Safety, Jamaican Roads and a Security Vehicle

From an article in the Jamaica Daily Gleaner earlier this year: Road Fatalities Increase.

The article included the following paragraph:

STEADY INCREASE

Additionally, SSP Powell noted that there has been an increase in the number of pedal cyclist deaths. The figure for this year has doubled so far, as 16 cyclists have been killed compared to eight for the same period last year.

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This is no joke business, as all Cutters know the feeling of almost being clipped by an insane taxi-man or overbearing 18 wheel truck. Some of us have had even more direct encounters.

Last year, Sep 18th, I was riding down Stony Hill at the head of a group of three and was hit by a minibus. The subsequent broken shoulder, recovery and surgery can be found in gruesome detail at my blog, Moving Back to Jamaica.

Of course, there was no security vehicle (a.k.a. "sag wagon") behind us to protect us from the crazies in the road.

One thing I liked about Cutters rides even before I officially joined the group is that there is always a vehicle following the group with flashing lights.

Tony, the main driver of the black pickup, is a skillful protector of the group with his flashing lights, warning honks and protective ways. Tony knows enough to block intersections, stop in round-a-bouts and get in the way of fast moving double-length buses if he feels that the riders safety might be in some way compromised.

As of next week, he will regain his "RIDERS IN TRAINING" magnetic sign, to further warn drivers that there is a group of vulnerable human beings with soft body parts flying along on two wheels -- just out trying to enjoy themselves.

Furthermore, he picks up cyclists who are either "blown up" from trying to pull too hard, or having a mechanical difficulty. Tony save nuff people from big worries.

On the 142 miles it takes to cover Kingston to Negril on Heroes Day, he is an expensive option -- after all there is his time, gas and the cost of the vehicle that all have to be covered. There are definitely cheaper ways to go, and many choose to forego the protection he provides (or depend on the generosity of Cutters.)

As for me and my bruk shoulder... well... hopefully, never again. And to help make that true, you would have to look hard to find me out on the main roads without either a big group or a sag wagon, without good reason.