The trilogy concludes, so motorist and bicyclist each have their issues on which they have to work. However, both groups can agree that we need be somewhere at sometime. What is important is that we arrive in at our destination in one piece. In the state of Minnesota there is a site that has a new approach to laying out the rules to share the road that are simple to follow which ever method you travel. These seven easy rules are:
- ONE - Bicycles are legal vehicles on all Minnesota roads, except freeways.
- TWO - Bicyclists should ride on the road, and must ride in the same direction as traffic.
- THREE - Motorists must at all times maintain a three-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist.
- FOUR - Bicyclists must obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as motorists.
- FIVE - Motorists and bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to each other equally.
- SIX - Bicyclists should signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner.
- SEVEN - Bicyclists should always wear helmets.
As spring approaches remember that there are going to be more bicycles on the road. Be alert, look around, and enjoy the day.
Now the other side. We, the bicyclists, have a responsibility on the road too. This is the bane of my existence as a bicycle advocate. Most, and I mean most, bicyclist want the best of all worlds. They ride free from the snarls of traffic. They roll up to their destination without the need to search for a parking spot. They ride along side their four-wheel motorized brothers and sisters free and clear, protected with beloved right to be on these byways, but unfortunately they shirk its rule.
To truly gain equality on the road, bicyclists must embrace the responsibility and ride by the rule of the road. This means, as much as it will pain you to hear, to stop for red lights, to ride with traffic, to signal turns, and to yield right-of-way. It is not your privilege to observe the laws rather it is your responsibility as an ambassador for the bicycle community to lead by example.
Why is this such a big deal, many might ask? (Okay, there are not many reading this.) Well, it is a matter of legitimacy, basically. I know all the reasons, excuses really, on why a bicyclist cannot follow traffic laws – it is too hard to start and stop – I have to stay in front of other traffic – why should I stop, I do not pollute – drivers would do it to if they had the opportunity. Well that is nonsense to me. Ride on the right, signal your turn, stop for the sign and signal.
In addition to legitimacy, it is also a matter of life. The more predictable that we ride the easier it is for others to travel along with us in peace. You only have to recall when you have heard “Oh man, I didn’t even see you” to understand this. So let’s go out and ride.