Now that cold weather is finally behind us the season of increased traffic on the Rivergreenway and Interurban Trails are going to explode.
Walkers, skateboarders, joggers and bikers are going to be out en masse enjoying the sunshine and getting some good exercise.
I am one of those bikers. I don’t spend much time on the Rivergreenway however. The way I ride, it isn’t a leisurely activity. I’m out there on a full sprint for 6 or 10 miles, pushing myself to exhaustion.
Out of respect to the trail patrons, you’ll find me riding on River Road instead, which leads me into a few pet peeves that I encounter regularly.
1. Give us a little space when you pass. When you approach a bicycle on the road, we would appreciate more than 12 inches of space as you pass. I am as far to the right as possible but one poorly timed gust of wind can push me one direction or another without notice. I also have flashing lights on the back of my bike. It shouldn’t be a surprise to you that I’m there. If I can reach out and touch your car as you pass, you’re too close. I’m often surprised at how close cars get to me.
2. Stay back. It is also shocking how close cars get as they approach me from behind. It’s dangerously distracting to have a car within a few feet of my back tire. I have the previously mentioned flashing lights. I generally wear bright clothing and gaudy orange shoes. You know I’m there. Be respectful, please back off.
3. Don’t honk your horn. This one is puzzling to me. Last week someone honked as they approached me, apparently as a courtesy to let me know they’re coming. Trust me, I already knew you were back there. I have a mirror on my handlebars – as all bicycles should. I had already seen and heard.
When I hear a car horn, I’m bracing for impact. At the very least I’m turning my head to see what’s coming. Either way, I’m no longer paying attention to what’s in front of me. Please be a little less courteous and keep your hand off the horn.
4. Stay out of my right-of-way. This complaint is specific to the Interurban Trail, especially in front of the many business entrances and exits. The trail belongs to pedestrians, not motorists. As you turn off Main St. and cross the trail, please look both ways for pedestrians and bicyclers. As you exit, please don’t block the path while you wait to turn onto Main St. I’ve had to stop and wait so many times for cars to clear the trail and had enough near misses that I’ve promised my wife that I would stop using the Interurban Trail for recreational purposes. It’s simply not worth the risk.
For the bikers, please do your part and stop where marked. There are multiple locations where a stop is required. If we’re asking cars to do their part, we need to do ours. Rules of the road apply to us as well.
My bike and I weigh a little over 200 lbs. That’s less than 1/10 the weight of an average car.
If there’s an accident, whether the bicycle is at fault or the vehicle, the bike loses. Every time.
Bicycling is a great low-impact high cardio exercise. So far I’ve enjoyed massive benefits mixed in with a few close calls thanks to drivers not paying as much attention to me as I am to them.
Most drivers are incredibly courteous to cyclers but there are always some who aren’t. A little common sense and just a touch of patience would go a long way to keeping us safe.
We thank you in advance for your help.
dougb@news-banner.com
