I have a secret. I ride my bike in the street. However, I do not go at it unprepared. I've got mirrors, lights, and often wear bright clothing. I move to the side. I ride during off peak hours and on side streets when possible.
I am actively taking steps to protect my safety and disrupt my surroundings as little as possible. However, even with all these precautions I still have cars rush up behind, blare their horns, as well as curse and scream as they rush past, This has brought a question to my mind. Why are you yelling at me?
Is it because I am small?
Vehicles come in many shapes and sizes. Are you yelling at smart cars? Are you yelling at mopeds and motorcycles?
Is it because I am slow?
Speed limits are there to show the limits to how fast one can go. There are no notes saying that one cannot travel slower. Through many neighborhoods I constantly see signs saying slow down. Signs for schools. Signs for kids at play. Signs for tractors, deer and cows. The messaging is clear. Slow down. Why can't you? Is my life not worth the 10 second delay?
Is it because I don't belong there?
In 2015 the State of South Dakota put in place laws that allow bicycles to ride in the street and set minimum distances for passing cars. 3 feet for speeds 35mph and slower. 6 feet for speeds 36mph and above. For those that argue that I should only be on the sidewalk, I encourage you to spend some time on them. Sidewalks are maintained to different standards from neighborhood to neighborhood. Sometimes there are no sidewalks which requires me to be in the street anyway. Even local governments are acknowledging that bikes can be on the road. In my town of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Many of the streets have been posted as bike routes with roadside signage and sharrows on the concrete. I can be on the road, and for consistency and safety, perhaps I should be.
So the question still stands. Why are you yelling at me?
'till next time!
-Matt
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