Electric storms
- Thread starter nappadang
- Start date
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slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
I wouldn't want to cycle to the summit of the Eiger in a thunderstorm, but I think the chances of coming to grief on more "normal" terrain are pretty slim. 100 people are killed by lightning every year in the US, a sixth of the number killed by collisions. I think you are far more likely to be killed in a thunderstorm due to poor visibility, heavy rain etc.
Davidc
Guru
- Location
- Somerset UK
I've been caught out in a couple - scary.
Wouldn't go out during one.
Wouldn't go out during one.
numbnuts
Legendary Member
- Location
- Gone over the hill and far away
I think it is shocking 
OK OK I'll get me coat
OK OK I'll get me coat
- Location
- Egham
No issue with cycling in lightening, you're nicely insulated from ground by your tyres, so it's a safe place to be. Just don't put your feet down....
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
Now let's just examine this one ... The lightning bolt which just hit your head managed to burn its way through 10 miles of air to get to your scalp, but it can't manage the extra inch or two to jump round the tyres of your bike? Hmm ...!
Biker Joe
Über Member
- Location
- Nr Harlow, Essex.
You'll be OK. Just wear the helmet with the large metal spike on top with the earthing cable dragging along the road behind you.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
You are safe in a car due to the Faraday Effect. You are unsafe on a bicycle because of the lightning rod effect.
Here is a similar discussion on a US forum:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/54761-Being-struck-by-lightning
An actual example:
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/cyclist-struck-by-lightning-in-boulder
Advice:
http://travellingtwo.com/resources/thunderstorm-safety
I photograph weather phenomena, as did my father. Lightning is foremost among my worries, and since the advent of air actuated and remote actuated shutters, I hide in a car or house whilst photographing lightning. While lightning does kill relatively few people in general it is still something to be avoided, or it will start climbing the list.
This article puts weather related depth by rank, and how that ranks as per the Grand Scheme of Things:
http://www.csccc.info/reports/report_23.pdf
This man took Biker Joe's advice, and it turned his mustache up at the ends.
Here is a similar discussion on a US forum:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/54761-Being-struck-by-lightning
An actual example:
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/cyclist-struck-by-lightning-in-boulder
Advice:
http://travellingtwo.com/resources/thunderstorm-safety
I photograph weather phenomena, as did my father. Lightning is foremost among my worries, and since the advent of air actuated and remote actuated shutters, I hide in a car or house whilst photographing lightning. While lightning does kill relatively few people in general it is still something to be avoided, or it will start climbing the list.
This article puts weather related depth by rank, and how that ranks as per the Grand Scheme of Things:
http://www.csccc.info/reports/report_23.pdf
This man took Biker Joe's advice, and it turned his mustache up at the ends.
steveindenmark
Legendary Member
You mean you really do ride in the rain? 
Steve
Steve
Being a cycling noob I've got lot to learn so cycling in the rain probably is an idiotic thing to do but I enjoy it.You mean you really do ride in the rain?
Steve
I like to go onto the fells in bad weather too, it adds another dimension to the challenge and hikes up the sense of achievement.
I know.. .. .. .. . .. .... . . . I'm an idiot
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
Read this report about something that happened on the hills above Hebden Bridge a couple of weeks ago ...
I'm going to try and avoid cycling in those conditions!
I'm going to try and avoid cycling in those conditions!
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
Quote:"Several sheep survived the lightning strike but suffered a big shock."Read this report about something that happened on the hills above Hebden Bridge a couple of weeks ago ...
I'm going to try and avoid cycling in those conditions!
I'll say!
slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
Lookee here at the Torro website...
http://www.torro.org.uk/site/lightning_info.php
Three peeople killed by lightning strikes in the UK. Winning the lottery is WAY more dangerous. Please, please don't buy a ticket.
http://www.torro.org.uk/site/lightning_info.php
Three peeople killed by lightning strikes in the UK. Winning the lottery is WAY more dangerous. Please, please don't buy a ticket.
not necessarily true. Lightning can be attracted by metal frames and can jump. My understanding is that it can jump from rider to ground, just as easily as jumping from sky to rider, bypassing any insulation the tyres might offer, particularly if its raining and the air is full of moisture. Its not the same as sitting on your bike and putting your finger in a plug. You are protected in a car tho bcoz the lightning hits the car, not you and travels around you, similar to a plane.
