Drive like a cyclist

In lieu of everything that has been going on in the Houston cycling community (hit and runs, deaths, "Goal Zero"), I thought it'd be a good time to share my thoughts on my relationship with bikes and cars.

I love cycling. A lot more than driving. If I could bike everywhere to run my errands or meet family and friends, I would. But with the infrastructure and size of Houston, my preferred mode of transportation is not ideal. Despite all that, I bike anyways because I love it. You get to experience nature in a whole different way than in a car while still getting somewhere in a timely manner.
Wind caressing your skin, sun kissing your face, smell of freshly cut grass, wildflowers springing up to say hello, cars honking at you..

Okay, that last one is not a pleasure, and it's the exact reason why my parents and some friends abhor what I do.

I love my worry rats, but I hate that they have to worry.

My parents have been trying to convince me to quit this sport for as long as I can remember because it's hard work, doesn't pay well, and there's no secure future. Oh, and it's dangerous. But asking someone to quit something they love is like telling them to make their heart stop beating. Sorry, no can do. I know cycling can be dangerous, but it doesn't have to be! Cars and bikes can coexist safely and happily on the road.

Truth is, cycling has made me a better driver. I often find myself saying 'car back', 'bump', 'pothole' while I'm driving or even as a passenger because it has become so natural for me to call out all dangers while out on the road on my bicycle. Some people might find it annoying to consistently say or hear these cautions, but I see it as life-saving and accident-preventing for I am always on the alert. I have also noticed that my peripheral vision is even better than it was before. Although I'm mainly staring straight ahead while driving, I see more of the road and catch activities and motions that are happening beside me. I can attribute that to constantly keeping my head at a swivel while biking and honing in on my senses to detect bypassing cars, people, or danger.

My spidey senses tingle too as I can predict the sudden movements of cars and know how to react before the other driver even makes a move. These skills have all been gained through countless hours of cycling. They have become so instinctual that I don't even have to think or remind myself to pay attention. I just do it.

My wish as a cyclist, a driver, and a person is that this type of alertness becomes instinctual to everyone. I'm not saying every driver should become a cyclist (although that would be great!), I'm saying think and act like one.

Drive as if you're a cyclist - feel vulnerable and therefore be extra cautious and alert

As cyclists, we usually look ahead 10-12 seconds (or more!) to detect any dangers in the road whether it be debris, bumps, cracks, potholes or even a human being. Knowing what we need to avoid ahead of time provides and arms us with ample time to evade danger. There's no reason why drivers can't do this too. I not only watch the car in front of me but also 3-5+ cars ahead. If their taillights are indicating they're braking, I'm already slowing down before the car in front of me does.

We ride to the far right of the lane, keeping our line and trying to be as predictable as possible. We even try to be courteous and single file ride when we know cars need to pass by. This gesture sometimes puts us in even more danger as we are hovering over the edge of a road or inches away from the curb and at the mercy of the drivers. The reason we take an entire lane sometimes is to ensure our safety; we don't do it on purpose to annoy drivers! So drivers, please cut us some slack. Instead of honking at us and trying to drive us off the road, wave hello or comment on how great we look!

We follow all street rules - stopping at stop signs, yielding at intersections, etc. And to the cyclists who weave through traffic, I plead for you to stop. Not are you only making drivers hate us, it's stupid and dangerous. If you were in a vehicle, you would not be weaving in and out of cars lined up at the stop sign or light; you'd patiently wait your turn. Act like a vehicle, and drivers will treat you like a vehicle.

This brings me to my last point. Drivers, please treat us cyclists as vehicles. Just as you wouldn't pass another car within inches or a foot while speeding, please don't do that to us. Give us the 3 feet the law demands or even better yet, the entire lane. You switch lanes anyways to pass another car, don't you? Plus, what's an extra 30 seconds to your travel time? It won't ruin your day or life, but a hit and run would.

I half heartedly agree with this poster. As cyclists we are just as responsible for our own actions, but we are also at the mercy of those behind the wheel. Both parties need to up their game and be responsible drivers and cyclists.

And my fellow cyclists, act like vehicles. Keep your line and stay in your lane. Just as cars signal for turns and use headlights and taillights, you should too. Let your intentions be known and make sure you're visible. And since cars have to get routine checkups and maintenance, so should your bicycles. You don't want your brakes to fail you when you need them the most.

I don't want my friends or family to have to worry about me every time I head out to ride. So whether you're a driver or a cyclist, feel vulnerable so that you are extra cautious and alert on the road. Make it a habit until it becomes second nature. And even then, keep honing your spidey senses.

It really doesn't matter what new laws are passed or new streets are built because the rules cannot be enforced 100% of the time. It's our own responsibility to be respectful and safe drivers and cyclists.

Proof that happy cyclist and happy driver can exist!

ps. my momma and poppa will thank you too. :)