Sharing The Road

The first recorded automobile verses bicycle accident was in 1896.  Meaning sharing the road has been an on going problem for a while now.
Today I am going to give my two cents about cyclist and vehicles sharing the road.  First let me say I think we all have a right to be on the road.  In order to do this we all have to have respect for each other.  There are two parts to the road sharing: 1) The cyclist; 2) The driver.

First, I want to talk about the cyclist.  Many times articles about sharing the road places blame the drivers and fails to focus on the things the cyclists are doing while out on the road which may be problematic.  I also want to start with the cyclist because when problems happen out on the road the probability of harm is higher for the cyclist since we had little protection out there against a couple thousand pound hunk of metal.
Cyclist should first remember you are a vehicle on the road.  This means you are required to follow the traffic laws, including traveling with traffic and obeying traffic signals.  I often see cyclist run red lights, stop signs, or dart across traffic thinking they have the right of way; however, this is not the case, the cyclist should always stop at red lights, just as any other vehicle would do on the road.  It makes me angry to see cyclist not stop at red lights along with other traffic, this puts them in danger, creates a high potential for an accident, and puts other people's lives at risk due to either there being an accident or a vehicle trying to avoid an accident and causing harm to someone else.  I think cyclist not following traffic signals is the most obvious problem there are a few other things out of the road of concern.

Utilizing the bike lanes when there (and properly established) is an extra way to satay safe.  Now remember there needs to be awareness that cars may need to cross the bike lanes so head on a swivel at all times.   
If you are making turns or stopping, use your signals.  Ont this note I will say most drivers do not know the signals from the 80's and 90's, where a left arm held at 90 degrees means a right hand turn.  Point, "calling your shot", is how most cyclist indicate turns these days.  For this reason it is good to practice (in a safe place) taking your hands off the handle bars to signal.  When signaling if you are going to make a turn don't get all the way to one side or the other of a turn lane.  You need to be visible in the turn lane so a car pulling up behind you can see you, notice your signal, and give you needed room.  As you make the turn move over tot he right in the lane and resume biking in the straight away.  Be sure to use the bike lane when it is available.  While you have the "right" to be in the car lanes, you also have the pleasure of having a lane just for you.      
Cyclist should pay attention and not have distractions while utilizing shared roadways.  No music, even if you are wearing it on the side not next to the vehicles.  No cell phone conversations, pull over if you need to make or take a call.  If these are difficult things for you avoid during your ride then ride on a protected trail not on the shared road. 
Lights people.  If you ride at or between dusk to dawn lights are a must, but even riding
during the day they are helpful.  Think of it this way if the clock on your over is on you do nothing but glance at it every now and again, but if it is blinking you notice, you turn your head, and you note a need to address the issue.  Drivers will do the same thing when seeing that blinking red light; it is one more way to gain attention.  If you don't have lights, get some.  Also, wearing bright colors or using reflective vests, will make you more visible.  
Cyclist should wear helmets.  I know, I know, I know, you are an adult and helmets are for kids or "newbies"; your too tough for a helmet.  If you choose not to wear a helmet, you take the risk of direct head to asphalt contact; that's not good.  I have read the studies about fewer crashes by people not wearing helmets (for various reasons this phenomenon happens), that's great until they crash and when all know in road cycling crashes are possible for the best, most experienced athlete or commuter.  What research says about crashing is- Helmets work to save lives.  You are protecting your brain, the thing giving instruction to the rest of your body on how to live; it seems pretty important to me.
Those are some of my thoughts on how we, as cyclist, can be better at sharing out there on the road.  Now I am going to talk about the flip side- the drive.  I am a member of this group as well.  In my average week I travel 150 to 200 miles.  I spend a good amount of time on the road, behind the wheel.  I won't say I am a perfect driver, but I do try to be aware of my surroundings, not have distractions, and drive with the idea that every person around me deserves to get where they are going.  Often in my commutes I encounter cyclists.  Some are the "fast guys" (and gals) out for their training ride, some are cruisers just out to see what they can see, and some are commuters of all sorts.
As a driver there are a few things I try to do and that I would encourage other drivers to do.  First is to watch out.  Once I see a glimpse of a cyclist I try to be mindful of where they are and what they are doing until I am safely pass them.  I know as a cyclist that sometimes there is junk in the bike lane, or you get a flat, or you just swerve.  I also know that even 18 wheelers can sneak up on you.  For these reasons I try to keep a safe distance.  If I can get over to the next lane I do so, giving the cyclist room.  If I can't switch lanes I try to give plenty of notice to other cars that I am going to hug the line in an attempt to give more room.  If these things are not possible because there may be no bike lane or an obstructed bike lane, I am going to slow down and patiently wait for an opportunity to go around the cyclist.  Once the road is clear I will make my move to pass. I also don't pass in anger.  Meaning I don't slam on my gas the second I have the opportunity to pass.  Be sure as a driver you understand that being a jerk is not helpful.
If a rider is going with the flow of traffic and has a green light or no stop sign and you as a driver have a red light or a stop sign- the cyclist has the right of way.  Would pull out in front of a cement truck cruising 40mph?  No.  So don't pull out in front of a cyclist or think they can or should stop.  On the roads you have cyclist traveling up to 30MPH, they can't stop on a dime!!!!  They also can't maneuver out of your way when you fail to properly view them as a vehicle on the road.

Don't drive or park in the bike lane.  If you want cyclist to use the bike lane in order to stay out of your lane then you should not park your car in this lane.  You should also not drive in it.  It is not the beginning to your turn lane, it is not a motorcycle passing lane, it is not "extra space" for you to hang out; what it is, is the special lane for the cyclist in order to help build peace in our relationship.  Speaking of bike lanes pay attention to when a bike lane is ending (most of the time there is a sign).  Bike lanes ending means bikes are about to share the lane.  it does not mean there will be no more cyclist up ahead. 
If a rider is coming past a row of parked cars they are going to move out about 5 to 6 feet. Why?  Because they don't want to launch over their bike when getting hit by a swinging open door.  This happens a good bit with curb side parking areas, for us area like road side parking at the beach or downtown present problems. 
Don't drive angry.  Cyclist, pedestrians, other vehicles, they are not out there to tick you off.  They are trying to get somewhere same as you.  Driving angry only ends up in further delays due to accidents, darting and weaving, and you becoming frustrated with the little things.

Last, thing I will mention for drivers is to pay attention.  Texting is killing the cyclist!!!  In morning rides or runs I have seen the faces of drivers lite up by their phones; not paying attention to me out there in my reflective gear, lights, and bright colors.  I often wonder how many people even noticed.  Please put away cell phones and use blue tooth devices.  There is no phone call or text more important than your life and the lives of others.  There are other distractions to drivers too- radio stations, food, work, life, the guy next to us.  Make sure you are frequently checking in with your surroundings.  Don't assume the drive to work is going to be the same as it always has been.  Paying attention to your surroundings will make sure you and those sharing the road with you are safe.
we all have our parts to do in keeping the roads a safe place and it starts with a kindergarten lesson in sharing.  Be nice and respectful.  Give others space to share.  trust that others are not out to make you upset.  Be proactive and aware.
If nothing else, when reading this remember that's me and Patrick out there on the road; and I don't think you would ever treat us with anything but respect and love!!!
Let's go share some roads now!!!!     

Trust me he gets a meaner look if you try to hit us with your car!!!