taking notice
March 7th, 2008
In a recent letter to the local news paper, a reader / diver expressed her opinion on people who commute on bike.
The tone of the letter is reasonably positive but numerous cultural undertones can be detected:
- The belief that people predominantly commute on bike to reduce transportation cost. The idea that the bigger the vehicle the more affluent the person is, is a laughable notion at best. Prevalence of such a mindset is a primary barrier in developing a non discriminatory culture.
- The letter mentions that it is troubling to see too many cycles. It is a sad day when someone is unable to appreciate the fact that if the cyclist is not on his bike, then he is probably increasing the crowd on a bus / train or even worse is probably on a cab / car on the same road. Adding to more road congestion. It is interesting that the amount of patience that a driver has is directly proportional to the size of the vehicle in front.
- Recently, when I was riding in the evening, I was in the second lane. Usually, I would be in the first lane but the traffic conditions forced me into lane 2. As I was accelerating from the traffic junction, I heard a loud yell. Realized it came from a Mercedes cab. When I did confront him a couple of traffic lights later, he tried to argue that I was being a road hazard because I am slow. I think the truth is that the cabbie was pretty frustrated with the traffic situation and wanted to have an avenue to let out his anger. As a cyclist who cannot isolate myself from the surroundings, I became a perfect target for his outburst. I suppose if I were in a cab in front of him contributing to more traffic, he would have had to wait till he finds the next pedestrian / cyclist to harangue.
- The lady also mentions that some cyclists are not sticking to the “Sides of the Road”. I wonder what that is supposed to mean. Pavement? Road Shoulder? The Yellow Lines on the side of the road? What should I do if I have to make right turn? People have to learn that a human powered cycle is not a pedestrian. It should be on the road. Myself, a not so fit, not so fast cyclist regularly ride at 30-40 KmpH. That is almost the normal vehicle speeds allowable on roads. If I stick to any of the “Sides of the Road” mentioned, it is going to be a disaster. The “Sides of the road” are either meant for pedestrians or are littered with tiny stones, puddles or pieces of glass and it is very dangerous for cyclists. The best place is “On the Road”. If someone wants to overtake me, then they should filter to the next lane. If they choose to squeeze by, then I wonder whose fault it is. The lady seems to think it is the cyclists fault. I beg to differ. If I have to turn right (or go straight and left lane is for Left turn only), I will make sure I am in the legal lane. That is the safest course of action as a cyclist. I personally draw attention to myself by showing hand signals as much as possible.
- The lady has problem with seeing cyclists at night. Of course it is understandable and I would recommend all cyclists have tail lights. I add head lights on top to let morons at intersections know that I am trying to pass. I have at times faced cars at intersections that notice me approaching but still choose to make their turns. Damn fools.
- She comments that Motor-Vehicles cannot coexist with bicycles. I suppose this attitude is one of the most prevalent across the world. People tend to think that the road network is meant only for cars and faster vehicles. The fact is that there are special / exclusive roads for fast vehicles (expressways) and common roads for everyone. When one caries an attitude that the right to road usage is limited by the size of the vehicle, there is no wonder cyclists do not receive any credit for trying to ease congestion on the roads.
- The final point made in the letter is the icing on the cake. The lady wants the transport authority to advice on how to be safe on the road. Really, does anyone need to be advised to be safe? It is a pity that one cannot think for oneself on how to be coexist with other vehicles.
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