The Bikes are Back

Ah yes, it’s that wonderful time of year again. Winter layers are being shed and people are out and about soaking up this glorious sunshine. This is also the time when folks are dusting off their bicycles and getting them back on the street and this can be less than glorious. I’d like to take some time to remind all of us (drivers and cyclists alike) of some of the rules of the road. I don’t mean to sound condescending but in a town with so many cyclists (yay!) and so little room for them on the road, it’s very important that we do what we can to make riding our bikes as safe as possible.

I am a cyclist. I love my bike. Although I’m not hardcore enough to ride through the snow, I do have my bike set up on a trainer in my house during the winter months. It’s not the same but it will do. I also drive a car so I’ve been on both ends of the car/bike problem. What problem, you ask? The problem of both bikers and drivers not really knowing what is right and wrong when it comes to sharing the road.

Two days ago I was waiting at the corner of Sydenham St. and Brock (across from the Chown parking lot, next to Hotel Dieu). This is a difficult corner because Brock does not have a stop sign so cars, cyclists and pedestrians must be very careful when turning onto Brock. A Queen’s student (he had an ArtSci jacket on) was waiting at the corner on my right hand side. I had no idea what his intention was. He did not signal, his foot was resting on the sidewalk and, like I said, he was on my right. When traffic cleared, he crossed right in front of me and went left. If I hadn’t waited to see what he would do (I’m always overly cautious with cyclists around) I would have hit him since I was also making a left hand turn.

Here’s what I ask. Cyclists (myself included): when you are riding on the road (the only place you should be riding other than paths), you have to act like a car. If you plan to turn left, get into the left turning lane and wait like everyone else. Stop at red lights and stop signs and please, please use your signals!! I won’t tell you to wear a helmet because I know the law doesn’t enforce this, but I highly recommend it.

Cars: Cyclists have as much right to the road as you. If someone is riding their bike in the middle of a lane, chances are they have no other option due to to parked cars or maybe they intend to turn soon (again, hopefully they will use a signal to let you know). If a cyclist is as far over as possible, you are allowed to pass them (check that blind spot first!!). Last summer I was riding along the right hand side of the road and the car behind me refused to pass although she had plenty of room. This lead to lots of honking and eventually a person passing her in the oncoming traffic lane. This is not safe, people. Please, go around me. I promise not to jump out in front of you suddenly.

It’s unfortunate that there is no license required to ride a bike in the city but because of this, we all need to take responsibility for our actions on the road. So many accidents can be prevented if we just follow a few simple rules, have patience with each other and respect each other’s right to be there.