In Washington, cyclists should ride their bikes the way a driver operates a car, BUT any cyclist knows that this is pretty much impossible. For example, I am supposed to ride on the right side of the road, so then cars pass me and we all end up at a stop light. Am I supposed to now get behind all of those cars that passed me and start behaving like a car? Or, do I pass all of the cars on the ride and position myself in front? I prefer the latter, it’s different than what I would do in car, but more appropriate considering the unique safety concerns of cyclists.
My example aside, it’s important for cyclists to realize that we are not above the law and we must ride responsibly or else we are fueling the bias drivers carry and fulfill the negative stereotypes.
The League of American Bicyclists sent out a mailer to its members to encourage us to be responsible on the road. The letter opens up with “Cyclists are their own worst enemy.” The LAB lobbies in D.C. and if they need us to follow some basic rules to support their efforts, then we should do it! “Help us leave an impression – a positive impression – on our fellow road users and our members of Congress by following the Rules of the Road and by setting a good example by speaking up for bicyclists.”
- Follow the law
- Be predictable
- Be conspicuous
- Be aware
- Ride ready
