A wake-up call to cyclists!
Monday, May 18, 2009
This is a response to Vernon Huffman’s letter to the editor that was published last week. I am a bicyclist and I agree with him, but there are also a large number of cyclists that need to be more aware and less dangerous while out and about.
I know how bad drivers can be when paying attention to cyclists- I have been in two accidents with automobiles. Both times I was following the rules of the road while they messed up and were not paying attention.
I pay very close attention to obeying the laws while cycling, and it bothers me when people put cyclists down for being “crazy.” I know a huge number of cyclists who are very responsible and follow the rules. But I also understand where the crazies come from. All too often, I see cyclists disobeying rules of the road, and being too sporadic. The worst I see is cyclists merging or turning without any kind of signaling or without looking, sometimes right in front of cars which happen to have drivers paying enough attention and stop in time.
It’s so important that we, as cyclists, try our best to obey the laws. No matter how much I wish automobiles would be more aware around cyclists, I know there will always be those people who are not paying attention. Anything you can do to make yourself safer is important.
The most important idea to me, whether you are bicycling or driving a car, is to operate defensively. Always check before you make a turn, also make sure you signal when doing so. Make sure you are on the correct side of the road; cars are even less likely to be paying attention if you are coming from the wrong direction. Make sure you obey traffic signs, signals, and laws.
It’s also important to wear the correct gear. Make sure you have lights and reflectors so cars can actually see you during the nighttime. Wear a helmet when riding, because as I said earlier, I don’t think cars will ever pay enough attention and you must do everything you can to protect yourself.
I agree with Huffman that cars should be way more aware around bicyclists, but I think it is very important that we do everything we can to protect ourselves.
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