Motorists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians - and Motorcyclists

In the headlines earlier this week a bicyclist was charged after being involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. While I hope other cyclists get the message, I expect many won’t.

The cyclist was riding on the sidewalk, and was charged with disobeying a City by-law that prohibits anyone over the age of 10 years from doing so.

Some cyclists have posted comments previously telling of the fear they have of riding on many of our busier streets, and describing near-misses they have experienced. As a cyclist myself, I understand.

Still, riding on the sidewalk is not the answer.

As an aside: bicycle trails and designated lanes would help, but cannot be put in place quickly. As well, I think the City missed the bus (pardon the pun) by conveying abandoned laneways to property owners over the years, rather than converting these to bike/walking trails. But, it's too late for that now.

Motorists are not expecting bicycles to be zipping along the sidewalk, and unfortunately many inconsiderate riders do just that. I have been very nearly knocked down by cyclists weaving through the pedestrians along Queen Street sidewalks.

Sidewalks are for pedestrians (hence the use of the word “walk”). Of course, pedestrians still must be vigilant, watching for both errant bicycle riders and inattentive motorists. I have almost been hit by motorists who, in turning from a side street onto Queen, were looking only in the direction other vehicles would be coming from, and not checking the sidewalk for pedestrians.

Another problem is that some cyclists disobey the rules of the road when they do ride on the street. From riding in the wrong direction to disobeying traffic signs and signals, these cyclists put themselves and others at risk.

How do they put others at risk? Motorists who suddenly have a bicycle cross in front of them – whether the cyclist has disregarded a traffic sign or merely crossed diagonally across a roadway – may have to brake or swerve to avoid a collision, and may in fact become involved in a collision with another vehicle instead.

One other habit some cyclists have that irks me is riding along between stopped cars and the curb at a red light. Not only is this incredibly unsafe – what if a motorists doesn’t see the cyclist and begins a right turn, or even just edges closer to the curb when traffic resumes? – it is illegal. Just because your bike fits, doesn’t mean you are free to jump to the head of the line.

To be fair, there are many considerate cyclists who do obey the rules of the road. Unfortunately, all cyclists end up getting tarred with the same brush.

However, there are many motorists who also disregard the basic rules of the road, and have trouble sharing the road with other motorists, let alone bicyclists.

I have written several columns describing a litany of bad habits exhibited by drivers; disregarding traffic lights, inattentiveness, speeding, etc.

The fact is that we all – motorists, cyclists and pedestrians – need to actively share the road with each other.

Other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians may be inattentive, or may have their attention directed toward another inattentive motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian whom they are trying to avoid themselves.

With that in mind, I’d like to close by reminding readers that there are many activities that are distracting and, while perhaps not illegal – yet – should be avoided, like talking, or sending text messages, on cell phones, or listening to iPods or other mp3 players with headphones while driving or riding a bike.

I would even suggest to pedestrians that if you are going to listen to music through headphones, then be extra careful while walking. You may need to check over your shoulder more frequently, as you wont be able to hear vehicles (or bicycles) approaching from behind.

The Highway Traffic Act – as well as various regulations and by-laws – set out the “rules of the road” which we should all follow.

What is also required is good sense (I refuse to say “common sense,” as it does not seem all that common). Even if you believe yourself to be a better driver than most, you need to remember that the other drivers are, by your own definition, not so good.

In too many cases “accidents” could have been avoided, if only those involved had exercised better sense. Sharing the road is a responsibility we all ought to take very seriously.

But… that’s just my opinion.

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I received this in an e-mail today, from a friend in Indiana who is a former "biker chick." I thought it was very apropos of today's discussion.

THE BIKER

I saw you; hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line. But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection outside the store as I walked in.

I saw you; pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk. But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you; change your mind about going into the restaurant. But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you; roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by. But, you didn't see me, riding behind you when you flick ed your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you; frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you; stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you; roll your eyes at our leather jackets and gloves. But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old ones to those that had none.

I saw you; look in fright at my tattoos. But, you didn't see me, cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you; change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.

I saw you; complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you; yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you; reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you; race down the road in the rain.
But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you; run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.

I saw you; cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, leave the road.

I saw you; waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you; go home to your family. But, you didn't see me.

Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family.

But, you didn't see me.