How To Not Be That Guy
I’m glad that there are so many more people out there on bikes getting exercise, but most of us have forgotten bicycle etiquette. Please refer to the attached graphic for proper hand signals as they are the only way a cyclist can communicate with the turbocharged Mustang that’s desperate to pass them.
I have ridden my bike on and off for the last 20 years or so and I’ve had plenty of close calls. That’s why I continue to break one of the cardinal rules of biking: don’t ride on sidewalks. It’s the only way I can assure my own survival because even though we are supposed to share the road with motor vehicles and follow the same guidelines, the motorized vehicles don’t like sharing the road. Here in Florida, the roads usually don’t have a bike lane which means sharing is essential. Too many times have there been impatient cars slowly creeping behind me on Hutchison Road waiting for the oncoming traffic to clear before they speed off like the green flag just dropped at Daytona.
Now that vehicle traffic is beginning to increase again, it seems like a good time to address this since bicycle traffic is now at an all time high.
For cyclists:
- Don’t use a phone while riding!
- Wear a helmet.
- Ride with the flow of traffic
- Keep bike maintained
- Stay as visible as possible
- Don’t be a douche, be a “roll” model
For motorists:
- Give the occupied bike lane at least a 3 foot berth when passing
- Cyclists are allowed to take up the whole lane if they choose
- 2 cyclists are allowed to ride side by side
- When making a left turn, cyclists will go to the middle or left of the lane
- Watch for road debris that the cyclist may have to avoid and give them due regard
- Pay attention for the aforementioned hand signals
- Don’t honk at the cyclist as it will startle them possibly causing an accident
- Don’t roll through stop signs or lights, there may be bikes coming through who have the right of way
- Don’t be a douche, you’re only going to be sitting in the Starbucks drive through in a few blocks anyhow
A little bit of courtesy goes a long way on both sides and both people can go on about their day without incident. In the meantime, I’m going to try to ride the roadways instead of sidewalks except for when I’m on Racetrack Road. That one should explain itself.
cheyingoglas.com
