re: I have a question for the bicyclists of the OT

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However, is this type of riding actually safer than following traffic flow? In a word, no. There are a number of risks associated with salmoning:
First, cars pulling out of driveways or turning from an intersection are not looking for traffic coming the wrong way. They could pull out in front if you and have no idea you were coming.
Also, you approach traffic at a much higher speed while salmoning. For example: if you are riding at 15mph and a car comes up from behind at 35mph, the approaching speed is 20mph. If you and the car were coming head-on though, the closing speed is 50mph.
One study, dryly called “Risk Factors for Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions at Intersections”, found that riding the wrong way is three times as dangerous as riding with traffic, and for kids the risk is seven times greater.
Finally, riding the wrong way is against the law, so if you are in an accident it will be your fault.

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