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Motorists
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they deserve it or not, motorists tend to get a bad rap among cyclists.
But poor behavior on the part of motorists is often simply a response
to misbehavior by cyclists. Can cyclists fairly expect motorists
to respect their rights on the roads if they do not attempt to ride
predictably, signal, and adhere to traffic laws?
When educating motorists about cycling, one should approach them
with appropriate respect. Respecting motorists is the first step
in awakening them to the need to safely share the road with cyclists
and pedestrians. When cyclists or pedestrians alienate motorists,
they inspire the ill will of some of the most powerful people in
traffic. Cyclists- and cycling-minded educators- must learn to work
with motorists; not against them. Realize that motorists may not
have any experience cycling and therefore may not understand the
situations that confront bicyclists in traffic.
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learn
about important safety information. more |
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learn
the fundamentals of good bicycling. more |
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view
an extensive list of resources on the web. more |
Cautions
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When educating motorists, one should always emphasize the
benefits of sharing the road, such as safer, more inviting
streets with reduced crime, increased property value, a better
environment, and an overall enhanced quality of life. |
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Instructors in motorist education should underscore the notion
that a bicycle is not a toy but a viable means of transportation-
often the only means of transportation for many people. |
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Those educating motorists should stress that they are not
trying to force motorists off the roads or take away their
rights, but illustrate that cyclists have an equal right to
the road. The more motorists know about cycling safety, the
safer streets will be for everyone on them. |
Tools and
Skills
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Motorists should learn to look for cyclists in traffic just
as they would check for cars, especially when switching lane
position or turning or going through an intersection. They
should look for cyclists in parking lots, or exiting and entering
roadways. Motorists must always anticipate cyclists at night
and learn how to detect them. |
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The motorist must pay special attention to children on bicycles,
particularly in residential neighborhoods and in school zones,
on sidewalks, and entering or exiting driveways. Teach motorists
that kids are not small adults and therefore cannot deal with
traffic in the way that adults can. They should understand
that kids do not judge speeds or distance well, and act accordingly. |
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Explain to motorists about bike lanes and teach motorists
how to operate around them. |
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Motorists should be aware of weather conditions, how they
can affect cyclists (i.e., the windblast effect), and adjust
accordingly. |
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Drivers of motor vehicles should be aware why some bicyclists
choose to bicycle busy streets or choose to bike on the street
even when there may be a bike trail in the vicinity. Stress
to motorists that even if there is high traffic, cyclists
have as much right to the street as they do. |
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Teach motorists how to safely pass an individual or group
of riders on the road. Motorists should learn how to cope
with interruptions in traffic, such as cycling races and tours. |
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Explain the importance of driving predictably and obeying
traffic laws, just as motorists would expect other drivers
and cyclists to do. |
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Motorists should learn why crashes happen and what risky behavior
is, so that they can avoid and prevent future accidents. |
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Teach motorists how to communicate with cyclists, particularly
when negotiating right of way. They must make sure that a
cyclist knows they have seen him or her, through good eye
contact. |
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Explain the importance of showing common courtesy and respect
on the road. Stress using less harmful ways of venting anger
and frustration, rather than taking these feelings on a cyclist.
Drivers should learn how motorist harassment can be threatening
to cyclists and avoid it. |
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Motorists should be encouraged to look for and report impaired
cyclists. |
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Motorists should learn why people cycle, for health and fitness,
transportation, recreational fun, and the environment. Motorists
who have never cycled before should be encouraged to give
it a try. |
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