Firstly . our condolences to the families, friends involved in such a sad incident in quebec . I know what a great group it is .
It is becoming much to common and will continue to grow as there are more cyclists on the road and more cars who think they own the road. Being in the event business i am worried that the motorist rage towards cyclists is getting out of control. Many community officials do not want us on the road and tire of their citizens complaints. In lake placid their is a huge movement against the cyclists dominating the roads. When i lived their i was approached daily about it (what are you going to do). i live in boulder and the situation is getting out of control.
I try to live in reality and as much as we would like to educate the motorist and get them to look at us as equal partners , it will never happen. does not mean we do not keep working on getting communities bike friendly, but the average north american is an out of shape, in a hurry, texting, drinking , entitled person..and it is their road.
So what are we to do, those of us who love cycling.
1/ accept that they a large percentage of the motorists do not want us out their
2/ plan rides at times and locations are safe. ride at low volume traffic times
3/ avoid the busy non shouldered rides at all costs..it is not worth the risk of a texting teenager, drinker, sleeper, or enraged pick up to run you over
4/ music. if you do it , one ear piece only..you need to hear your surroundings
5/ only ride two abreast where it is safe, big shoulders, very low traffic roads
6/ stop at stop lights and stop signs..even if there is no reason..it enrages motorists more , we can't expect them to except us if we continually break the road rules
7/ don't text on your bike
Lets honor those involved in this tragedy by setting some rules of conduct and safety for all cyclists, triathletes, etc. the Quebec rules. The point being , do not trust anyone in a car when your life is a stake. It will never go away. Learn to be defensive and set yourself up to enjoy your rides..be safe, cycling is a great sport.
It is becoming much to common and will continue to grow as there are more cyclists on the road and more cars who think they own the road. Being in the event business i am worried that the motorist rage towards cyclists is getting out of control. Many community officials do not want us on the road and tire of their citizens complaints. In lake placid their is a huge movement against the cyclists dominating the roads. When i lived their i was approached daily about it (what are you going to do). i live in boulder and the situation is getting out of control.
I try to live in reality and as much as we would like to educate the motorist and get them to look at us as equal partners , it will never happen. does not mean we do not keep working on getting communities bike friendly, but the average north american is an out of shape, in a hurry, texting, drinking , entitled person..and it is their road.
So what are we to do, those of us who love cycling.
1/ accept that they a large percentage of the motorists do not want us out their
2/ plan rides at times and locations are safe. ride at low volume traffic times
3/ avoid the busy non shouldered rides at all costs..it is not worth the risk of a texting teenager, drinker, sleeper, or enraged pick up to run you over
4/ music. if you do it , one ear piece only..you need to hear your surroundings
5/ only ride two abreast where it is safe, big shoulders, very low traffic roads
6/ stop at stop lights and stop signs..even if there is no reason..it enrages motorists more , we can't expect them to except us if we continually break the road rules
7/ don't text on your bike
Lets honor those involved in this tragedy by setting some rules of conduct and safety for all cyclists, triathletes, etc. the Quebec rules. The point being , do not trust anyone in a car when your life is a stake. It will never go away. Learn to be defensive and set yourself up to enjoy your rides..be safe, cycling is a great sport.