A couple of weeks ago, I was driving to our local grocery store. As I was about to switch over to the left lane (traffic was slow), a cyclist zoomed past me on my left side. I immediately felt flushed and agitated - I could have hit that guy!
Then there was the Michel Bryant incident, and the cyclist who attached himself to the vehicle. The cyclist was not wearing a helmet. Breaking these two traffic laws caused him his life.
I am sure that there are plenty of drivers out there who are frustrated with cyclists - and for good reason. Some cyclists on the road whip around carelessly, with little apparent concern about the safety of their lives. And the truth is, cyclists are more vulnerable on the road than drivers. So why not ride more cautiously?
I am sure the opposite is also true. Why can't people obey traffic signals, lookout for pedestrians and cyclists, and drive sensibly?
All this talk about safety on the road reminds me of the countless of times my father scrutinized and yelled at me while he taught me how to drive. But it took a car accident for me to realize that all he wanted - even if he was very obnoxious and uncharitable - was for me to be careful on the road. He taught me how to drive defensibly. He always stressed the importance of thinking about what all of the cars around me are/may/could do in order to avoid hitting someone/getting hit. He was especially annoying when I drove near bicycles, and for good reason. Even if the cyclist makes a mistake and I end up hitting him - and it turns into a fatal accident - I'm going to have to live with myself. I can't imagine what someone like Michael Bryant must be feeling right now.
My father also always says "a car is a weapon".
And I agree with him. The driver behind the wheel should be extra careful not to hit more vulnerable parties on the road, including pedestrians and cyclists.
But I also think people should be more careful with their lives. As much as you can blame a death on a negligent driver, if pedestrians and cyclists were more careful on the road, I bet there wouldn't be so many accidents.
So, as part of my contribution to road safety, I researched and found the following information that I hope will be useful to those whose main form of transportation is a bicycle:
1. Obey the rules of the road. According to Toronto Emergency Medical Services and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, most laws and regulation that govern auto traffic also apply to cyclists. This means obeying traffic signals, looking out for street signals and knowing what they mean, and using hand signals to tell motorists what you intent to do. You should do this at least 100 feet before you turn.
2. Be careful when you make a left turn. There are two ways you can safely do this:
• Look over your left shoulder for traffic behind you, signal, move into the left lane when safe, yield to oncoming traffic, and turn left. Complete the turn near the right curb.
• Stay to the right, ride straight across the intersection to the far side. Obey all signs and signals in the new direction before continuing.
3. Ride your bike in a predictable manner, and keep your distance from motor vehicles. Try to use less travelled routes if possible. Ride on the right side of the street in a straight line and never weave from lane to lane or tailgate to hitch rides on moving cars or trucks. According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, cyclists should ride one meter from the curb or close to the right hand edge of the road when there is no curb, unless they are turning left, going faster than other vehicles or if the lane is too narrow to share. Follow a safe distance behind another vehicle and when a motorist is making a right-hand turn, you can either stay behind the vehicle or pass the right-turning vehicle on the left by shoulder checking, signalling, should checking again and then passing on the left. Never pass a right-turning vehicle on the right.
Also be aware that a bicycle is a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA). This means that, as a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. And if you do not obey traffic laws, you could get fined:
HTA 144/136 - Traffic signals and signs
Stop for red lights and stop signs and comply with all other signs. Set fine: $85.00
HTA 153 - One-ways streets
Ride in the designated direction on one-way streets.
Set fine: $85.00
HTA 142 - Signalling a turn
Before turning, look behind you and signal your turn. Cyclists can use their right arm to signal a right turn.
Set fine: $85.00
HTA 140(1) 144(29) - Crosswalks
Yield or stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
Set fine: $85.00
HTA 140(6)/144(29) - No riding in crosswalks
Walk your bike when crossing at a crosswalk.
Set fine: $85.00
HTA 166 - Streetcars
Stop two metres behind streetcar doors and wait until passengers have boarded or departed and reached the curb.
Set fine: $85.00
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