Letter from a fellow road user
Dear Friends:
The other day I got an email from a driver who was expressing concerns about cyclist and motorist behaviors. We have all seen these sentiments expressed before and I think I know where they come from -- fear -- which in turn is often rooted in misunderstanding. This writer was expressing a common sentiment and I did appreciate the fact that this individual took the time to write -- you'll see that reflected in my reply.
Every time someone raises a concern, it is an opportunity for us to challenge misconceptions and perceptions, reframe arguments, and start to break down the barriers. To be sure, there are some motorists who will never accept that cyclists are entitled to their share of the road - and since our likelihood of convincing them of our legitimacy is unlikely I'm not interested in trying to do so.
Writers like this on the other hand are welcome and thankfully there are more of them than the latter variety. And so, we will work to convince them, and their neighbors and friends and in the process, change hearts and minds, one at a time.
Yours in safe cycling,
Eleanor
Dear Share the Road,
As I was driving along Main Street in Hamilton yesterday, I noticed your large sign "Share the Road". I think it's a great sentiment and a reminder to drivers that we not the only ones using our city's thoroughfares. HOWEVER I am bound to say that as a careful driver who is always mindful of cyclists on our streets, I am becoming increasingly annoyed by the careless disregard for the rules of the road (such as actually stopping for stop signs) that I encounter almost every day in Dundas where I live. This practice is not, I am bound to say, limited to youngsters who are trying to test their own invincibility, but is more often found with mature adults (and here I must say most often males) who really should know better. Is there any kind of 'test' requirement, education, or penalty enforcement for cyclists? I've yet to see one pulled over by a policeman for any kind of violation. And yet ... if I were to hit one of these runners of stop signs, I can guess who would take the blame.
I think perhaps an "obey the rules of the road" campaign aimed at cyclists might go a long way to an improved attitude among drivers and that would be a good thing for us all. Drivers constantly frustrated by cyclists' disregard for rules are never going to want to share the road willingly.
- a fellow road user
Thank you for writing.
Actually, the sign isn’t ours – but it’s heartening that you noticed it. I know the folks at the City of Hamilton and they are, as all municipalities are, responsible for road signage.
Our moniker – share the road – is meant to imply that all road users must share the road safely. That includes cyclists. And so I’m sorry to hear that you have run up against some cyclists who weren’t abiding by the rules of the road. Bikes are consider as vehicles under our laws and that comes with a degree of responsibility.
I will say that my husband was killed by a careless driver while riding his bike three years ago. My husband was an experienced cyclist and a police officer and he rode safely.
Some cyclists do not, and some motorists do not.
Thankfully, on each side, they are in the minority. I do think drives get annoyed when they see bikes going where they cannot – I’ve experienced this myself as I sit in traffic. Often this phenomenon can underscore part of what makes a bike so great for getting around – its easy, it’s cheap, and it’s good for your health.
And so I say to you, thank you for being a safe driver, and for being aware of cyclists because you clearly are. And for your care and attention as a driver, you are to be congratulated.
Let’s not let those in the minority spoil our enjoyment of life, and of our roads. In the spirit of sharing the roads together we will succeed in this journey to wellness, an improved environment and a better planet for our children only if we work together and lead by example.
And I would draw your attention to the fact that sharing the road safely is the law. As frustrating as it is to see others committing infractions – and I have seen officers pull bikes and cars over and ticket them – it should not, and must not prevent us from abiding by the rules and sharing the road.
When cars refuse to share the road with cyclists – for whatever reason – the results can be far more tragic. When bikes and cars collide our vulnerability clearly puts us in danger. And that is a lesson I learned all too painfully.
- Eleanor McMahon
