Columnists
Ride or Die
Here’s a topic I haven’t raved-on about for a while. Cyclists. Not motorcyclists. Bicyclists. It’s time to bring up some of the things cyclists (I’m a cyclist) can do to protect themselves and show respect for others. It’s not rocket science. It’s common sense science.
First of all, if you really care about yourself and the people who love you, wear a helmet. For those of you who are new to The Times, I have a story about wearing a helmet. In 2011, I was in a cycling event—some would have called it a race. The course was 50 kilometres in length and the purpose was to raise funds for a charity. It was my second time on the course and, with the help of dozens of local folks, a lot of money was raised for the cause. Being a competitive person (I wanted a better time than the year before) I took off in the last 8 kms of the “ride” to cut that time and was accidentally hit broadside by another cyclist. Long story short, a lot of broken bones, an ambulance trip to hospital and an orthopaedic specialist telling me I was saved from a life-threatening injury by my helmet. Indeed, the first clunk I heard before I passed out was the brain-bucket hitting the road. Although wearing a helmet was mandatory for the race, there were quite a few cyclists who removed theirs after they cleared the starting line. Helmets save lives.
Secondly, if you’re the kind of person who thinks it’s okay to cycle on sidewalks, you’re a menace to everyone who is walking on the sidewalk. A very good friend told me he cycled on the sidewalk because he was afraid of riding on the road. I had absolutely no empathy/sympathy for his fear of the road. I suggested if he were afraid of cycling on the road then he should consider selling his bicycle or riding on the Millennium Trail or just put his bike away and walk. And, as far as that goes, if your kid is too young to cycle on the road, the sidewalk isn’t a good alternative unless you’ve taught your kiddo to be completely aware and respectful of pedestrians. If you haven’t taught your youngster about respect and cycling safety, just leave the bike at home. That goes for scooters and skateboards, too. Take your kiddos to the skate park.
Thirdly, while cycling on the road for goodness sake wear some bright clothing and invest in a flashing light—front and back—on either your clothing or affixed to your bicycle. Drivers can’t see you if you’re wearing camouflage or black or brown or pale grey or sky blue. Get yourself some ugly, bright orange (or other revolting neon colour) and make sure there are reflective patches on your gear. Invest in a safety vest or adhesive, reflective strips for your helmet, jacket or T-shirt. Don’t be afraid to install a side view mirror, they’re very helpful when attempting a turn. And then?
Well, and then, if you didn’t know, there really and truly are things you are legally bound to do as a cyclist. By law in Ontario you are required to have a bell or horn on your bicycle along with those lights and reflectors. As a cyclist you are required to abide by the rules of the road, oh yes you are, which means stopping at stop signs, signalling your intention to stop or turn, not cycling on 400 series highways, not cylcing in pedestrian crossovers, not cycling in a crosswalk at any intersection or location with traffic signals and not cycling on the sidewalk. If you are cycling and need to cross the road in a crossover or crosswalk, you must dismount and walk yourself and your vehicle through. Yes, I wrote “vehicle” because that’s what a bicycle is. You must cycle with the traffic not facing traffic. Riding single file is a must. Cycling under the influence is against the law. Cycling distracted is also against the law (yep, I’ve seen people cycling and texting). And, yes indeed, you could be ticketed for traffic/road offences even if you’re on a bicycle!
Finally, if there’s a bike lane available, use it. Don’t ride herd. Know the hand signals and use them wherever appropriate. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy before heading out. Cycling isn’t a fashion event—dress for comfort and safety. Have fun. Be respectful. See you out there!
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