more vulnerable because other drivers do not expect wrong way traffic.  Sidewalk riding is also very hazardous because each driveway or laneway becomes, in effect, an intersection. It’s also against the law in many places, and people are not expecting a cyclist on the sidewalk.

 

02)       How and when to yield to crossing traffic. Yielding means deciding if you must yield and, if so, waiting until it is safe to go. There are two basic rules for drivers who meet at intersections: (a) the driver on the minor street or lane yields to the driver on the main street, (b) at an uncontrolled intersection, the driver who arrives first, goes first. The driver who arrives last, yields, or if the vehicles (this includes bikes) arrive simultaneously, the one on the left yields.

            FIRST IN..  FIRST OUT....

           ALWAYS YIELD TO PERSON ON YOUR RIGHT.

 

03)       How and when to yield to the same direction traffic.  Every driver who wants to move into a new line of travel must yield to the traffic already in that lane.  Before moving sideways on the road   YOU MUST LOOK BEHIND YOU (SHOULDER CHECK)          TO ENSURE THAT IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

 

04)       Destination positioning at intersections. This depends on your intended direction beyond the intersection.  At a simple intersection, start a left turn from near the centreline, and a right turn from near the curb. At a multiple-lane intersection, choose the right most lane that serves your destination.

 

05)       Positioning between intersections.  Your positioning, while travelling between intersections depends on your speed relative to the rest of the traffic. Also on the usable width of the road.  On a lane that is too narrow to share, ride in the middle.  On a wide lane, if you are the slower vehicle, move to the right.  If you are the faster vehicle, pass on the left.

      DO NOT SQUEEZE BETWEEN THE MOVING VEHICLES AND THE CURB.

  It is okay to pass a left turning vehicle, if it’s safe, on the right side.

I felt this topic was timely after watching cyclists riding about all across the Greater Vancouver

Region, and that does include the City of Vancouver.
I have added the explanation above to show there are rules to be followed.

These rules were written by the father of modern safety, defensive, traffic cycling, John FORRESTER. 

I refer to John FORRESTER as the Guru of safety cycling in North America. I use this term with the greatest of respect to John FORRESTER and what he has written.

Please remember, the CAN-BIKE program, along with Police, EHS, and Security cycling across North America is based on the teachings and principals of John FORRESTER. It shows that his principals are accepted by the main stream of the millions that do cycle in traffic. Need I say more?

I realise there are those that don’t hold the same opinion as I do, and that is okay. Everyone has an opinion, and you have seen mine. The above cycling traffic safety rules are time tested and work, and work very well.

With the addition of separated bike lanes and bike paths the rules are the same. The rules don’t change, just the venue. 

You still don’t ride into oncoming traffic or on sidewalks and not expect to cause yourself problems… or worse. You ride as far to the right as practicable and practicable being safe.

Safety comes in many aspects to cycling. Like a good recipe when all the parts are put together properly it works great, but leave one part out, and Nothing Good Can Come of It.  The results are not what you expect or were hoping for.

 

  Thanks for stopping by,

     Safe Ride Home

 

Chuck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Railroads Tracks, Speed Bumps, Road Depressions and Chuck holes… Hidden Hazards

I don’t know if you ever noticed, but every year on the Canadian prairies a few people and vehicles are hit and killed at railroad level crossings.  Why you ask? When the prairies are low rolling hills, and that is the high spots.  You can watch your dog run away for three days, so seeing what is happening around you should be a natural thing.

I bring this up for a basic reason, seeing what is happening around you.  I also want to talk about how to ride properly, you can read that as safely, over railroad tracks, speeds, road depressions and chuck holes.

All of these hidden hazards have a couple of things in common.  They all present a challenge that if you take them for granted.  They will come back to bite you and bring you down to ground level very quickly.  The other thing they have in common is how you set up on your bike to go over or around them.  Let’s be clear, when done correctly and given the respect they deserve, they can be handled with no problems, but get cocky, and you could likely pay a price.

The CAN-BIKE program refers to the proper procedure for crossing railroad tracks when riding as follows:

Your head is up and your back is straight, now you can see where you are going and what is happening around you !!!

1)      If moving into traffic, Shoulder check/Signal/Shoulder, signal prior to the movement on the riding surface.

2)      Stand up on your pedals, pedals set level to the ground, at 3/9,

3)      Bend your arms and legs using them like shock absorbers, keeping your balance.

4)      Go over the tracks at a 90 degree angle to the tracks, let the bike move up and down under you, keeping your centre of balance over the bike. 

5)      Roll over the tracks

6)      Move back into the proper riding position on the surface you are riding.

7)      Keep both hands on the handle bars as you go over the tracks

8)      Signal prior to the movement on the riding surface.

That should work in I would estimate in about 95% of the situations you will find yourself in.

Then I started asking myself, what about all those other bumps and depressions we as riders encounter in the span of a ride.

In my classes I added the other aspects, speed bumps, depressions and chuck holes in the riding surface.

Speed bumps, like chocolate cookie recipes come in a myriad of assorted sizes and shapes.  Some easier than others and some that are just plain ugly to ride over.  We’ve all seen the on road variety speed bump (traffic calming device) lower and gentle to go over.  Then there are the ones in parking lots, ment to slow traffic to a crawl over them.  You know the ones, they look and feel like a large tree has been cut in half and laid across the road.  Then they paint them a very slippery bright yellow, so when they get wet they are downright dangerous.

If you treat all like you treat railroad tracks, as listed above to go over them, then they can be handled much more easily, and your chances of taking an unwanted spill decrease, not eliminated, just decreased. Nothing is a sure bet.

Road depressions are ridden the same way, but be advised they are very dangerous.  If travelling at any speed you will quickly drop into the depression, then just as quickly come out.  The problem is when you come out your weight has lifted and your bike is riding with much less grip to the surface.  Down hillers are shaking their heads right now, saying they know the feeling.  That short time when you feel as if you are airborne, and for the most part you are, you don’t have control and therefore no real ability to turn or brake.  Not a big deal if you are going straight, but if you are coming into a corner, or a downhiller going around or into or out of a corner, then it becomes a very big deal. Some road depressions aren’t seen until you are in them, then you best be ready for what happens next.

All of the above hazards have hidden problems so properly setting up for them, riding them properly and knowing how to handle them becomes a skill that needs to be known and practiced.  You need to keep this in the back of your mind when riding - the hidden hazards.

Riding and riding safely is a thinking game and safety is what you work at each and every ride.

           Part of that safety is    See  Be Seen  Be Heard  Be Predictable

Knowing what is around you, getting the big picture and being prepared will greatly assist you.

A great ride, and getting home in one piece is the object we strive to achieve.

Please go over the above steps in your mind when you see them, for going over those things that we can’t avoid and go over.

Like everything else in life, being prepared for what could come is the responsible thing to do.  Being prepared is being safe when riding.

 

  Thanks for stopping by,

      Safe Ride Home

City Cops and Cyclists

As I have mentioned previously I have a police back round.  I say that because of the topic and those who were gracious enough to provide the information.

 I was at traffic court in Vancouver recently and while there I came across a couple of City traffic motor officers.  I have gotten to know one in particular from my times at traffic court and we speak regularly.  I have come to respect him for his dedication to his profession, his professionalism and his sense of humour.

You have to understand that Police have a different sense of humour than most people, other than maybe nurses. It comes from the fact that both of these professions overlap.  Police are first on the scene of collisions.  They are the first responders along with the Ambulance personnel who deal with what has occurred and now work at figuring out what happened, and at times have to deal with the families when the collision becomes fatal.

Nurses get the injured in assorted states of broken and are tasked with dealing with the injuries and the families of those injured, and sometimes worse.

I have been there, dealing with the collision scene and at the hospital and again at the home of the families saying those words that no one on earth wants to hear, and even fewer want to say.

I asked these motor officers what was there biggest “pevs” with cyclists.  Their looks changed and I saw two traffic guys that deal with the same things from the cyclists. These guys are at the top of their game at what they do, so when they spoke I listened.

 I will list the items that makes their blood boil.  That wasn’t how they phrased it to me, but I won’t use what they said here.  I asked for the top two items if they could change what would they be.  Here is what they told me:

1)      Helmets

2)      Red Lights / Stop Signs

1)      Traffic Control Devices

2)      Sense of Entitlement

Helmets – cyclists that don’t wear their helmets, because they don’t feel they need to, the law is stupid, or they just don’t feel they will never have an accident/collision.

Red Lights / Stop Signs – cyclists that don’t stop at red lights/ stop signs and don’t even cruise through them but blast through them.  I was told that slowing down and “California Stopping” (just barely moving, looking both ways then moving on) stop signs can be lived with, but not blasting through.

Traffic Control Devices – Cyclists that feel, no believe, that the traffic control devices in the City don’t apply to them, cause after all they are cyclists.

Sense of Entitlement -   Cyclists that believe they can ride where they want, how they want, the way they want, at any speed they want and disregard the above items mentioned, like helmets, lights, traffic control devices.

There are those cyclists for whom the rules of the road just do not exist, for whatever reason(s).  They get upset and point one finger at drivers, yell and swear at drivers, and will pound on vehicles then speed into the masses, and they believe they are right and it’s their position in life to make drivers lots in life as miserable as possible, because after all they are cyclists.

I suspect that in this we can include the fact that cyclists in the city just don’t or won’t stop, again, because they don’t think the rules apply to them.

THESE PEOPLE ARE FOOLS, AND GIVE A VERY BAD NAME TO THE OTHER 85 % OF THE CYCLING WORLD.

I am going to add my pet pevs now:

1)      Riding on sidewalks

2)      Riding against traffic

3)      Helmets attached to something other than the riders head

4)      No reflective articles including lights

 It is the law that cyclists, just like all other vehicles, MUST stop at stop signs and stop lights.

Stop signs, stop lights, traffic control devices, those include signs such as One Way, and no entry, apply to every vehicle using public roadways.

A bicycle falls under the definition of a vehicle.

 ** Information Tid Bit One - when you are stopped under the Motor Vehicles Act, in this case in British Columbia, you are required to identify yourself to the satisfaction of the Officer stopping you. If you don’t, then you could be arrested until identity can be established.

   I have accepted a Costco card, because it has a name and a picture, albeit it a bad picture, but a picture. If your marks/scars/tattoos are listed in the Police data base, then this can work also.

On the down side, those same marks/scars/tattoos can be used to identify a body.

 

** Information Tid Bit Two - An intersection is that area of the travelling surface, where those surfaces interconnect. Roads, round-abouts, allies, paths, bike paths, sidewalks, at any angles that those using that surface may come into conflict.

Controlled intersection lights, yield signs and those that are mentioned in the BC Motor Vehicle Act are to be adhered to and to be dealt with as they are posted.  That includes speed zone signs, school zones, any sign that is directed to the safety of those who are using that piece of space.

 ** Information Tid Bit Three - There is only one group that is legally able to disregard the motor vehicle act.  If you are around Vancouver you will notice license plates that are white letters on a crimson red back round.  Those are diplomatic plates, those plates usually start letters “CC” – Consular Corp.

 Helmets are required for cyclists when riding in 6 of the 10 Provinces in CANADA.  What changes is the age level of those required to wear the helmet.

I am of the opinion that helmets, worn correctly, safe lives.  The rider is still likely to be injured in a crash or fall, but they are also likely to survive. 

 ** Information Tid Bit Four - Falls account for just under 60 % of all cycling injuries.

So wearing a helmet can assist with lessoning the injuries and the subsequent associated problems.
Intersections is where you are more likely to find Stop Signs and Stop Lights.  Most collisions involving cyclists and vehicles are at intersections.  Anywhere to roads come together, is an intersection.

 The roads were designed for cars by people who didn’t think about cyclists, that we know.  It is up to those of us who ride and teach riding skills to make sure that we can work with the rules as they have been laid out, and make the changes both sides can and accept.

We can be part of the problem or part of the solution.  I believe safe cycling is being part of the solution.

Please ride safely and don’t over ride your abilities, and please wear your helmet and reflective vest.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

     Safe Ride Home

 Chuck

Distracted driving- vehicles and bikes

Blog Entry. 2013-08-30

  Distracted driving- vehicles and bikes

 

This morning is a great morning to be out !!

  It's the last day of August, high wispy clouds, and dry roads.  A perfect day for a ride, be it a local ride, a training ride, or a trek type outing.  I am on my way to Vancouver Island to visit family, and no I am not riding, I am driving.

As I was headed out to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal I did pass a number of riders out on this glorious BC morning.  None of them had lights to the back of their bikes, that I saw.  Only a couple had reflective vests, or anything reflective worn. I will pull out the silver lining, that being that all were wearing helmets.

If you have followed this blog you will know that helmets, reflective vests and lights are a common theme of mine. Safety first, safety last, safety always.

  The radio warned about accidents on this long weekend, saying there will be about 2200 in total, and I am regretfully certain some of those will be fatal in nature and some will involve cyclists.  I am truly sorry for the families that lose a loved one, especially if it didn't have to happen.

  That brings me to the point of this entry- distracted driving.

They said distracted driving is now the single biggest cause of accidents, passing impaired driving. I spoke with an RCMP traffic officer the other day and he said one in three accidents are from distracted driving. Cell phones and electronic devises are the core of this epidemic.

 I must admit that I have looked down at my phone, and I have answered my phone while driving. I am putting my phone aside and leaving it until it is safe to answer. If the President of the United States, or the Prime Minster of CANADA want to call me I am sure they will make contact via hands free for both sides.

 Distracted driving either in a vehicle or on a bike can take many forms. I have spoken about vehicles, so lets refocus back on bikes and cyclists in particular.

Riding is an endeavour that takes full concentration at all times, in my opinion that goes without saying.

   The four core concepts of CAN- BIKE

Manoeuverability   visibility  predictability  communication

   Also referred to  as

SEE,   BE SEEN,  BE HEARD,  BE PREDICTABLE

 I see riders with their ear buds in both ears all the time.  I can only assume they have their favourite tunes going. I won't ask what the sound level is at.

Drivers that use their cell phones and electronic devises are a danger on the road and not watching for and being cognizant of other road users, especially cyclists.

Cyclists that, God forbid, use electronic devises while riding, are as big a danger and hazard as the car drivers.
 Cyclists that use and listen to ear buds in both ears are just as big a danger, and just as distracted. In fact I believe even more of a danger/hazard because they can't hear the vehicle coming up from behind you.

 Bottom line distracted driving and more over distracted riding can be the cause and is becoming the cause of more accidents both vehicles and cyclists from minor to fatal.

Take the time to enjoy your surroundings when you ride.

Listening to tunes is great and has a time and place, but that place isn't while cycling.

 

Thanks for stopping by,

   Safe ride home.

 

Chuck

 

 

Bike Security comes in many Forms

Only leave out what you can afford to lose..........

From The Province Newspaper, Sunday August 18 2013, Page a21

Two men charged after GPS-equipped bike leads police their way
Police tacking a "bait bike" stolen in Whistler found it and seven other stolen bikes in the back of a U-Haul trailer heading back to Vancouver. 
Whistler RCMP tracked the GPS-equipped bike, stolen early Friday, going South and called other police along Hwy 99 for help, police said in a news release.  West Vancouver police at a road check on Hwy 99 at Lawrence Way in West Vancouver pulled over the U-Haul and arrested a Vancouver man, 45 and a Surrey man, 47.
Both are "very well known" to police and are facing charges, police said. 
If your bike was recently stolen in the Sea to Sky corridor, contact Whistler RCMP.

At this point I should add I know nothing more than what is written in the newspaper article listed above, other than I know that the idea of bait bikes has been around for awhile. This is the first time I have heard of its successful use.

During my CAN-BIKE courses when we talk about bike security I show a picture that was taken at the Edmonds Bus Loop, Burnaby BC.  The picture is of a wheel and tyre locked to the bike rack.  The rest of the bike is gone, but the wheel and tyre are intact.  I just took a picture for my bike teaching files of a frame attached to a bike rack at the MetroTown Skytrain station, Burnaby BC.  In this case there is only the frame and front fork, and of course the lock still attached to the bike rack.
The reason I mention these two pictures is to show that bike thieves will take what ever they can steal.
Please don't infer that Burnaby BC is not a safe place for parking your bike and locking it to a bike rack.  I suspect that this is a much more common occurrence the world over than admitted.
I come back to my opening statement about leaving your bike out, locked up or not.
Cycling safety is about being safe, and being able to ride to your destination and back to whence you started.  Locking your bike securely and having it there when you come back, in one piece, is what you want.
Know, I am going to suggest that taking a couple of extra steps that will greatly assist if your bike is stolen.  If you recall that I mentioned I have a back round in Policing, so when I suggest that the Police require certain pieces of information, please believe me.
Technology and the advancements in cycling has ment that bikes have gotten more expensive.  The quest for lighter and faster has pushed the price of frames and attached pieces up through the stratosphere. It seems that to some price is no object. That in turn has drawn the interest of those that make their vocation of stealing bikes.
Now, is there a best way to stop the thieves? Don't leave your bike out where it can be stolen is the first thought, but when that doesn't happen try the following:
- take a photo of your bike and keep it on file
- record the serial number of your bike along with the colour
- record the particular extra pieces you have assembled  on your bike
- if possible add an extra identifying number scratched on the frame in an obvious place
         *** I would suggest your drivers licence number ***
- If you have a carbon fiber bike, you know the serial number is a sticker attached. I am not sure how serial numbers are affixed to titanium frames.

That brings me to the main point of this entry, Yes there is a reason, sorry it took so long to get here.
There is a new company that has the ability to assist you with combatting bike theft.
Registering bikes is an age old system.  Once done with paper, know can be done using a computer. They have the ability to put an register your bike.  Once done and registered through your favorite bike shop, you have a record of your bike and in turn you have a quick ready description to take to your local Police Jurisdictional office.
         www.chipabike.com
      is the name of the company and this is their web site.
This appears to be the next step in bike security.
                 It is an idea whose time has come !!!!!
Police require a few things to add your stolen bike to CPIC (Canadian Police Information Computer) or in the United States, NCIC (National Crime Information Computer), and Police on both sides of the border have access by simply running a serial number.
      BUT, and this is the big part and where you come into the equation....
             they require the bike serial number to make this equation work.
Please take the time to record the serial number from each of your bikes, and take a picture of your steed. Insurance will like the idea also, if you have to call them.
Then check www.chipabike.com and ask your favorite bike shop to look into the program.
I registered both my bikes today through my bike favorite bike shop here in Maple Ridge - Local Ride.
Having said all this, don't leave your bike out without locking it to something substantial, that you are allowed to lock to, and keep an eye on it.  If riding in a group take turns sitting with the bikes so the would be thieves see your bikes are not targets.
 If in doubt, then refer back to the opening comment, and enjoy the walk home.
 I encourage you to check out their web site.
Please assist you local Police to combat bike theft.

   Thanks for stopping by,
       Safe Ride Home......

Chuck

Perspective Part two

In the Maple Ridge Times newspaper, dated 2013-07-30, in the opinion column Odd Thoughts by Bob GROENEVELD, page A6.
He wrote an OpEd piece titled Add cycling to learning cycle.
In it is said that cyclists need to learn to ride safely on the roads with cars and car drivers need to learn to operate with cyclists.  I think he wrote an excellent piece and I agree with most of what he said.
It is a good article and if you have a chance to take a read, I think its worth the time.
The local riding coalition members made reference to the piece on the advocacy web site. The writer didn't agree with him, but this is okay not everyone has to agree on everything.  Life would be dull if that were to happen.  I made comment, in reply and my comments were not received very well.
I believe that cars and bikes can co-exist on the roads when both sides respect the other and the riders do not over ride their abilities or go places they shouldn't.  I do believe that the roads are for both, and that those that can't ride on the busier roads should check and see how they can get to their destination on less travelled, slower speed roads that get them to where they want to be.  In CANADA we all know the roads were built for vehicles, four wheeled (and more) vehicles.  Road engineers didn't look at cyclists until the last 15 years, and then only because they had to, and only in a passing reference.  
I pointed out to the other writer that there is other ways to get to a destination by bike that may take you a little out of the way but not by much.  I also suggested that sidewalks are not for cyclists, with the caveat that young new riders can use them in their neighbourhoods until they gain confidence and can handle to less travelled roads, and separated bike paths.
I suggested that safe cycling is not to over ride your abilities, and to choose the route that gets you to where you want to go and how best to get there. These are just good techniques for safety and riding.  I also agreed with the OpEd piece that cyclists contravening the laws should be ticketed, as should the vehicle drivers contravening the rules of the road.
It was pointed out to me that bikes have the same rights to go where they wish, and I agree with that.  I was also advised that sidewalks can be used at anytime where the roads become to dangerous to ride on.  Also it was pointed out that basic safe driving principals shouldn't apply to bikes, such as riding on sidewalks, stopping at Stop Signs, wearing a bike helmet.
This is where we seriously part opinions.  I believe that cyclists must act as do other road users and be dealt with accordingly when caught. Stop Signs are put up for a reason and when not adhered with serious injury, or worse can and does occur.  Helmets save lives, and are not that expensive.  Sidewalks are for pedestrians, not bikes.  Most roads in this area have bike lanes next to the sidewalk along the road, on both sides that work just fine.
The Topic of this entry is PERSPECTIVE.  I view cycling safety as a must do, not a nice to do or do when it is convenient.  We can't pick and choose the laws we agree with and those we don't and follow them as we feel. It's great to be right, but do you want to be dead right. Is it worth it?, I suspect not in the grand scheme of things.
The safety cycling thing is not to over ride your abilities, not to ride where it is dangerous or you are putting your life at risk.  Being able to choose a route that will fill your needs and get you home and back, safely and in one piece.
Using your lights & reflectors both day and night, wearing vibrant reflective clothing, using proper signals.
One of the aspects of safe cycling is being able to find a route that works for you and your objectives.  Another portion that goes with shopping,using your bike is knowing how to safely load your goodies into your panniers.  That is a skill unto itself !!
Like I said in the beginning Perspective.

Thanks for stopping by, Safe Ride Home.

Chuck

Perspective, Part one

Days off, blue skies, no wind, very nice temperatures.  When you have that combination on the British Columbia coast you know it is a great day, when you add a long week-end into that formula you now it is almost as good as it gets.
We went for a walk around Fort Langley this morning and looked at that area, now that the Albion ferry no longer there.  The area has become a small idyllic place, and is even nicer than when the traffic was racing through to get to and from the ferry.
I watched groups of older riders coming into the café/book store we had breakfast at.  I must admit I wasn't riding, I guess I should have been, but Kim doesn't own a bike... yet.  We are still working on that. She did see a bicycle built for two, and thought that could work for us. Yea right.
The area is wonderful for touring with friends or a group(s). I would consider the roads are country grade, with some shoulders and some not. They are older asphalt with newer sections.  The biggest thing is shadows, and that is part of the charm of the area.  The established trees and greenery in the area along the river and railway tracks. The scenery is spectacular, for both riders and drivers passing through the area.  This is the area that a few years ago when I was riding to work in Langley, I had to stop once for a peacock in the middle of the road and had to around a deer standing watching me coming.  I was headed for the ferry and was trying to make time.
I noticed that most of the riders were older, closer to my age and riding higher end road bikes.  Most were in the traditional spandex (remember spandex is a privilege not a right) shorts, cycling jerseys, bike shoes with clipless pedals, mostly look pedals and shoes, and of course helmets. Some were Shimano type clipless. Lots were wearing gloves and sun glasses, another good sign.
What I noticed, as a cycling Instructor and advocate for things cycling safety was the fact that only a hand full had lights, fewer had rear lights, and only a couple had bright tops.  Only one was of the bright lime green, or any bright safety colour.  they were riding in packs, I suspect a peloton.
With the shadows and narrower roads and drivers that aren't looking for cyclists this can cause a potential for disaster or worse.... as I see it.
Cars have day time running lights man dated for a good reason, so I believe that if you are riding your bike at anytime of the day or night or in any weather you should have your lights on and wearing reflective material that can be seen from a longer distance than a few meters. I like the idea of a few hundred meters !!!!
The other part of my thoughts that brought me to this point of PERSEPCTIVE was that we all see things differently, depending on where we are looking in from.  I thought the riders this morning could've/should've been more safety conscious and dressed for the occasion.  I am quite sure if you asked them they would tell you they were fine and because they were a large group/pack, they would be fine.
It is not my place to place blame or pass comment on an accident, that is not the point of this reference to this tragedy.  I feel terrible for the young lad and his family. I hark back to the tragedy in the ride for Cancer a couple of months ago, just South of here in Washington State, in a cross border ride for Cancer.  The lad that was riding behind a group, pulled out around them and appears to have either gotten close to or crossed the centre line, and was struck by a car coming in the other direction.  The lad lost his life riding with family and friends for a very worthy cause, a true tragedy and a life that didn't need to be lost.  I'm sure he did what he thought was right and what he was shown or had seen. when he went around the group.
These groups this morning I'm sure would say they have been riding for decades and never had a problem, and I can't argue with that, but the time can come at any time.
In the new CAN-BIKE material one of the studies we are quoting from is a study that says cyclists are likely to have a minor injury/accident every 3 years and a major accident once every 15 years.  I have been involved in a major accident, a training accident and it was not pleasant.
Most accidents/injuries can be avoided.  My accident/injury could've been avoided if the Instructor knew how to properly teach techniques, lets leave it at that shall we.
Perspective, it is all in how we look at the situation at hand and deal with it and or react to it.
I believe cycling safety is being prepared before the situation arises by using knowledge, ability and safety devices. A few well spent dollars for lights, reflectors, and vibrant coloured reflective clothing could be the difference between life and not being able to ride again... or worse.
Like I said perspective, that's how I see it. 

Thanks for stopping by
     Safe Ride Home,

Chuck