Tis the Season - Drivers Take Note!

The flowers are in full bloom; the leaves on the trees have sprouted; the birds are gleefully singing; the cyclists are out on the street. These are all signs that summer is right around the corner. This also means that we need to treat our surroundings with respect, whether it is nature or cyclists.

I am fortunate to live in an area where it is common to see cyclists sharing the roads with the gas-guzzling automobiles. When I ride along the streets here, I am given a sense of false security because I'm not the only one, I'm not the rare bird that causes rubbernecking. Unfortunately, there is always the story that injects a good dose of reality which illustrates that the roads aren't ever going to be 100% safe for cyclists.

Just a few days ago, a terrible accident took place in Matamoros, Mexico -- a place where there is no cold season for cyclists to hibernate, mind you. A family bicycle tour, with a police escort, came to a tragic end when a drunk driver barreled into a large group of cyclists after blatantly passing the police car. The result (so far) is that a young man is dead, and many more are critically injured.



If you think that cyclists getting hit is a rare event, just start googling. Accident reports are everywhere, and most of them don't involve drunk drivers. Just last month, a Michigan man was killed in a two-day bike tour in Ohio (another escorted event).

Now, I know that some people who choose to ride their bikes make bad decisions (like not wearing helmets, wearing iPods when riding, talking on the cell phone). The chances of them getting into trouble are surely increased. But what about the rest of us???

Now, if I can get any message out about this, it is to PLEASE be respectful of cyclists on the road! It's not going to do any good by yelling at us just because you have to slow down for a few seconds to get around us -- we won't get off the road because of your tone, your finger or your horn. Yes, we are often slower than cars, but we are considered moving vehicles and have the legal right to share the road with you. Consider us like slow motorcycles and PLEASE GIVE US SOME SPACE. We're out to enjoy our day, just like you, and it would be most appreciated if you give us the courtesy to live to tell about it.

Many thanks from me and every other cyclist you pass by.