NewWest.net: Cyclists and Motorists: Where the Rubber Really Hits the Road – 3 August, 2006
Here at NewWest.net, we have many engaged readers who become part of the content we post on the website with their comments. One of them is Marion. She comments on many articles, including some of mine. She doesn’t always agree with what I write, but no worry. She is entitled to her opinion. I don’t know who she is, but again, no worry. Instead, I want to thank her for a comment she made last week on my column about the new Share the Road signs going up in Lewis and Clark County in central Montana.

She so keenly focused on the crux of the conflict between cyclists and motorists–where the rubber hits the road, so to speak–that I think it deserves a follow-up column. She wrote:

By Marion, 7-27-06 My main gripe with cyclists are those going up a narrow mountain road who cannot or will not pull over to let vehicles get around them, especially if the roads are busy. Most of the time in summer those roads are very busy, and cars can and do overheat along with their drivers. Cyclists need to get beyond, “I’m better because I’m on a bike” and be willing to show a little courtesy too.

Dear Marion, You might be surprised, but I agree with you on both points. Most of the scorn motorists feel for cyclists stems from one of these to points:

(1) a false impression of superiority among a few cyclists and

(2) improperly reacting to the situation you describe i.e. motorists overtaking cyclists on a narrow road. If all cyclists and all motorists reacted properly, safely and courteously in this situation, there probably wouldn’t be many conflicts. I’ve been deep into road cycling for thirty years, and I’ve met cyclists who labor under the holier-than-thou attitude, but I know this is a small minority.

They might think they’re smarter because they take care of their bodies, and they might think they’re better because they can ride 50 miles a day on their bikes at 20 mph when most people can’t, or won’t, but they should not let their ‘tude show. I’ve seen it come out. Marion has, too. The rest of the world does not want to see it.

Yes, Marion, this ultra-ego displayed by a few cyclists is aggravating, but I don’t think it’s a major problem. Most of us just want a little space and respect and no scorn. The other point you make, though, is a major problem. Many motorists and cyclists know what to do when a motorist overtakes a cyclist, but far too many do not. Here are some suggestions for both groups.

For motorists, the most important point about overtaking a cyclist on a narrow road, especially on a climb, is to slow down to about the speed of the cyclist unless you can clearly see a safe passing lane ahead–no different than you would if you came up behind a farmer pulling his bailer to the next field or a rancher driving his cows or sheep up to the high pasture.

Far too many motorists assume they can maintain their speed and squeeze through in the same lane as the cyclist, which is extremely dangerous. Unknown to most motorists who don’t ride road bikes, cyclists clip solidly to their pedals to have a more efficient, circulus stroke. Unclipping, pulling over, then trying to clip in again to get started on a steep uphill grade is quite difficult–and one reason cyclists are reluctant to pull off when overtaken by a motorist on a climb. Instead of waiting for cyclists to pull over, slow down and wait until you can move into the other lane for a safe passing opportunity. At the speed cyclists climb (often less than 10 mph), it doesn’t take long to pass safely.

Cyclists frequently ride in about the same place the passenger-side tire hits the road because this is the safest place to ride. It avoids debris-covered shoulders and discourages motorists from trying to squeeze through in the same lane at high speed. Actually, Marion, I believe motorists overtaking cyclists on descents is a more difficult and dangerous situation. Cyclists need the entire lane for a fast descent, and even at 40+ mph, they can still back up traffic.

When overtaking a descending cyclist, be even more patient in waiting for a good passing lane. You can give a little, friendly beep of the horn like they do in Europe, which tells the cyclist that you’re back there courteously waiting to pass. Pretend you’re backed up behind an eighteen-wheeler using low gears to slow the descent. The trucker will probably be going slower than the cyclist, but in either case, please be patient and wait until you can move into the other lane for a safe pass.

For cyclists, please understand that inconveniencing motorists does not further the goal of developing a sharing attitude on our roadways. It only buys more scorn, so avoid it whenever possible. When a motorist comes up behind you on an ascent, ride a straight line and give them as much room as possible.

If you see a paved pullout, like a chain up area or historic marker, use it so the motorist doesn’t have to wait longer than necessary for oncoming traffic to clear. If you see a good passing opportunity, don’t hesitate to politely signal the motorist to pass. On long descents, if a line of cars queues up behind you, pull over, unclip and let them pass. Each time a cyclist treats a motorist courteously, it furthers the goal of peacefully sharing the roadways. Please do your part.

And thanks, Marion, for your excellent comment.