The madness is upon us. Spring is here and with it, the beginning of cycling season. And cycling season can only mean one thing: soon cyclists and drivers will be bickering about who are the most dangerous users of the road.
Talk to cyclists and they’ll berate the pickup-driving Neanderthal who buzzed them at 100 km/h along the Squamish Valley Road. The drivers will criticize the spandex-wearing morons who can’t seem to ride single-file.
Although most riders and drivers try to be respectful and share the road, there are few of each species who seem to have trouble understanding exactly what those rules are.
For those few, here’s a quick reminder of the laws that govern the way that cyclists and motorists should interact on the roads.
The most significant rule is that cyclists have the same rights and duties as an operator of a motor vehicle. A bike does not have less status on the road than a car, but any conflict between them obviously favours the car.
Cyclists know that and have to pay special attention to their surroundings; for them, it could be a matter of life and death.
One way that cyclists can ensure their safety is by riding sensibly. This means that cyclists need to respect traffic signals and speed zones, just like drivers. Cyclists should stop at stop signs, use turn lanes and yield when directed.
But cyclists have a right to use the road. Although they are directed to ride “as near as practicable” to the right shoulder, in Squamish sometimes that is pretty much in the middle of the road. In those cases, motor vehicle drivers need to slow down and pass only when it is safe to do so. Sometimes drivers get annoyed with riders illegally riding two and three abreast. In frustration, they can sometimes pass that group dangerously.
One problem I’ve often had while riding is drivers, trying to be kind, stopping suddenly and giving me the right-of way. I might be at a stop sign on my bike waiting for traffic to clear, when some kind-hearted soul stops and waves me on.
Although trying to be helpful, it is sometimes confusing for me as a rider and for other vehicles nearby. Just drive normally. Follow the rules of the road and trust the cyclist knows what he or she is doing.
And cyclists, when riding, think of yourself as a vehicle and move in a predictable way. Signal your turns, pay attention to the cars around you, and stop riding on sidewalks and through crosswalks. Not to be too obvious, they’re called crosswalks for a reason and riding on them, unless otherwise posted, is illegal.
If you want to cross the highway or any other road using a crosswalk, get off the bike and walk it.
Hopping on my bike and riding to work or up the valley can be a joyful thing, but it can be extremely scary, too.
If we all are a little more aware of each other and drive and ride thoughtfully, we can make it safer for everyone.
