Respect for the road rules pays off

Cyclists, motorists alike need to learn to share the streets in harmony

Sep 05, 2009

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It was a duel that ended in death and disgrace.

The confrontation this week between Ontario's former attorney-general, Michael Bryant, and bicycle courier Darcy Allan Sheppard left many lives tragically affected. Sheppard's family and friends are mourning the loss of a young man's life. Bryant faces possibly years of legal entanglement that could result in a prison term.

Bicyclists and motorists alike are up in arms, pointing fingers of blame.

Which brings us to the inevitable debate concerning the use of our roadways and who has the right of way. Our highways and streets are not the sole domain of cars or trucks or bicycles. They are built and maintained for all modes of transportationto share, and for roads to be as safe as possible, all users need to show respect for the law and for one another.

Having been both a motorist and cyclist, I'm acutely aware of both sides of the issue. Here are some actions both drivers and cyclists need to take to help minimize confrontations:

Motorists need to keep their vision high in order to see cyclists and motorcyclists at the earliest opportunity. Many motorists are surprised by the sudden appearance of a cyclist, but this is more the fault of the driver than of the cyclist. Focusing on the driving environment and not on cellphones, conversation or music will work wonders. The most common cause of collisions is distracted drivers.

While the facts in the Bryant case are still to be determined, drivers and cyclists need to realize that arriving safely at their destination is much more important than winning any argument.

The best way to defuse conflict is to simply apologize – whether you are right or wrong. This allows the other person involved to experience a personal victory and head on their way feeling satisfied. In the end, no one wins an argument that becomes violent.

Cyclists can help themselves immensely by respecting the rules of the road. Many motorists tell me they are disgusted when they see cyclists flout the law. They feel disrespected when cyclists demand a share of the road but won't respect the rules. Of course, a great many cyclists do obey the law, but it's the ones running stop signs, cutting in and out of traffic and jumping curbs who get noticed.

Cyclists should give a lot of respect to cars and trucks, as they will never come out on the winning end of a physical altercation. Flesh and bones are no match for two or three tonnes of metal. The laws of physics are not on your side.

Cyclists should be as visible as possible. Wear brightly coloured clothing and use headlights and tail lights at night. Flashing red LED lights make a remarkable difference in a cyclist's visibility. A fluorescent safety vest helps even more. It always amazes me to see avid cyclists dressed all in black. Safety before fashion, people.

Both pride and respect need to be higher on the agenda of all drivers, whether they're on two, four or more wheels. These can help us get from point A to B with no negative impact on others. We can all take great pride in helping others to have a safer trip.

Both cyclists and motorists need to show respect for each other and the rules designed to make our roads safe and efficient. When you show respect for someone else, it will be repaid in kind. Traffic flows safer and more effectively when we all show respect for the rules.

If we treat other road users the way we would want to be treated, we'll all be happier – and safer.

Ian Law is Wheels' Better Driving columnist. He can be reached at ianlaw@ianlawracing.on.com

Related links:

Your view: How to make roads safer for cars and bikes

Your view: Cars and bikes can be a dangerous mix

The terrible torture of riding a bicycle

 Sommerfeld: war of wheels

Eric Lai: cyclists and the law

Toronto Star