You would think that a slight speed reduction and wide berth are obvious gestures extended to cyclists travelling on the shoulder of public roads, however in many instances this is not the case.
Myself, along with several cyclists I ride with, agree that the behaviour exhibited by drivers on roads both in and outside the city is ludicrous. It now seems a common rural practice to “barn door” or spook cyclists. This attitude seems especially prevalent on Villeneuve Road where you can’t expect to ride three inches outside the shoulder for fear of being flattened by a dually going 90 with a wide load trailer.
There is no respect given to those trying to reduce their carbon footprints through alternate transportation. Why should cyclists have to ride in fear of those who think it a practical joke to force us to the side of the road just so they can hear the noise of their unnecessary engines and laugh at our camaraderie that is tight fitting clothes.
As a final remark I say to the masses of drivers, please for safety’s sake, slow down and give cyclists some room to breathe.
Cole Forster, St. Albert
