Some may say this is just road etiquette, some call it
kindness. I say it is a simple way to respect each other. I know drivers and
cyclists are perceived as arch enemies, but as Christmas approaches and
everyone is talking about the season of sharing and caring, let’s be mindful of
our everyday actions and the ripples they may cause.
1.
Right of Way
a.
If you are a driver and you see a cyclist
getting close to an intersection, don’t cut in front of them. Instead wave, say
“hello” and let them continue their momentum. It is much harder for a cyclist
to start at a light than an automobile, and even worse if there is a grade.
b.
If you are a cyclist and you are approaching a
stop sign or red light, stop. Put your foot down. Don’t be “that guy” or “that girl” who is irritating or hazardous to drivers and don’t give
the rest of us a bad name by disobeying traffic rules. Shame on you.
2.
Pedestrian crossing
a.
If you are a pedestrian do not jaywalk in front
of a cyclist. They may be going speeds you can’t even fathom on two wheels.
Getting hit by a bicycle at 20+ mph is not pretty, for the pedestrian nor the
cyclist. The cyclist could suffer life changing injuries but will have his head
protected by a helmet. The pedestrian, on the other hand, will have no
protection and will end up with unwanted tattoos that resemble tread marks in
conspicuous locations.
b.
If you are on your bike and you see a crowd of
people crossing ahead or sharing the path, stop and wait or get off and walk
your bike. Keep everyone safe. Besides, flesh and blood do not look appealing
on that magnificent piece of machinery.
3.
Bike lanes and parked cars
a.
Drivers should always be aware of their
surroundings and must be certain the path they are about to swing their car
door into is clear of any moving traffic, be it cyclists, another car, a dog
walker, or a skateboarder. There are no excuses for opening your door in the
path of a cyclist. NONE. (This happened to me and I was one of the lucky ones.
I walked away with minor injuries)
b.
Cyclists, on the other hand, have every right to
take a lane and ride far enough away from parked vehicles so as not to be in
the path of car doors. Do yourself and the vehicle operator a favor, take the
lane. It also gives you more time to react if they start to pull out. At that
point yell as loud as you can so they hear you. I tend to yell “WHOA!”, or
“STOP!” with a trailing “you F**@%# Idiot” inaudible to the driver or the
masses.
4. Bike trails and multi-use paths
These are the worst. I ended up
with nine stitches in my chin on crowded a bike path.
a.
A high number of oblivious riders, undisciplined
children on bikes, and people with small dogs on long leashes flock to these
designated recreational areas. I don’t know what to say to each of them except
parents manage your kids, owners manage your dogs, and newbies manage your
bikes.
i.
Don’t stop in the middle of the path
ii.
Don’t park your bike, or your kid’s bike, on the
path
iii.
Shorten Fido’s leash so it doesn’t become a
booby trap resulting in a tangled mess of fur and spokes.
iv.
Don’t ride side by side on the narrow part of
the path, especially if there are others approaching.
b.
As for experienced cyclists on these paths, why?
Just kidding. I know they are nice, long routes away from traffic. Just be
aware of who you are sharing the path with and be cautious of hazards, be they
little dogs or little people.
5.
Lastly, Riding in the Dark.
a.
Don’t wait till the holidays to light yourself
up like a Christmas Tree. The moral of the story is to See and Be Seen.
I wish you joyful cycling all year long.
Peace!
#seeandbeseen #treadmarktattoo #everydaycyclingripples #joyfulcycling #bikeetequette
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