adminI believe that this loss of life could have been avoided, so that’s why this week I thought I would share some tips that would help curb such accidents involving motorists and cyclists in future.
Appreciate cyclist vulnerability
A car weighs 2 tonnes or so, while the average bike is a mere 30kg. In any collision, any physical interaction between car and bike, the bike always loses. There is no collision where the bike rider came out less injured.
Know cyclists’ rights
Drivers sometimes have little idea of the traffic laws that apply to cyclists. Do you know that when bicycles are on the roads they are considered as vehicles?
They should follow all traffic rules, cycle on the left side of the road. The cyclists, then, are on the same level as motorists.
Cyclists on public roads have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and are subject to the same rules and regulations.
I would like to encourage drivers to look carefully for cyclists before turning left or right, merging into bicycle lanes and opening doors next to moving traffic.
Respect the right-of-way of cyclists because they are entitled to share the road with you.
Adjust that attitude
Motorists tend to think of cyclists who are on the road are “in their way”. Rather, they should think of them as equals, just as entitled to the road as they are.
Drivers who get impatient with cyclists might want to stop for a moment and think about the human life riding that bicycle.
Consider the benefits of bicycling — for drivers
“One cyclist on the road is one less car”. Cyclists don’t wear out the road, which means fewer potholes.
They also lessen traffic congestion and the big one, they do not pollute, no emission at all.
Spare them the right hook
Intersections are venues for serious car-cycle collisions. Drivers making left turns, especially, should watch out for cyclists. A cyclist may be a little behind and to the left of you, and may be planning to ride straight ahead.
If you do not signal your left turn, you could wind up hitting each other, with the point of contact somewhere on your car’s left side.
Look around — but not at your phone
Drivers who have hit cyclists almost always say the same frightening, sobering thing “I never saw him.”
If drivers only expect other cars on the road, they are setting themselves up for dangerous interactions.
A model of greater awareness can be seen in the European-style “‘roundabout”, with traffic coming from all directions and merging into a traffic circle.
According to youtube.com roundabouts require every participant’s attention, as does the more comprehensive “shared space” concept of traffic design, which uses minimal road signs, cross-walks, lights and barriers and integrates pedestrians, cars and bicycles in the same terrain.
The need for heightened interaction makes everyone safer. Everyone needs to be on the look out for other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Look before you exit your car
Cyclists are terrified of being “doored”. Imagine a cyclist cycling along next to a row of parked cars.
Suddenly, a driver flings her/his door open. The impact can send the cyclist flying, and cyclists have died as a result of such accidents.
Before you open the door, look out the side view mirror on the driver side and be sure no one is approaching.
While the driver can take a few seconds to look and stay put if a cyclist is approaching, because the approaching cyclist is probably not anticipating that the driver inside a parked car is about to open the door.
All he can do is scan for drivers who look as though they might be preparing to exit a car.
Accept that bicyclists are here to stay
Cycling is on the rise. People are taking it up for exercise or to reduce commuting costs.
It is time to make peace with them — for everyone’s safety. I know a few petrol heads are disappointed but this is a very important matter.
We all have a responsibility. The accident I witnessed made me want to do more. I was one of those drivers who used to be irritated by cyclists on our roads but after that accident I am a changed person.
Till next week, be safe and stay blessed.
Facebook: Torque with Fact Jeke.
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