What If Motorists Were As Mindful As Cyclists?
Recently, I made the following post, “What if every motorist was as mindful behind the wheel as cyclists trying to avoid them?” Now, I knew as soon as posted I was going to be flamed. Even among hard core cycling enthusiasts, most carry their bikes some place they feel safe to ride (I used to make fun of the idea). This really is how gravel biking became a thing. The very suggestion they should drive slower and In a more safe manner offends them. Don’y worry, I came well prepared.
The first thing you read about is Salmon Riders. You know, the folks who honestly believe they are safer riding against traffic. Yep, they’re wrong and we can get in to that another time, but why do you think they ride that way? Right again, they are doing their best to avoid YOU! Same with sidewalk riders, cyclists that Oregon roll lights and stop signs. This is all to say nothing of those of us that scurry like roaches through crosswalks, alleys and side streets to avoid motorists.
The fact is, U.S. motorists really don’t know the law. Even of the remarkably few people who read this blog (obviously cycling’s most intelligent), most aren’t aware that it is against the law to encroach on a crosswalk, even while attempting to make a right turn on red. Heck, a buddy of mine was told by a cop, in Milan, Ill, to ride his e-bike on the sidewalk because, ‘it is too hard for motorists to pass you without changing lanes!’ If the police don’t know the law, what chance have the rest of us?
What little law motorists know, they don’t obey. Why should they? It isn’t enforced, but when a cyclist breaks a traffic law they take their own life in their hands. When a motorist breaks a law they endanger the lives and property of others (35k deaths and $4 billion in property damage per year…that’s in The U.S. alone).
The bicycle helmet became a thing only because of out of control traffic. The odds of getting a head injury traveling 8-20mph in a fall is right up there with getting mauled by a bear, until you add speeding, motorized traffic. Even then, permanent injury is more likely in high school contact sports. Way too many don’t ride only because they do not feel safe. Proof is the number of folks that do RAGBRAI as their only significant cycling all year. Want cycling to grow? Promote safe streets.