We’ve all had our share of dodging roadside objects…broken glass, discarded auto parts, roadkill and many other tire-shredding hazards. But, I think this one takes the cake:
Yep, that’s right…two used hypodermic syringes and a pair of burnt spoons. I discovered this little roadside treat on my way home the other night. It’s further proof that we’re safer as cyclists if we avoid the road’s edge and take the lane!
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Wow. Now that’s something you’d miss when driving.
Yikes! You’re right – stay out of that gutter, man.
Now that’s scary! At least the syringes appear to have the caps on, I guess …
Any chance you contacted the authorities? There’s no telling what communicable disease is present on those and cities actually have procedures for disposing of them.
Interesting enough, I came across a syringe for the first time today and the needle was bent back. No piercing but I’d hate the thought of having to replace a tube…. Camden, NJ here.
Iron Man…I didn’t contact the authorities, but probably should have. I’ve run across huge stashes of used needles around here before, too.
Believe it or not, I was one of the responders for just this sort of situation when I worked for the State Health Dept. — I was their “go to” guy when any medical waste issues arose (being the new hire meant that I got all the really crappy tasks). I’ll have to call our local DoH office to see if they have someone who handles loose sharps.
I haven’t noticed this kind of stuff while riding as I did when walking. Hate to have one of those do a puncture job. I ride to work one route and I ride home one of two routes. The worst route is the same one I use going to work. About two miles into the commute I lose the bike lane , gets more industrial, and more homeless. It also gets all kinds of debris such as broken glass, nails, etc… It’s not so bad going to work as it is going home on this route. The second route is a joy to ride. Traffic is slow, lots of culture, and other cyclists. It feels cycle firendly. Drivers expect you.
Wow, Jack. I don’t get to see such interesting things here in the sticks. Major health hazard. Could have hepatitis. Some kid could pick it up.
Would be pretty hardcore if you got a puncture from a used hypodermic.
It is a good thing the needles were not attached to anyone. You should keep your eye open to the possibility of the needles attached to people laying in the gutter.
That’s really a coincidence. I spotted a couple of capped needles on the side of the road myself the other day. Thought it was odd, but kept on going.
The annual Boca Bike Club’s Frank Stark ride was this weekend.
http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/2009/07/13/boca-raton-bike-club-ride-honors-frank-stark/
It was a great ride with one exception: one of the cyclists, who had a green light, was involved in a crash with a woman who witnesses said turned in front of him.
He underwent surgery for multiple facial fractures and will be eating through a straw for at least six weeks. The driver, an elderly woman, received several citations.
Just goes to show that y0u can be doing everything right: be in a well-organized group ride, be following all the rules of the road, be wearing an H-word and all of a sudden bad things happen.
Cycling isn’t dangerous, but it’s a good idea to remember that we don’t have airbags, seatbelts or safety glass to protect us. OUR crumple zone starts at our nose.
Y’all be safe out there.
On the commute home, I have a down hill that gets me going pretty fast. It’s exiting but I have to be “very” aware of the road conditions. If I hit a pothole, even a small one, it’s going to send me flying head first. I also gotta watch for the cars that decide to stop suddenly or make the turn to the freeway or just a u-turn. Kill the momentum but will kill me if I crash into them at max speed.
reason number 15 on why i have fenders… is that a puddle of water or a liquid narcotic….
It would be one thing to get a puncture from those needles, but it would be something else entirely to fall onto an uncapped needle. Not only hepititis, but any number of other nasties including HIV-AIDS