Number 12: Does radar REALLY keep us safer?

You got a rear bike radar for Xmas. You love it. Now the group rides sound like an electronic polka party every time a car comes near us. Are we safer?

No surprise, there’s really no research yet establishing that riders with radar have fewer collisions with cars. A quick search only yielded one review article (Jannah et al., 2025) and it pretty much summed up what you and I know from experience. Studies have found that “most participating cyclists responded positively to the warning technologies/systems… warning technologies/systems influenced some cyclists’ behaviour during critical situations, such as early braking, faster reactions, increased focus, maintaining a safer distance, and temporarily reducing speed…(but) only two studies tried to explore how warning systems affect crash risk.”

So, riders like their radar, and the alerts do change rider behaviour, but we don’t really know if the radar is saving lives or reducing accidents.

I’m a curmudgeon as you know, and I resist buying a radar on the basis that I can hear the cars coming (although EVs are pretty quiet) and I keep well to the right (at least, when I’m not in a group) so I don’t see the benefit. Also, when I’m in a group, everybody else has one so why spend the $300? But that’s not the question on the floor. The question is, on a group ride, are these things keeping us safer? 

Here’s a “no” argument from experience. I’ve been on a few Amici rides where the wind is from the left, the leader is in the middle of the lane (so far, so good) and when their radar beeps the leader swings to the right. That’s not good or safe. To be fair, that’s my only negative. Most of the time all the beeps go off, and everyone continues SPACE-ily (remember Smooth, Proficient, Aware, Communicating and Encouraging?). Maybe with the beeps they are more A, but as long as they stay S, I’m OK with it. So if you are reacting to the beep by tightening up and swerving right, please stop. Maybe the thing is causing you anxiety. Otherwise, please carry on. 

Here’s a different case where the things could help, but I’ve yet to see it. Often when we have a left turn across traffic coming up, somebody calls “take the road” about 150 m from the intersection. I guess the theory is if we are all in the middle of the lane, a car coming up from behind at 100 kph will slow down placidly and wait patiently behind us until we turn. If you look for me, you’ll notice I usually wait until about 50 m from the turn to move left. I just don’t happen to think we should obstruct the lane sooner than we need to. Could radar help? Could we get a bit closer to the turn before “taking the road” if there is no “beep”? 

Anyway, I’m glad you love your radar and if you feel safer, I’m doubly glad. I’ll probably buy one soon. Maybe.       

 Don't miss our Annual BBQ!

Message from Linda:

Cycling you have missed:  Gravel away weekends, gravel trail rides, Skills session, after ride social, discovering new coffee stops, making new friends, riding a longer distance than you ever thought possible with our Solstice groups...Yes, all this has happened and there is more to come! See you soon?

Here's what to expect during the season:

In case of rain, check our Calendar.  If we change or cancel a ride, we will update our calendar 1 hour before the ride.

Arrive 15 min before the ride start time.  Rides are for registered Members or those that have already submitted a "Trial rider" request:  Trial Rider

Our calendar indicates our Ride Leader.  Ride Leaders are encouraged to create a route (either turn by turn OR just a description) which will be available the day before the ride.  This can be found in the "Routes" section:  Routes. 

Our Ride Leaders are volunteers.   We may not always create a route.  The Member Area contains a list of Members. Feel free to contact the Ride Leader for the ride you are joining if you have questions.

When building up your resilience to start the season, remember, we all are.  We get stronger and faster together! 

If you want alerts for cancellations, consider joining "Remind"  Stay Connected

Amici Membership is more than just “Riding Together as Friends”

Check out these Member Discounts and come back to this blog post often for more special offers!

Safety First:

 When you are out on the road, whether alone or in a group, make it easy for others to know your emergency information.

 We recommend “ROAD ID”

 Shop on line and take advantage of a 20% off CLUB DISCOUNT:

Amici Road ID Club Discount

Bike Shop Discounts:

Amici Members may receive a 10% discount by mentioning "Amici Cycling Club" at the following Niagara retailers:

• Front Row Sports, Thorold

Our store kit site is closed for orders.  Please reach out using the "contact botton" (top right email icon on website or aplvniagaracc@gmail.com) if you are interested in kit for 2026.

Check your “Welcome Member Email” for the Store Log in Number

 IT’S NOT MANDATORY but you may ride better in a new kit! :-)

 Our kit is uniquely designed every 2-3 years.  Our partner for 2025-2026 is Verge.

 We offer jerseys, in relaxed (Prime) and Race (Strike) Fits as well as bib shorts and vests.

How to Order:

           Follow the link below to the TEAM STORE  (you will need to contact us for the Store Log in)

•           Check the sizing chart to make sure you are ordering the right size.  No returns
•           Put the item in your cart and “check out” and PAY. You can only pay using a PayPal account
•           The default “store location” will be populated.  Do not change
•           Enter your billing address (must match your credit card)
•           Once your payment is confirmed, you will be returned to the store to confirm successful payment
•           Note your Team Store Order
•           You will receive a confirmation email

 Once we have 20 pieces of KIT ordered, a production run will start. Kit takes 4-6 weeks to arrive and we will distribute on arrival.

Team Store:   

Club Discount Pricing:

HST will be applied at CHECKOUT

As many of you know, I've spent much of my life on a bicycle.

 

Cycling has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of looking after my health. Like many riders, I assumed that staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and logging countless kilometres on the road would keep me ahead of most serious health concerns.

 

This year, I learned otherwise.

 

A routine PSA blood test led to further investigations and ultimately a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

 

The news came as a shock. I felt well. I was active. I was riding. I had no obvious symptoms that would have prompted me to seek medical attention. Had it not been for a simple blood test, my cancer may have remained undetected for years.

Fortunately, I am one of the lucky ones.

 

Because the cancer was detected early, my treatment options were excellent. Following consultations with my medical team, I underwent robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy surgery on May 1. The procedure was successful, and the pathology results showed that the cancer was confined to the prostate, the surgical margins were clear, and there was no evidence of spread to my lymph nodes.

 

In the world of cancer, those are words you hope to hear.

 

One aspect of this journey that deserves recognition is the quality of care I received. From diagnosis through surgery, I was impressed by both the professionalism of the healthcare team and the speed with which my case progressed. I benefited from innovative robotic surgical technology and highly skilled medical professionals who guided me through every step of the process.

 

We often hear stories about the challenges facing our healthcare system, but my experience was overwhelmingly positive. At every stage, I felt informed, supported, and cared for. For that, I am deeply grateful.

 

The experience has reinforced a lesson that I want to share with my fellow cyclists, friends, and family members: early detection matters.

 

Prostate cancer often develops quietly. Many men experience no symptoms in its early stages. Feeling fit, healthy, and strong does not necessarily mean everything is fine beneath the surface. A simple PSA blood test can provide information that may lead to early diagnosis and treatment when outcomes are at their best.

 

I'm not a doctor, and every person's situation is different. But I would encourage every man to have a conversation with his healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening and whether PSA testing is appropriate for them.

 

The test itself is simple. The potential benefit can be enormous.

 

This journey has also reminded me how fortunate I am to be surrounded by supportive family, friends, and fellow cyclists. The encouragement I've received throughout this process has meant more than I can adequately express.

 

As many of you know, I recently published my memoir. In light of this year's events, I decided to donate all royalties from the book to the Canadian Cancer Society. It is a small way of giving back and supporting others who may be facing a similar road.

 

Today, my focus is on recovery, gratitude, and getting back on the bike.

If sharing my story encourages even one person to schedule a PSA test, have a conversation with their doctor, or seek medical advice sooner rather than later, then it will have been worth telling.

 

Ride safe, stay healthy, and don't ignore the simple things that can make a profound difference.

 

I am available and open to chat with anyone on any aspect of my journey to date, because I found speaking with others who have been through it, to be very helpful and supportive. 

 

— Frank....The Tank. 

AMICIS LOVE to TRAVEL AND RIDE their bikes!  Come and join us!

We have two trips we are currently planning;  Kingston in August and Montreal in Septmeber.

Come back here frequently as we build out all the plans.  

Summer Away Weekend

• What:                 3 days of cycling and socializing
• When:                Friday, August 21 – Sunday, August 23
• Where:              Kingston, Ontario
• Who:                  Amici Members and Family

Enjoy Kingston and the Thousand Islands Parkway.

Kingston offers excellent cycling with the scenic 180-km K&P Trail, the 1000 Islands Parkway, and a 8-km waterfront pathway. Popular routes follow urban bike lanes, head to Wolfe Island for a loop or cover rural roads suitable for all levels. There may even be a ferry ride!

Non-cycling members will enjoy spending time in Kingston and the 1000 Islands.

Cycling plans:

• Friday welcome ride:  25-30km
• Saturday long ride with lunch stop: 50-90km (multiple levels)
• Sunday farewell ride:  30km

Dining:

• Your room rate includes breakfast
• Potluck Friday night
• BBQ Saturday night

 Hotel information:

 Super 8 by Wyndham Kingston

• 794 Hwy 2, Kingston
• Kingston is ~390  km from Firemen’s Park and a 4-1/2 h drive
• Check-in 2:00 pm Friday, check-out 11am Sunday
• Rate:  $269 for 2 Queen beds OR $289 for 2 Queen beds in a Suite (with a couch). All with min-fridge.  Per night, plus taxes
• Pool on site 

20 rooms are reserved under AMICI

Access the special rate by following this link

Wyndham Hotel Reservation

OR Email info@super8kingston.ca

Or 1-800-454-2313

BOOK your room before June 20

Cancel 7 days prior to arrival by 3pm to avoid a 1 night plus applicable tax charge

****

MONTREAL UCI Championships

when:  Sept 25-27

Stay at Novotel Hotel

MORE DETAILS to come!

Amici Members want to know what is going on!  Here’s some tips on how to make sure you never miss out.

Check our Calendar

Our Calendar (on our website) is updated frequently and always represents “What’s happening”.

Find ride start locations, pace, leaders and sometimes details about your ride.

In case of inclement weather, rides will be updated to reflect a ride cancellation.

HINT:  *Add the APLVNCC calendar to your google calendar for easy viewing on your mobile phone (instructions below)

***

Join Remind to be alerted to cancellations or changes

Remind is an APP used by Schools to facilitate communications.  If you join Remind, you can expect to receive a DAY OF instant notifications of ride cancellations.

Here’s How:

•           Download the remind app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
•           Create an account
•           Tap the +Join a Class Button and input “@aplvncc” as the class

       You can also navigate to remind.com/join from your computer browser and follow the steps above

Notifications: Once you join, you can customize how you receive alerts (app push, text, or email) in your Notification preferences.

 ***

*Adding the APLVNCC + Google calendar (this one is tricky, so go grab your laptop and a coffee)

1. On a computer, open Google Calendar.
• Note: You can only add the APLVNCC Calendar to your Google account from a computer. Once you add the calendar on your computer, you'll see it in the Google Calendar app on your device(s). The APLVNCC Calendar cannot be added directly on a device. These steps cannot be performed within the Google Calendar app itself.
2. You will need to sign in with your Google account.
• To see if you already have an account, click here for instructions.
• A Google account is free. To create an account, click here.
3. On the left side, find "Other calendars" and click the down arrow .
4. Select Add by URL.
5. Enter the following address in the field:
   Calendar
6. Click Add calendar. The calendar will appear on the left side under "Other calendars."

Note: It might take up to 12 hours for changes to show in your Google Calendar.

Download the Google Calendar app and sign-in with your Google account. All APLVNCC Events will populate automatically. The Google Calendar app is available for free for iPad and iPhones from the App Store and Android devices in the Google Play Store. For more information on the Google Calendar app, visit the following page.