Feature Article

From the President . . .

by Bob Newman

There has been a lot of conversation lately regarding cyclist safety especially in regards to motorists who sometime appear to be driving with a grudge against cyclists. These drivers are the worst of a dangerous lot. Sometimes they may be out to scare us if not actually injure us intentionally, this must be brought to a stop. One advancement of our technical age has seen video cameras worn by cyclists have occasionally proved such behavior even to police satisfaction. Unfortunately some drivers bare ill will to cyclists because of past negative experiences. An article in the New York Times summed up the problem this way, “Cyclists have long had a rocky coexistence with motorists and pedestrians, who often criticize bike riders for a confrontational attitude, and for blowing through stop signs or otherwise exempting themselves from the rules of the road.” We need to uphold our end of the equation as well.

I think we can all agree that most drivers harbor us no ill will but many still pose a danger by not paying attention to their driving. Cell phones, kids, even DVD players may be distracting an otherwise careful motorist. Most cyclists know of the law requiring motorists to give a three foot clearance to all cyclists. A great many motorists however are not aware of this law, those of us counting on drivers to obey it are inviting an accident. Please be extra cautious. Remember, who was right and who was wrong is absolutely irrelevant. Who survives, or better yet avoids an accident completely should be our primary concern. I urge all of you to ride not only legally but ethically and courteously as well. Things such as signaling motorists of turning intentions and not riding more than two abreast are things required by Florida law (http://gccfla.org/laws.html). Things such as these also provide a courtesy to drivers that they are more likely to return. Give good and you'll get good.

Be safe. Be happy.

Bob