Safety and Education Committee Report
Problems Grow
Nobody owns the road and we all must make accommodations for the other users. As bicycle riders we have the same rights as motor vehicles (but different needs). Being visible and (predictably) obeying the law prevents conflict in most cases.
As the operator of the most vulnerable vehicle on the road a bicyclist is often the target of abusive drivers. Some (ignorant) drivers feel we have no right to use their road, others want to get us back for the inconvenience we have caused them, and a few are just bullies. Sometimes these people attack bicyclists with their vehicles by passing too closely or cutting them off. On other occasions objects are thrown from their vehicles. When bikes and larger vehicles collide bicyclists always lose and thrown missiles can do a lot of damage.
Problems grow until they are resolved. The person blasting you with his horn today will crowd you (or another cyclist) off the road tomorrow and those yelling escalate to throwing things. A road rage incident is the eventual result. Most cyclists have been attacked (more than once) and know many other victims of deliberate incidents. One of our club members had an apple shatter her kneecap and many others have sustained injury from thrown objects. Nobody likes a tattle tale but in order to protect ourselves we must take a zero tolerance position regarding such incidents. In these situations my only objective is to identify the person causing the problem. I will not reward these people with my anger; for the man that controls your temper also controls you. Holding these people accountable for their actions is the nicest thing to do and I just want to be a nice guy. Ignoring these problems makes us enablers that must share the blame when things escalate into something worse.
Catching (or even identifying) a missile launcher is nearly impossible but the road hogs frequently are looking for a confrontation. These individuals are seeking acknowledgement (of their importance); we should help by showing them how much we care. Whenever I encounter these situations; I say (to myself), “I’ll be sure to mention this to my friends” (and I do). Hopefully you’ll choose the right friends (the police) and do the same. Law enforcement has adopted a “three strikes” program to handle this problem. Any motorist with three reported incidents (same town) will be prosecuted. The BWANH is starting a master list to make this a statewide program. Anything not in writing isn’t true; an e-mail of the facts (police, BWANH) will remove all doubt. If at all possible use your cell phone’s camera to document the incident.
My 3 Feet Please shirt has generated many favorable comments (and a lot of questions). When explaining this law; I also give out a Road Hog brochure (if possible).
Bill Fisk - Safety and Education
Safety and Education Coordinator
Archive Safety Articles
Which Foot Down?
Preparing For Rain
Stopping in the Roadway
Encountering Animals
Why I Commute by Bike
Save Time Commuting by Bike
Your Bike and Knee
You Can be Too Far Right
Wrong Way Cyclists
Choosing the Right Tire
Don't Scare the Slow Guy
Using Your Front Brake
How Safe is Bicycling?
How Safe is Your Helmet?
Making Left Turns
Where on the Road Do You Belong?
Rumble strips on the Shoulder
Safer Without Helmet?
Impaired Drivers
Take Your Body to its Limits
HB-1203
Protecting your Bike
Helmet Mounted Headlights
Tire Pressure
My Helmet is White
Does Your Bike Have Lights?
Be Careful Who You Trust
Law Enforcement
See and be Seen
Thanks Ray LaHood
Beware the Silent Car