Driving: What You're Doing Wrong

BrokenBicycle
Originally uploaded by scribecalledsteff.

Sometimes you'll see these things on the road: Two wheels, metal in between them, and what vaguely looks like a human controlling the direction in which this "thing" travels.

Some of us call them "bikes." They can be propelled by human power. There are bigger "bikes" that even have engines and are powered by fossil fuels.

These bike-type things have one thing in common with your vehicle: They serve as transportation. But it's there that the similarity ends.

We bike-type riders are considerably more vulnerable than you cage-driving types. Sadly, we're often victims in the making, despite choosing to ride.

While we do our best to not be victimized, the reality is, you control a lot of what our fate will be.

That region between your sideview mirror and about five feet behind your vehicle is called a "blind spot." Why? Because you can't freakin' see what the hell's there unless you shoulder check. So, shoulder check. Is it really that hard?

Blind spots are probably the most hated reality of cyclists. Far too often I've had to veer away because some putz hasn't checked if anyone's at their side. The beauty of the bike is that there's additional reaction room, but I'm sick of reacting.

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And if you're one of those types who's going to point out that I've used the verb "choose," save it, Sherlock. Yeah, it's a choice. And it's a right.

By choosing to ride, I do my bit to not only reduce traffic congestion, but also the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted. Sure, I still pollute with my scooter, but I pollute less than you. And since most cars are driven by only one person, I suspect that even remedial math skills will let you figure out who's being the more responsible citizen here.

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Motorcyclists, scooterists, and regular cyclists all face far too much dangerous behaviour on the part of car drivers. All car drivers -- ALL -- are too inattentive, and many are flat-out ignorant. As a result, far too many two-wheeled commuters are taken out of action every year.

And if you're a two-wheeler in an accident with a vehicle, you ain't gonna be winning that one.

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And Mr. SUV Driver from Arbutus and 49th: That was my lane, you mouth-breathing moron.