It's fall, at least in the northern hemisphere, and most of you are probably taking it easy this time of year. Time to recharge, and if you've been busy racing this summer, it feels great to take some time off.

I'm not going to write about cycling, running, swimming or anything you were expecting to read on my blog. I'm going to write about something we don't stop to think about.

Last Monday morning, I was commuting to work, like millions of others across our planet. We do it, because we enjoy it, and do our share to reduce the suffering our planet is experiencing from CO2 emissions. Rarely do I stop to think about how great it is to be alive. Physically active people, are not the norm. We are in a fortunate class to be healthy and to enjoy the outdoors and what our planet has to offer. But that Monday morning, a car passes me, I looked to left, and the driver was talking with a cell phone in hand, swirling across the center line. Not big deal I tell myself at first. But what if I was at the wrong place at the wrong time? I don't really want to think about that.

Then I recalled last October, Robert Brisson, a father of two, cyclist, and simply a nice person, being killed by a truck who never even stopped. Robert was just commuting back home, and that day his wife had offered to drive him, since the weather was not very good. Realities like these can hit anywhere, anytime, to anyone of us.

This is just a small post to remind ourselves to take it easy when we are on roads both as a cyclist and a driver. Especially, this time of year when the daylight hours are reduced. We don't need to be paranoid, but being aware of our surroundings especially in low visibility can hopefully help avoid some drama for us, our families and friends. If you are commuting in the evening do yourself a favor. Head to your local outdoor shop to buy a few LED lights and take it easy.