Kocet's Corner: Lightning and biking

Think you have it all figured out? Riding a bike during lightning is safe, right? WRONG!

The common misconception is that since a car has rubber tires and it is relatively safe haven from lightning, then a bicycle or motorcycle should be too.

What many don't know is that it is the metal frame of a car that protects the occupant rather than the rubber tires. If lightning were to strike a car, the metal frame acts as a lightning rod and directs the charge directly to the ground.

Similarly, the tires of a bike offer no protection. Lightning can hit you just as easily as if you were standing out in the open.

During the normal daily routine, the odds of ever being hit by a bolt of lightning while out of doors are small. That being said you are always much safer inside. Why take the chance by playing the part of a lightning rod?

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