I wrote this post before Christmas. It seemed like the right time to bring it up with the Tour Down Under...
I saw a cyclist get hit by a car this morning on my drive in to work. It was on one of the major arterial roads into the city, and traffic had slowed as per usual. A car went to turn left into a driveway and did not see the 4 cyclists approaching. One slammed into the turning vehicle, seeming bouncing off onto the pavement. He picked himself up and checked his bike for damage. Two other cyclists stayed with him as the vehicle parked, but by then the traffic was moving and I didn't see any more.
I had a sick feeling in my stomach thinking about the incident, imagining it could have been so much worse. Yet I didn't feel as sick as when I saw a dog get hit and killed by a car almost a year ago. The fact that the cyclist picked himself up almost immediately eased my worry. But it got me thinking about cyclists in the city.
It is a controversial topic between motorists and cyclists. We see the advertising campaigns on TV and hear them on the radio about sharing the road. Sometimes it is easy; others it is not. These are just a few thoughts I have had - keep in mind I am a motorist.
- There was mention of a 1m gap rule when passing a cyclist. I don't see this as practical. If you were to leave 1m you would be crossing in the next lane, or into oncoming traffic, which is far more dangerous. When it is all clear, not a problem, but not when it is busy.
- Cyclists should not be allowed on roads with very limited visibility - like Greenhill Road, Norton Summit Road and Gorge Road - it is far too dangerous, as cars get stuck behind them with no ability to overtake because of lack of room, or they risk dangerous overtakes.
- They should get rid of the rule where cyclists are allowed to ride 2 abreast - everywhere. If they take up less room on the road they are less likely to be hit or cause frustration and road rage.
- Cyclists should be required to register their bikes to ride on public roads. Registration should also include a booklet or handout which states road rules for cyclists. It should be mandatory they know the road rules.
I'll leave it here before I offend someone...but what do you think about the subject?
