Some of us have seen this article before. Either way it is worth paying attention to again.

What it illustrates is that we make assumptions all the time. We are wired that way. Our brain creates gaps in perception to free up space. We don’t notice the blanks because we fill them in. The problem is that these filled in blanks are sometime simply not true. Ultimately we make an assumption. A statement of sorts.

We assume a truth and do not consider for a moment that this might not accurately represent the situation. By stating “the road is clear” we must, on some level have asked “is the road clear?” However few of us consider that question. “Is it really clear?”

Actually we should be asking questions. Of our own reality and how others perceive theirs.

What a strange assumption to think that our “reality” is true for others too.

Without drifting too far from the cycling theme we could argue that the “gap” we require to navigate a given road safely may have completely different dimensions to that perceived by a driver.

Maybe instead of the statement: “The roads are unsafe”

We should rather ask: “How can we make roads safer”

Even better still: “What can I do to make my ride safer and more pleasant for all concerned”

That is taking responsibility and therein power.