It’s really sad… only a little over one mile of my 12.25 mile commute do I have to deal with traffic, and it seems almost daily that I end up dealing with a motorist who is either not paying attention or is simply a dumbass.
I make it a point to ensure that I stop at all stop signs and lights, use hand signals, and especially visually thank motorists who acknowledge me and my presence with a smile and a thank you.
Today though, was the first time I had to lock up my breaks to avoid being creamed by a car. Actually, it wouldn’t have mattered, I would have been toast anyway — the motorist wasn’t paying attention to the crosswalk and it wasn’t until he was within 10 feet of me that he finally stopped sharply.
What strikes me as so odd though… in nearly every encounter, but one that I can recall… the motorist who was in the wrong has added to it with a verbal assault mouthing something likely foul. Each of those always get a long glare from me. But the one lady who realized what she had done immediately said sorry and I returned her apology with a smile and a thank you.
And while I’m at it… I’m astonished by the number of folks who are still driving around talking on their cell phones without a hands-free device. The state of Washington passed a law recently about this, however, motorists can not be pulled over for this offense alone. But using the speakerphone on your cell is NOT considered “hands free” just because it’s not up to your ear. Hands free means “not in your hands.”
So anyway… to all you motorists out there. Please stay alert and don’t run me over. I’m doing my best to follow all the rules of the road — just please, pay attention.
Kevin, if you are using crosswalks to cross major intersections (as a pedestrian would) I recommend that you not do that. The safest way to ride a bike is to act just like you are in a car. Don't pull way up front at a light and sit beside a car, don't use crosswalks, sidewalks, etc… When at a light hold you position just as if you were a car. Don't leave enough room for another car to pull up beside you. Stay right in the middle of the lane at lights. Once you are actually moving ride about 2 feet from the curb/side of road. This leaves plenty of room for cars to pass when it's clear but not enough for them to do so in traffic when it is more dangerous. They (car drivers) may not like it but it's much safer and in many states bikes must follow the same traffic laws as cars.
Thanks for the comment Andy!
This is one intersection where I still don't quite feel safe out in the traffic. This intersection is a wide 5-lane intersection where cyclists are actually encouraged to use the crosswalk as they come off the trail. I may try it a few times just to test the waters. The state of Washington driving laws state its legal for cyclists to use either — sidewalks and crosswalks or the road. And on the road, we must follow the same traffic laws as cars. In less busy areas I use the road, no problem. But this one area just makes me uncomfortable.
Glad you lived.
In California it's illegal to ride your bike in a crosswalk. In Washington it's perfectly acceptable.
Here in Colorado, it appears to be simultaneously legal and illegal: http://users.frii.com/pedal/laws.htm
Wow… now THAT's a confusing mess.
Glad I'm living herein Washington!