A Manifesto for Bicyclists
by Lloyd Alter, Toronto on 05.29.06
We complain about how Toronto pays lip service to bikes but does not really follow through, and in the last year it has added exactly one kilometre of bike lanes and done little to address the carnage on the roads. On the other hand, we should be charitable because it is bike week, and people are taking action and control of the roads. At the Market Gallery a show devoted to the history of cycling in Toronto has opened; In the Toronto Star a Cycling Manifesto was published that should be a model of cyclists everywhere, signed by three members of Parliament, two Barenaked Ladies, One baker extraordinaire, a novelist and a few other high-powered and influential people. (view pdf here) Topping off the week is next Sunday's Becel Ride for the Heart, where the two main highways leading into Toronto are closed to cars and open to bicycles. One, the Gardiner, should never have been built because it is an elevated highway that cuts us off from the waterfront; the other, the Don Valley Parkway, should never have been allowed to cut through the most beautiful and green valley that was one of Toronto's greatest green assets. Both are quick ephemeral hits when in a car, but on a bike are engineering masterpieces with views, aspects and drama that is a once-a-year treasure.
I've put several thousand miles on bicycles. I currently ride a motorcycle most of the time.
But, inattentive bicyclists piss me off almost as much as inattentive drivers in oversized SUVs. Everyone on the road needs to pay attention and work together to stay safe -- and inexperienced bicyclists often don't seem to be aware that I'm following them, and waiting for a safe opportunity to pass. They almost never work with me to give me a chance to pass once we can both see down the road. It's not uncommon for the rear bicyclist to decide he wants to be in the front, move into the center of the lane, and actively block the road.
Traveling on two wheels is a great way to go -- but everyone needs to pay attention on the road. When I'm the slower vehicle, I do my best to get out of the way. When I'm the faster vehicle, I do my best pass respectfully.
Why can't people pay attention and do the same?
Where is the magical 1Km of bike lane you speak of ,whenever I find one in the city by accident its like Ive found the holy grail.'lip service is definately what I would call it'.
I totally agree with the anonymous poster. If you actually look at some of the statistics about cycling, those people who wear helmets (and consider the fact that single action protects them and their children) are the ones that cause (and are involved in most accidents).
Personally, I don't wear a helmet unless I am riding tough mountain biking terrain. Instead of a helmet, I use my eyes, ears, and brain to keep me safe. (Plus here is Oxford, when a bus hits you, a helmet is not going to help that much.) Cycling anytime I need to get out of the city centre, I feel perfectly safe on the road because I know that if everyone is following the rules of the road (including me), then we will all be safe.