I do not think it's a car's job to get out of my way. And I don't think it's my job to get out a car's way (given the fact that I will do it in an instance if my safety is in danger). Cars and cyclists need to learn to share the road in a poetic dance of give and take to a strong beat of two-way communication.
I've been cycling on busy roads long enough that I have come to recognize certain driving patterns. A slow car in the right hand lane that's tapping its brakes is searching for its turn--and will make a last minute decision without signaling. A car that zooms past a cyclist and then swerves to the right side of the lane is rushing to get ahead to make a right-hand turn--most likely cutting off the cyclist. A driver of a car full of people--of any age--isn't paying attention to others on the road--and will make one of many dangerous moves near a cyclist.
I am more than happy to assess actual situations and make the necessary move to get the hell out of the way, but it would make my job so much easier if a driver just signaled. If you just flip that one little tool conveniently attached to your steering wheel to indicate which direction you are going to turn--I will adjust my route.
I find eye contact a very useful tool too. Drivers know that I see them. And I know that drivers see me. I feel much safer on the road when I know that the person driving that huge hunk of medal has acknowledged my existence.
And a huge portion of cyclists communicating with drivers is wearing lights and reflective gear. If cars can't see us, then they don't know to communicate with us. Just letting the drivers know we are on the road after dark is a huge portion of the battle.
No one likes to be surprised on the road. Just taking an extra second to share your intentions can help everyone get along much easier on our crowded streets.
I've been cycling on busy roads long enough that I have come to recognize certain driving patterns. A slow car in the right hand lane that's tapping its brakes is searching for its turn--and will make a last minute decision without signaling. A car that zooms past a cyclist and then swerves to the right side of the lane is rushing to get ahead to make a right-hand turn--most likely cutting off the cyclist. A driver of a car full of people--of any age--isn't paying attention to others on the road--and will make one of many dangerous moves near a cyclist.
I am more than happy to assess actual situations and make the necessary move to get the hell out of the way, but it would make my job so much easier if a driver just signaled. If you just flip that one little tool conveniently attached to your steering wheel to indicate which direction you are going to turn--I will adjust my route.
I find eye contact a very useful tool too. Drivers know that I see them. And I know that drivers see me. I feel much safer on the road when I know that the person driving that huge hunk of medal has acknowledged my existence.
And a huge portion of cyclists communicating with drivers is wearing lights and reflective gear. If cars can't see us, then they don't know to communicate with us. Just letting the drivers know we are on the road after dark is a huge portion of the battle.
No one likes to be surprised on the road. Just taking an extra second to share your intentions can help everyone get along much easier on our crowded streets.
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