Positive Spin: Give cyclists a fair share of the road
Posted by admin on 07/27/06 in Opinion Pieces/Articles, Positive Spin
Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Give cyclists a fair share of the road - 27 July, 2006
I am a bicycle rider. If given a choice of taking my car or my bike the 10 miles down the road to my destination, I will pick my bike any time. In this time of high gasoline prices, it just makes sense to me to use the free energy of my own power over the high-priced gas my car will consume.
Many times I encounter uneducated motorists who feel it necessary to crowd me, honk at me and yell out their windows at me, thus ruining my relaxing ride. To these people I say, listen up - learn and follow the rules of the road. Just because you have four wheels under your seat to my two doesn’t mean I have no right to be there.
First, the state and local laws state that bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities of motor vehicle drivers. Bicycles are part of the normal traffic flow. Bicycles must travel with the flow of traffic and should ride as near the right side of the road as practical. In addition, with proper hand signals a bicycle rider may make lane changes to make a left turn with traffic.
We have the right to be in a driving lane. We don’t want to ride the shoulder of the road any more than you do. Bicycle tires are more delicate than car tires; we are more likely to have a blowout from debris on the shoulder than anywhere else on the road. In addition, the shoulder was not made for driving.
We all know what it feels like to be on the torn-up roads in this area after work crews rip them up and then take forever to re-surface them. Take that experience and multiply it by 10. Now you know how a bike rider forced to the shoulder feels.
On busy roads and intersections it is loud and the traffic is moving very fast. It is difficult for even an experienced rider to keep track of the cars barreling down on them and avoid pitfalls ahead. For Pete’s sake don’t yell out your window at us or honk your horn unless our life is in immediate danger, or it soon will be by your thoughtlessness.
Bike riders on occasion need to turn left to reach their destination. This is one of the trickiest things a bike rider needs to do. If done safely, the only effect this should have on the driver of a car is that they actually slow down before making their own turn. Often it is not practical (for safety reasons) for the bike rider to stop and wait for traffic to clear up before making their lane change. Are you in that much of a hurry that you cannot yield a little of your speed to let me pass?
Finally, when faced with a right-turn-only lane and the rider intends to go straight, the rider should continue straight along the dashed line of the straight and turn lanes. This causes the most comment from the drivers who pass me. There is no hand signal for “straight,” and since the car coming up behind is usually traveling at three times my speed I don’t know the driver’s intention until I am already in the way. Have some patience, please!
Cars and bicycles can share the road peacefully if everyone is aware of the rules and we give each other a little common courtesy. For some people, their bicycle is their only means of transportation and they will find themselves in high-traffic situations. Please be aware of them and give them the same respect you would give any other vehicle operator.
Danielle Hall is a Vestal resident.
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paul agius | Nov 9, 2006 | Reply
Action Foundation inc. 72 Combermere Street. Goulburn 2580 48223780 www.actionfoundinc.com
Action Foundation is a not for profit Organisation founded with the sole purpose of raising money for youth charities and projects. Olympicycle is our long term sponsor and not only supply vehicles and pick up the bills for the ride they also underwrite the whole operation. All our workers are volunteers and so all money raised goes to the intended charities and projects.
To all members of the cycling fraternity.
Action Foundation needs you to help with this project we are at this time looking for contestants. We know there are a lot of people that want to do this but something stops them come on have the experience of your life you have nothing to loose
2007 the Ride
There will be a few changes in ‘07 besides the fact that the ride will go anti clock wise as this is an odd year.
Start getting ready and do a bit of training as we are going to introduce 21 stages of competition riding in each town.
Individual riders will be able to actually compete for a first prize of $5000.00 a second prize of $3000.00 and third of $ 2000.00 Entry will be $1000.00 paid before the start and the winners names will be inscribed on the Tour de NSW cup.
So get your bike out and start training it will be on in May 2007 running alongside the present tour route.
We will also be looking for volunteers so why not join us and do something special in the month of May.
Start and finish is also available to be claimed by any council wishing to increase tourism in their town. All any of the councils involved need to do is simply bid a donation amount higher than the rest which will secure start and finish.
We are always looking for Sponsors and take this opportunity to thank past sponsor and the NRMA motoring & Services for their support in 2006. Sponsors do get promotion throughout the ride all across the state as we enjoy great support from country and city newspaper radio and television and we would also like to thank media for their support.
And last but not least organisation like Lions, Rotary, Masons, Girl Guides, Scouts, churches of all denominations and individuals who simply do great in aiding us across the state.
Paul Agius
Founder/ Director
2007 Tour de NSW
We at Action foundation have been inundated with offers of help so we decided to start on next years ride straight away and I think we have come up with something that will retain the casual approach we have now but make it a bit more exiting so, There will be a few changes in ‘07 besides the fact that the ride will go anti clock wise. All you promising Athletes start getting ready and do a bit of training as we are going to introduce 21 stages of competition riding in each town. Individual riders will be able to actually compete for a first prize of $5000.00 a second prize of $3000.00 and third of $ 2000.00 Entry will be $1000.00 paid before the start and the winners names will be inscribed on the Tour de NSW cup. So get your bike out and start training it will be on in May 2007 running along the present tour route. We will also be looking for volunteers so why not join us and do something special in the month of May. Start and finish is also available to be claimed by any council wishing to increase tourism in their town. All any of the councils involved need to do is simply bid a donation amount higher than the rest which will secure start and finish. We are always looking for Sponsors and take this opportunity to thank past sponsor and the NRMA motoring & Services for their support in 2006. Sponsors do get promotion throughout the ride all across the state as we enjoy great support from country and city newspaper radio and television and we would also like to thank media for their support. And last but not least organisation like Lions, Rotary, Masons, Girl Guides, Scouts, CWA and Churches of all denominations add to these wonderful organisation and the individuals who simply do great in aiding us across the state. The competition rules for 07 so far
1. Individuals only to compete.
2. Only 1 support person per competitor
3. Only 1 spare bike for the whole distance
4. Must ride total distance
5. Standard road bikes
6. Must compete in each of the 21 towns
7. Must obey road rules while on tour
8. Competition sections will be closed of to traffic.
9. Limit of 20 competitive riders
10. Limit of 10 non competitive riders
11. Point system applies.
A. 4 points for first
B. 3 points for second
C. 2 points for third
D. 1 point for forth
12. No handicapping
13. No assistance in controlled areas.
We are hoping for a level of competition where all riders are not only able to win but do it in a sporting competitive and fair way. Good luck to all contestants from us please do not leave it to the last minute to book yourself. Our toughest rule is, “do it safely and enjoy the ride.”
Many thanks
Paul Agius
Director Action Foundation Inc.