Drivers, cyclists must learn to coexist
Cyclists and drivers have been at odds lately. Here are some of the reasons for this acrimonious relationship:
Drivers see cyclists riding without a helmet. Regardless of one’s opinion on the effectiveness of a certified bike helmet, the law is very clear: They must be worn. Motor-vehicle drivers can get upset when they see a lack of enforcement of the helmet law. If a driver with an unfastened seatbelt dangling out the widow of the vehicle were to be observed by the police, a traffic ticket would certainly be issued. The fine for not wearing a seatbelt is far greater than the fine for not wearing a helmet. Maybe it is time to increase the fine assessed for no bike-helmet use. It might motivate the police to be more judicious about the infraction. While we are on the subject, why are helmets not required on paved municipal trail systems?
Cyclists are often ignored by drivers. Many drivers do not check their shoulder before changing lanes, turning, and pulling on and off the road. A bike crash at low speed can be devastating for the rider. It is particularly galling because the bike rider in the above circumstances always has the right of way when proceeding straight through. All motor-vehicle drivers must do a shoulder check before moving laterally for any reason. The driver can only be exonerated if the cyclists hits the rear of a motor vehicle in these circumstances. Cyclists are upset by drivers not looking for them in the traffic system. Bright reflective clothing is worn by many serious riders for this reason.
Drivers do not expect to encounter bikes on the sidewalk. Nor do pedestrians! The traffic system works well when there is relative predictability of directional movement. Cyclists are confined to specific corridors. Motor vehicles are treated the same way. There should be very severe penalties for cyclists riding on sidewalks or against one-way traffic on the road.
Drivers should be very careful when opening their door. Bike riders will often be squeezed close to a parked car by oncoming traffic on a narrow street. The fine for opening the vehicle door when unsafe is $81 (sec. 203 (1)) and two penalty points. It is the only time in city traffic that a vehicle hits another and is not at fault. It is solely the driver’s responsibility to open the door safely. The small fine and minute penalty-point total is nothing compared to the serious and sometimes life-threatening crash experienced by the cyclist in this situation.
Drivers are not accustomed to looking intently in both directions for a bike on a one-way street. They do look for pedestrians. The counter-intuitive two-way bike lane on a one-way street has fooled more than one driver exiting a business or residence onto such a street. Bikes coming at a fast speed will often surprise an unsuspecting driver. Drivers are obliged to stop completely before exiting a back lane, driveway or parking lot. They must stop prior to the marked or natural unmarked path of a pedestrian. Cyclists are also guilty of violating this very simple rule. The rule is seldom enforced.
Drivers pay fines for all sorts of indiscretions. Cyclists seldom pay the same price. The price they pay often involves serious injury and death. The cyclist always loses when a motor vehicle crashes into a cyclist, or vice versa.
Tragedy can be avoided by both groups being more attentive. Drivers should be looking for cyclists and making their intentions very clear by signalling well in advance of a direction change. Cyclists should do the same. Staying out of a driver’s blind spot is good advice for cyclists.
Steve Wallace is the owner of Wallace Driving School on Vancouver Island. He is a former vice-president of the Driving Schools association of the Americas, a registered B.C. teacher and a University of Manitoba graduate.