Cyclists Motorists Sharing Road
Just why is it so difficult for motorists and cyclists to share the road? We did, after all, cover the basic concept of sharing in kindergarten. In those happier times the consequences for not sharing were immediate and consistent: can't share the toy? It's taken away.Now, however, the consequences are less consistent..but more deadly. Quite often we get away with me-first behavior, whether it's cycling out in front of oncoming motor traffic to "force them to slow down" or honking loudly "just to let them know I'm there."But just when we least expect it, tragedy strikes. Human lives are ended. Bodies are traumatized. Property is damaged.Whose fault is it-the motorists or the cyclists? It depends on the situation. Assigning a kind of general blame to one side or the other creates artificial boundaries. After all, don't many motorists also own bicycles? And don't most cyclists ride in cars occasionally, at least as a passenger?Just like in kindergarten, knowing the rules is the first step. Your particular brand of logic may seem so obvious to you that you assume it's law, but that's about as realistic as assuming everyone likes their coffee served up the same way.For example, motorists have been heard to say things like, "If cyclists can't keep up with traffic, they shouldn't be on the road!" That may make sense to them, but it's in direct opposition with the law. Cyclists are not only *allowed* to use the road, they are *supposed* to. If more motorists were aware of that law, perhaps they wouldn't lose their cool when they encounter cyclists "blocking their way."It goes the other way, too. Some cyclists express the attitude that since they are "saving the environment" and "not being lazy," cars "should" always give them the right of way. Or, they see every infraction on the part of a motorist as deliberate, without considering that a motorist might simply be unable to see them in poor light.In most cities, cyclists must follow an uneasy blend of rules; they sometimes behave as cyclists and sometimes follow vehicle rules, depending on the situation. Confusion arises when they abruptly switch from one set of rules to the other, at their own whim. For example, say a cyclist is cruising along in the bike lane to the right of a car. That cyclist is considered a vehicle, not a pedestrian. Then, they both come to a red stoplight with a green pedestrian crossing signal. Can the cyclist suddenly decide to be a pedestrian so they can continue straight, according to the green signal? Uh-oh...the car makes a legal right on red and crashes into them. Confusion and inconsistency are a recipe for disaster.The ideal relationship between cyclists and motorists is one of mutual respect. It helps if the cyclists temper their respect with a healthy dose of fear-and the motorists with active concern! In a collision or accident between a cyclist and a motorist, no matter whose fault it is, the cyclist is most likely to be injured. Do you really want to be responsible for altering the life of another person, through inattention or ignorance?*Rules of the road*Cyclists, play it safe:1. Cars are a lot easier to see in poor light than bicycles are. Even if you see the car coming and you have the right of way, don't assume that they see you.2. Make eye contact before crossing in front of a vehicle at a stop sign, especially when they are turning right and looking left.3. Wear reflective gear, a helmet, and use your headlight.Motorists, pay it forward:1. Look in the direction you're turning before turning, even if it was clear a moment ago.2. Don't yell or honk to attract cyclists' attention. You could startle them and cause them to swerve or crash.3. Wave or make eye contact to indicate you're giving a cyclist right of way. If you just lurk near them, they can't tell if you see them or are planning on turning into them.Things really haven't changed that much since kindergarten. The golden rule still applies. If we take the trouble to learn the rules and follow them, we might just all get along...and more importantly, avoid needless tragedy. Whether your steed of choice has four wheels or two, share the road and stay safe.
