In response to “Politeness vs. the Pedalist: biking in St. Albert is dangerous,” by Scott Hayes:
Commuting by bicycle has been a part of my life for the last 25 to 30 years. It’s a great way to get to work and fit some exercise into a busy schedule. Interaction with cars (or any type of vehicle) and their drivers is usually fine, but there are times where friction occurs ... sometimes in the physical sense.
I have been hit a few times and have had many close calls. My rule of thumb is to follow the rules of the road as much as possible. One big thing I do that has helped a lot with my safety is I keep my place in line with traffic at stop signs or traffic lights. If I am in the right lane and cars stop in front of me, I don’t pass them on the right and go to the front of the line. They are just going to have to pass me again, so what’s the point? Also, if there is a right-turn-only lane and I am going straight, I take my place in line in the left lane like a car would so the right turning cars can go without me blocking them. These two things have helped a lot with my safety.
In his article, Scott touched on the issue of cars stopping and expecting the cyclist to proceed when the car has the right of way. I consistently have cars stop for me when I am at a stop sign and they have the right of way. Some have honked and swore at me when I don’t go if it’s unsafe. If everyone in the right of way stops, I will go just to keep traffic moving, but there is always a bit of annoyance when I do. I tell myself they are just trying to be nice and I try to appreciate the kind gesture. When bikes are on the road, they are vehicles too and should be treated as such. When the traffic rules are “bent”, even with the motivation of being nice or kind, accidents are more likely to happen. Chances are, they would not stop for another car and let them go just to be kind. Hopefully drivers can understand this and treat cyclists as vehicles.
In my mind, I can hear people say, “Well, cyclists had better follow the rules too!” I agree. All vehicles: cars, trucks, buses, farm equipment, and cyclists should follow the rules of the road. When this happens, the road will be a safer place. When all follow the rules, they are predictable. Being predictable is safest.
Hopefully bikes and cars can get along on the roads. I’m sure the majority of people out there want to get along, be safe and have less stress in their life. If everyone strives to follow the rules and treats one another with kindness and dignity we can all happily travel the roads together.
Dean Anderson, St. Albert
