Dear Editor:
As a commuter who heads to work via car and rides a bike home from downtown everyday, I get a unique perspective on the good, the bad and the ugly of the daily antics of some in the local bike commuter community. As the winter approaches, I feel compelled to try and broadcast some simple tips to help us all get along out there in the dark and wet months ahead.
Roughly half of the riders I pass on my route home from work do not have lights or reflectors of any sort. Driving safely and sharing the road do not mean a thing if I can't see you.
Signal your intentions and do not expect that drivers understand that your next move is to cross two lanes of traffic blindly. It's cool to signal. I will let you go and so will others if they know what you're going to do.
Wear appropriate clothing. Bulky scarves covering your cheeks may keep you toasty, but they prevent you from seeing anything when you turn your head.
Use the designated bike lanes, they are there for a reason.
The other morning at 7: 30 a.m. I witnessed a rider tuning right on a red light at Old Dollarton Road (southbound) onto Dollarton Highway (westbound). Although there is a very distinct bike lane running westwards on the north side of Dollarton Highway, the rider instead sailed through the red out into westbound traffic without stopping or even looking, making a wide right turn and ending up in the curb lane which is not part of the designated route. He then proceeded to ride along the exit ramp to Highway 1, then cut directly in front of me without warning to change lanes to continue on to Main Street. These lanes are extremely narrow and dangerous and on account of this the district has installed the bike-lane system. I'd suggest we all use it rather than risk increasing the burden on the critical care component of our health-care system.
If being cold wet and miserable is affecting your riding and judgment, take transit. Winter riding is not for everyone.
Be seen, broadcast your intentions and above all use your head before it ends up on someone's windshield. Ride safe, everyone.
Rob Stevenson, North Vancouver
