ROAD RULES FOR DRIVERS, CYCLISTS,
Across Canada we’ve witnessed some nasty clashes between cyclists and motorists. Hamilton, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Edmont on — it doesn’t matter where.
And I get it. In fact, I totally understand it, because I’m both a daily driver and frequent cyclist. I’ve seen the enemy and the venomous anger that erupts from the steering wheel or handlebars; I have even been hit by a pickup while riding. I can say with certainty — despite what cyclists might believe — neither side is morally superior. In an attempt to calm the asphalt seas, we offer this simple list of rules for drivers and cyclists.
RULES FOR DRIVERS
When you see a cyclist, slow down and give them room. You do not own the road any more than the cyclist does. Especially on secondary highways, if you’re able to move into the oncoming lane to pass a cyclist, do it. In the city, give riders at least a metre between you and the bike.
Never assume a cyclist will obey the rules. Even though they should and are legally required to do so, many cyclists don’t. Sure, good ones do, but rule breakers abound, and police aren’t eager to enforce. Yes, some cyclists might flagrantly jump lights, blow stop signs or speed on narrow paths, but you’re never going to fix that.
Be alert at intersections and when changing lanes. Intersections are where the majority of car- versus- bike collisions occur because cyclists can’t always be seen, there’s a lot going on, and some might be acting like a two-wheeled pedestrian. Try to make eye contact with the rider. It’s your job as a driver to be on watch for cyclists, especially when turning or changing lanes, when they might be in your blind spot.
After y ou’ ve parallel parked, never open your vehicle door until you’ve checked your side- view mirror. If you see a cyclist coming, wait until he or she passes. If you don’t look, you can easily take out a rider who is zooming past.
When backing out onto a street, be aware that parked cars can obscure your view of speeding cyclists. Sure, you’ve looked both ways for cars, but take a second and third look for pedestrians and cyclists.
RULES FOR CYCLISTS
Never assume you have more right to use the road. In the same way drivers should never assume they own the road, neither should you. Just because you’re on a bike does not give you additional rights or superiority, moral or otherwise.
Look for the eyes and do not assume that you’ve been seen. Any time you’re riding in traffic, keep watch on drivers in their cars. Are they watching for you or check- ing their phones? Do they see you? Drive defensively, as if every car out there could potentially take you out. Being on guard will make you more aware and you can react sooner.
Expect rude behaviour. Yes, some drivers can be absolute jerks, cutting you off and not giving you space. Some will follow too closely or commit any number of heinous acts, but it’s part of moving with the herd. Imagine how good it will feel when you encounter a polite driver.
Do not ride on the sidewalk — especially going the wrong way. Drivers making right-hand turns are joining the flow of traffic. If you’re coming from the right, a driver is unlikely to expect you, as he or she will be looking left for an opening in traffic. You shouldn’t be on the sidewalk in the first place, but doing so — and travelling in the opposite way of traffic — is asking for an accident.
Use hand signals liberally. As a rider, your behaviour is already making some drivers nervous, so make your intentions clear. Crook your left hand up when making a right turn, down when slowing, and point straight left when turning left. These are your blinkers: Use them.
Do not split a l ane or overtake on the right. It’s amazing how many cyclists zip along between a row of parked cars on the right and moving traffic on the left, making progress as traffic becomes more congested. While you might feel this is a benefit of riding a bike — beating all the cars — it’s better to pass on the left of the traffic flow. Drivers making a right turn don’t expect someone to be sneaking past them like this when traffic is slow.
Never intentionally block the path of a vehicle. I’ve seen cyclists ride down the middle of the road so cars could not pass them, as a way to make some kind of point. This arrogance, this holier- than- thou attitude can easily lead to a “one less bike” scenario if a driver’s temper boils over.
Wear a helmet, use a light and be seen. Riding along a street some years ago, I was hit by a truck making a left turn at an intersection. The collision knocked me off my bike and other cars almost drove over me. When I stood up, my helmet was badly broken but my head was fine. I almost expected the crash because I had tried to make eye contact with the driver and hadn’t, so perhaps I should have slowed and waited.
Avoid listening to music or fiddling with your phone when riding. Yes, some people — Darwin Award candidates — will ride their bikes with no hands on the handlebars and no helmet on their head, while listening to music and fiddling with a phone. Many cyclists listen to music, but this can make it hard to hear approaching vehicles. Don’t block them out with Stairway to Heaven — unless that’s where you want to end up.