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Yes, those bicycle riders can be annoying, even dangerous, as they weave willy-nilly from road to sidewalk, dart past pedestrians, twist and turn through traffic, run red lights and never give so much as a hint of their next move.
“Turn signals?” you can almost hear them say, “we don’t need no stinkin’ turn signals!”
And make no mistake, those particular people are breaking the law. They deserve scant respect from motorists because they show none.
But …
Bicyclists have every right to the road as macho drivers perched high in their Humvees, staid motorists cruising in their classy Cads and the eco-proud preppy in a Prius.
As spring warms April, Earth Day arrives today and the Cherry Blossom Festival blossoms in Kirby Park this weekend, it is well worth reminding cyclists and motorists alike: Under Pennsylvania state law, a person riding a bicycle is operating a vehicle. Being above the handlebars or behind the wheel imparts the same legal status.
Not only can bicyclists ride on the road, they are supposed to – unless explicitly banned by law, as on interstates in Pennsylvania. And just like any driver of motorized transportation, bicyclists must follow all the rules of the road and are entitled to all the courtesies from other vehicle operators.
Cyclists and motorists need not and should not be adversaries. Peaceful co-existence and mutual respect can make mixing the two seem seamless.
Which, frankly, means everybody must follow the rules. Shame on angry auto occupants who honk at the slightest hang-up, roll through red lights rather than stopping before turning right and otherwise flaunt legal mandate and human decency simply because they feel empowered while cocooned in a ton of metal effortlessly moved with a press of a pedal.
Seriously, is the red-light runner who crosses double-yellow lines and barely slows for a stop sign any less insensitive than the obnoxious cyclist startling pedestrians by racing along a downtown sidewalk?
Yet there is one difference, and it’s not small.
The cyclist who causes an accident – particularly with a car – puts himself or herself at risk at least as much, and usually far more, than anyone else involved.
The motorist who causes an accident – particularly with a bicycle – can often walk away, bones intact even when the car isn’t.
While it’s true that courtesy runs both ways equally, the consequences do not.
So as the days grow longer and cyclists more ubiquitous, keep a few things in mind. Cyclists are required to ride as far to the right of the roadway as practicable, not as far as possible. Drivers are required to leave 4 feet between car and bike when passing.
And everyone you see on the road is a person just like you and those you love.