PETA for Fat Tired Bikes!

[Tony DeFilippo]

The subject popped into my head a moment after I ran over a squirell this morning on my 650b x 42mm hetres and I saw him scamper off, and up a tree... can't say he's completely ok, but it looks like he had a decent shot.  First time I've actually hit a critter on the bike, I've heard of a friend taking a rabbit into the spokes of his wheel with predictably unpleasant results, but always managed to avoid them myself.  

On a rider safety angle... I can report that squirrel-sized trail debri doesn't even redirect my bike when rolling at about 14-15mph!

Tony

[Matt Beebe]

I hope the little guy makes it too, and fat soft tires could only have helped!    Sometimes I make 'psst-psst' noises when I see the little critters up ahead to scare them away (though I must seem pretty strange to bystanders).   Anyway the squirrels generally have surprisingly good hearing and go darting off to safety.

Matt

[Kieran J]

I think I'd be ok too if I was run over by two fluffy pillows...

[Ron Mc]

cycling is not a blood sport

[dougP]

Most critters have really tough hide & contrary to what one may think, bicycle spokes will not slice thru it.  Catch a critter in your wheel & you are going down.  So best to avoid them for your own sake as well as theirs.

I've noticed that especially in springtime squirrels seem to play a game of "how close to the bike can we get" that's a bit unnerving.  One theory is that they are young males out to prove themselves.  The will sit up, on the side of the road as you approach, and dart out across the road.  I had one try it, thinking I was going to hit him, I braked hard, he stopped, then darted behind my front wheel, only to get hit by the rear.  A rider some ways behind me reported that he did continue across the road, but seemed a bit the worse for the contact. 

dougP

[cyclotourist]

Dangerous critters: www.flickr.com/photos/64942209@N00/4906131745/

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--
Cheers,
David

"it isn't a contest. Just enjoy the ride." - Seth Vidal

[jeffrey kane]

Man, who doesn't love squirrel story? I was out early one morning last summer and I turned onto a steep but short downhill ... steep like the kind where if you lay off the brakes your going over 25 (+) within a few seconds. Right then, out of the corner of my eye I saw a small animal shoot out of the bushes straight at me on an angle and before I could even process the thought "oh shit, I'm dead" the thing (squirrel, it turns out) grazed my foot and miraculously skirted in between my wheels!!! Now, I know I didn't run him over but apparently, the little guy had what you'd call a close shave!

pictures proved it happened: (hopefully attached)

On Thursday, August 8, 2013 10:10:12 AM UTC-4, Tony DeFilippo wrote:

[Tony DeFilippo]

Jeffery great shot, between the wheels!?!  That was a lucky critter!

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[Cecily Walker]

This photo provided one of the best laughs I've had all day. 

[Montclair BobbyB]

Another hit and run on a poor innocent critter... I have a provocative question for you, Tony.  Was Rocky proceeding 'in the lane' at a reasonable speed when you rolled over him?  DID you perhaps have just a little bit of rage in your heart???  It's bad enough there's no more funding for squirrel-lanes...we need to publicize this growing problem....Share the road, stop the madness!!!

(Disclaimer: all in jest... Peace, BB)

On Thursday, August 8, 2013 10:10:12 AM UTC-4, Tony DeFilippo wrote:

[Montclair BobbyB]

FYI, this traffic symbol is known as a "Squarrow"...

[Tony DeFilippo]

Bobby - that 'Squarrow' is brilliant!!!

There were a pair of them, I'm pretty sure they were under the influence of some halucinogenic acorns... or perhaps some toxic waste.... they just jumped onto the path giving me no time or place to swerve!