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The Co-Existence of Motorists and Bicyclists
No, this isn't a Jack Kerouac stream-of-consciousness look at road trips. But with Canada and the US. observing vehicle-related awareness campaigns this month, it's a good time to discuss safety among the denizens of the road.
Can't We All Just Get Along?
The roads are long but they're also narrow. And, while I give bicyclists the widest possible berth when I'm behind the wheel, I sometimes feel that the two-wheeled roadster is arrogant and greedy when sharing the roads. Of course, when I'm on the other side of that situation, I've felt that motorists feel like the road is theirs and theirs alone and that they lack respect for the bicyclist.
I'm sure I'm not the only person on the continent with these attitudes. This is a good time of the year to consider our attitudes. In the US, the League of American Bicyclists has designated May 12 to May 16 as Bike-to-Work Week. Canada Safety Council's has declared May 16 to May 22 as National Road Safety Week. With more bicyclists commuting to work, here's some advice to share with your workers on how everyone - motorists and bicyclists - can get along and share the road.
The 4 Wheel Perspective: Road Sharing Safety Tips for Motorists
All drivers need to watch out for small vehicles on the road - the compact car hiding in the truck driver's blind spot, the bicycle courier passing on the right side at an intersection and the oncoming motorcycle. Here are a dozen reminders for drivers of trucks and other large vehicles to look out for smaller vehicles:
- Don't follow too closely. A small car can stop more quickly than a large truck, which creates the risk of your truck hitting a smaller vehicle;
- Be aware of any vehicles beside or behind you. Make sure there are no small vehicles in your blind spot as you change lanes. Check for small vehicles passing on the right, especially at or near intersections.
- Be careful about judging distances based on the space between headlights and tail lights on another vehicle. What appears to be a larger vehicle farther away could actually be a small vehicle quite close to you.
- Never assume a "one-eyed" vehicle is a motorcycle; it could be a car with a burned out headlight.
- Bicycles are difficult to see at night and it's difficult to determine your distance from a bicycle based on the bike's reflectors or headlights. Err on the side of safety and assume a bike is closer than you think it is.
- Show the same respect for motorcycles and bicycles as you would show other vehicles on the road. They are subject to the same laws and have the same rights.
- Use extra caution around bikes of all kinds. They may be faster and more maneuverable than larger vehicles, but their riders are far more vulnerable to injuries.
- Because bicyclists need both hands to control the bicycle, bicyclists often fail to signal for turns. So be prepared for unexpected turns. Also watch for bicyclists traveling against the traffic. It's illegal, but it happens.
- Do not crowd a bike. By keeping a safe following distance, you will help protect the rider if he has to stop or if he takes a fall.
- Two-wheeled vehicles can travel fast, so make sure you can safely pass a bike. Tap your horn lightly, but do not startle the rider. Allow plenty of space for the bike's wobbly course.
- Before you open a vehicle door, check the rear and side mirrors for bikes as well as cars.
- Be alert. A momentary distraction - fiddling with the CD player, eating, drinking, talking on the cell phone - can affect your ability to monitor and respond to any traffic event, including watching out for bicyclists on the road.
The 2 Wheel Perspective: Road Sharing Safety Tips for Bicyclists
Cycling is a popular outdoor activity for many people. Unfortunately, with the increase of cyclists has come an increase of bicycle accidents. But biking accidents can be avoided. It's a matter of knowing your bike, the rules of the road and the potential hazards associated with cycling. Here are 6 pointers:
- Learn the traffic safety rules and guidelines. And abide by them! In many cases, bicyclists involved in accidents either did not know or had a disregard for normal traffic rules and regulations, but the bicycle is a vehicle and has the same rights and responsibilities as any other vehicle on the road.
- If you haven't ridden a bike for a while or if you're teaching your child how to ride, learn how to ride it properly away from the traffic. Try a school yard or an empty parking lot. It's also a good idea to enroll in a reputable cycling safety course.
- In many vehicle/bicycle accidents, motorists say they didn't see the cyclist until it was too late. Increase your visibility by using safety flags and reflective devices.
- Select a bicycle that is the right size for you. (And parents, don't buy bikes your kids will grow into.) Fatal accidents often occur as a result of loss of control. A bike that is too large or too small is uncomfortable and will be difficult to control.
- Don't be a road hog. When riding as a group, always ride in single file, never side-by-side. Don't carry passengers on your bike or hitch a ride by holding onto a motor vehicle.
- Always wear a helmet! To minimize possible head injury, choose a safety-approved bike helmet and make sure it fits properly.
Conclusion
If you're a motorist, remember to watch out for motorcycles and bikes. They're undersized and often overlooked. If you're a cyclist, take the time to learn how to efficiently operate the bicycle and prevent accidents. Remember: in a collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle, the bicycle always loses!
COMMUTING BY BIKE
Why and How Employers Can Encourage It
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| Employee Parking Lot of the Future? |
According to the League of American Bicyclists, there are many reasons why employers should encourage workers to commute by bicycle. For example:
- It costs employees less money to operate a bike than a car
- Bikes are more reliable than transit
- Biking to work can reduce employees' stress
- Biking to work is a healthy activity
- Healthy employees are more productive employees
- Healthy employees are more alert employees
- Healthy employees take less sick time
- Healthy employees can reduce your health insurance costs
If you want to encourage bicycle commuting among your workers, there are a few things employers can do:
- Provide showers and changing rooms for cycling commuters
- If that's not possible, arrange with a local health club for your workers to use their shower and changing room facilities
- Allow cycling commuters to dress more casually at work
- Provide indoor, secure storage space for bike parking (ideally, on the ground floor)
- If that's not possible, provide bike lockers or covered bike racks outdoors
- Appoint someone to coordinate local bike route maps
- Bring in a trainer to provide cycling education for employees
- Team up with a local bike retailer to offer your workers discounts on bicycle purchases or bike maintenance clinics
- Form a company bike club or race team
For more information about Bike-to-Work week, visit the League of American Bicyclists.
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