Safe Cycling Tips                                                                                                        October 2009

Recently we've had some comments by Triad area officials and motorists stating that cyclists are a nuisance on
the road. On October 24th a prominent local cyclist and business person was hit and killed on route 150 near
Church street in Rockingham County. The driver left the scene of the accident, only to be later arrested and
charged with vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving on a revoked license!!!! She
killed a cyclist and was not even supposed to be in a car!

Tragic events involving cyclists on the road is not a reason to quit the sport you love. It should cause
you to take stock of your safe riding habits and to learn to be a better rider. 99% of motorists are careful
when cyclists are on the road.

I've had 20+ years of road riding without incident and would like to share some of my thoughts, practices, and
opinions on cycling safety.
First let me say that North Carolina Law requires riders 16 years and younger to wear an approved helmet. I
always wear a helmet when out on the road. In addition I wear gloves to protect my hands and impact resistant
eye ware to protect my eyes from bugs, and flying debris.

  • As a cyclist you are required to follow all traffic laws as if you were in a car! Not just some laws, or the
    ones you feel like following ... ALL LAWS! Failure to do so does two things; 1: It puts you in danger of a
    tragic accident, & 2: It angers motorists if you don't and causes animosity between the cycling and
    motoring public. Think about the times you may have had a "close call" and if you were following the rules
    of the road.
  • Always ride with the mind set that motorists will do the "wrong thing," An example would be as you
    approach an intersection expect an approaching motorist to turn in front of you, or not stop; this way you
    will be prepared to take action and prevent an accident.
  • Create "goodwill." I always wave and thank motorists who have given me the courtesy of the road, or have
    been especially careful. The next time that driver sees a cyclist they may remember the thank you
    extended. It could save another riders life. Be the one who angers a motorists and you never know what
    may happen in the future.
  • Ride with confidence in your ability as a rider. Being fearful while out on the road is not safe. If you're not
    comfortable with your skills as a cyclist you need to practice and gain confidence on lightly travelled roads
    and parks.
  • SHARE THE ROAD .... NOT! Proving you have a right to the road with your life is stupid! Look, as a cyclist
    you can get an attitude that you have as much right to the road as motorists, and as far as the law is
    concerned you do.... BUT ... If you are inconsiderate of motorists and ride at the extremes of the law you
    are going to get hurt or worse. You will also create ill will between the cycling and motoring public, which
    many cyclists have done, with the "Share the Road" attitude. I ride with the mindset that the roads are for
    cars and trucks and that I am at a decided disadvantage should something go wrong. I give cars the right
    of way, I ride as close to the white line as possible, and chose routes with little traffic. Our road system is
    not designed for bicycles, ride like your a "guest" and you'll be much safer.
  • Chose a safe route. There are roads that ARE NOT safe to ride on whether you have the right to it or not.
    Stay off those roads. Some of the most popular cycling roads in the Triad are not safe for cycling!
Let me close by saying that it's my belief that problems between motorists and cyclists are caused by
infrastructure. Our roads were built to accommodate our love for the automobile, not the bicycle. In Europe the
roads are built for both with dedicated cycling and auto lanes. The bicycle is a common mode of transportation,
not so here. State, Local, and Federal Governments need to make the effort to update roads and provide lanes
for autos and bicycles as we move forward. As cyclists we can lobby our government to make changes. Bicycle
riding is a growing form of transportation.

Be careful out there!

Bill Davis
I spoke with a motorist yesterday who shared her thoughts on cyclists on the road. Her comments were very
informative. She said she is very cautious around cyclists. When she is approaching them she wished they
would look back to acknowledge her and that it's safe to pass. Also, cyclists riding in a pack and taking up
much of the lane is both rude, and dangerous.

THINK ABOUT IT