 |
| The Think Bike Campaign- Creating awareness |
I’m sure you will agree with me that the most feared opponent in cycling is the motor vehicle. We all know what it’s like to be cut off by a taxi or a big bakkie, before being sworn at and left behind in nothing but dust and exhaust fumes. Truth is, drivers hate us. They simply despise our presence on their precious roads. (Not keeping in mind that we too pay taxes to utilize these roads.) Besides aggressive drivers, we have to dodge pot holes on those “precious” roads too, but that’s beside the point for now. I cringe every time I hear about a cyclist being knocked down and killed. “That could be someone I know.” I think to myself. The scary part is that it’s become at least once if not twice a month that an incident like this takes place. Are cyclists invisible? Or is it simply due to ignorance? It’s not fair that someone has to die doing what they love because of a lack of somebody else’s competence. The "Think Bike" campaign has done a lot to raise awareness for both motorcyclists and cyclists, but I can safely say that "think bike" does not only apply to drivers but to cyclists themselves. Let's put ourselves in the driver's seat for a moment; How can cyclists expect respect from drivers if cyclists themselves abuse utilization of the roads? I was recently driving on a main road in the sub-urban area I stay in, when I got caught up behind 3 cyclists riding side-by-side, there's not even a yellow lane there! This is unacceptable and simply an irresponsible act. When I managed to get past them I merely shouted out "That’s why WE get killed!" And that's coming from a cyclist himself. I’m sorry, but it takes two to tango. If we want to be respected, we can not be greedy about it. It takes nothing to ride in single file; it's not as if a bicycle is two meters wide either.
There is so much we can do to be more visible:- Wear reflective gear;
- Attatch warning lights to your bike- front and back;
- Ride in Groups (In single File)
To learn more about awareness and the think bike campaign, go to www.thinkbike.co.za/
I think drivers are ignorant and selfish, yellow lane or no yellow lane drivers need to drive in more sensible manner. When we walk in a street or across a corridor we are aware that we are not the only ones walking so drivers should do the same.
ReplyDeleteMuch Agreed, but we need to understand, the main purpose of the road is for motor vehicles. Whether we like it or not, we need to respect that or else we WILL come off second best.
DeleteI fully agree with you, although I always take care when I notice cyclists, I get so annoyed when they don't respect basic traffic rules. But then the same could be said about the drivers of some motor vehicles! Perhaps not all cyclists exercise road etiquette and rules?
ReplyDeleteOften we find that cyclists are not farmiliar with the rules of the road or think that the rules don't apply to them- that's when problems arise.
ReplyDeleteMotorists as a whole have people who just do not abid by the rules of the road they expect people to do thinds right when they have days when they are also at fault.
ReplyDeleteI guess when one is inside of a Vehicle it gives them a sense of power. Cycling isn't respected enough on our roads, due to the fact that not enough awareness is made. The Few campaigns that are out there don't seem to be marketing themselves well enough, they don't put themselves out there enough.
DeleteWhat you have mentioned is valid about Motorists there are those few rotten apples but i have also come across some rude cyclists to th extent of one kicking the car i was driving and it was his fault. So for me has to be 50/50.
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from. The relationships between cyclists and drivers are only deteriorating, neither respect the other and it will stay that way if awareness doesn't get raised. Problem is, cyclists get stereoyyped(that's natural of course) I'm sure you don't have much time for the majority of them, because One kicked your car? I think I'd feel the same.
Deletei agree with on this the driver just think they are the only ones who are entitled to using the road.i think the drivers and the cyclers need to respect each other on the road and give each other a chance so that everyone can be safe.
ReplyDeleteToday we were driving and 2 cyclists were riding nex to each other.as we approached them the one cycliost went even wider so we basically had to swerve into the other lane.some cyclists are not road conscious. I feel that if you are a cyclist and you are just starting out don't ride on busy roads straight away.take it step by step. Start somewhere quiet.I speak from experience!
ReplyDeleteBoth parties are to blame no excuses end of story...
ReplyDelete