by H. Mayor

First comes getting over the shock and saddens from the untimely death of Nicky Hayden on a cycling accident, but there is a lesson to be learned from this tragedy….

Our big cities and towns are facing increasing problems with traffic congestion and have to deal with numerous transport challenges, particularly as they grow in size and population. As a result there have been plenty of voices over the last few years calling for the use of the bicycle as a comfortable, effective and sustainable alternative to the car for short distance journeys, transforming what is for many a leisure and sport vehicle into a real transport alternative.

The necessary prerequisites for such a transition are quite straightforward: to adapt our cities to these new road users we need more bike lanes, priority zones and of course, a population that is much more road safety aware. These changes take time and require a determined willingness from policy-makers and society as a whole. The rise in popularity of cycling sports is (or was) an obvious ally in opening people’s minds up. Today however the grim reality is that not only we haven’t seen any significant progress in the right direction but a steady movement backwards.  

The tragic deaths of Scarponi a few months ago and now Nicky Hayden highlight the vulnerability and danger that anyone has to assume in order to ride a bike, for whichever purpose that is. On the one hand their deaths have had tremendous media attention, even more so as they have happened so close in time. On the other they have made us realize that not even two professionals of the track have the resources and skills to survive the terrible moment in which a driver out of control crosses their path; a double and devastating message.

A state of fear

Very few cities in the world have truly invested in introducing the bicycle as a form of transport and promoting this new culture amongst their residents. Even less so the bicycle has been promoted as a healthy leisure option for the whole family. As if that wasn’t a mighty task in itself, cities will now have to manage the perception of danger and fear that has taken over the collective psyche.

The motor sports’ world is grieving the death of Nicky Hayden, a much loved professional. Thoughts of a bright and full of opportunities’ future that is now lost are in everyone’s minds. Perhaps there is still time but we have to start from scratch, with rigorous education programs on road safety and civility for everyone.