[NOTE: There's no denying that there are a lot of clueless cyclists out there; I see 'em all the time. But I intend to post some helpful hints to motorists, that if followed, would lead to more harmony and better-quality transportation for all roadway users. PLEASE feel free to reply either favorably or less-than-favorably.]
Dear Motorist:
You roll up to a stop sign. Hopefully you come to a complete stop - that's what that big red STOP sign demands.
If you have to wait for right-of-way traffic, you can save us all - including yourself - aggravation and wasted time if you stay stopped, rather than creeping slowly into the intersection.
You see, when I'm approaching the intersection on my bicycle, the stakes are extremely high. I watch your wheels... if I see them rotating, I have to slow way down, because I don't know if you're going to drive out into my path or not. I don't even know if you see me! Many of your colleagues aren't paying attention, so I have to assume you're not. When I have to slow down, you have to wait longer.
Just keep that foot firmly planted on your power-assisted brake pedal, until it's your turn to go. Sure, it requires some effort and concentration, but nobody said it would be easy. And it's worth it!
Y'all drive careful now.
Tireless advocate for the most efficient form of
human transportation ever devised - bicycles!
2 comments:
The ONLY problem I see with this post and the idea it hopes to spread is that it probably won't spread to the very people who need to read it the most. Those who slowly creep while "stopped" are those who have no idea what cycling on today's roads entails, and very likely have no interest in it. Terribly sad, but I believe true.
Otherwise, I hear ya. Add to their frustration ours when it takes considerably more personal human effort to get a bike up and going again from a slow speed or stop than it takes to get a car up and going again.
Right on, dvicci! Absolutely correct on all counts.
I deal with "creepers" every day, on practically every ride.
I was (and will be) mostly venting, and figure I'm preachin' to the choir, for the most part. It's always good to hear an "AMEN, brutha!"
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