Galaxy Highland 10
Most of the Time Car Drivers Are at Fault
RECEIVED Mon., Nov. 13, 2006
Dear Editor,
I ride [my bike] as a form of transportation 15-30 miles a week, usually from South Austin to Downtown. I evade at least one collision a week (it usually averages closer to three or four). Most of the time, it’s a driver who is just not paying attention. But sometimes it’s aggressive/reckless drivers [“Riding at Risk,” News, Nov. 10].
I have the required lights and reflectors, and I obey all the traffic laws. I understand that many drivers feel that all cyclists have an arrogant disregard for traffic laws. And every time one of my fellow cyclists rides like an ass, running lights and weaving in and out of traffic, it only contributes to the climate of hostility that drivers have for cyclists. There are, however, a great number of responsible cyclists out there, and unfortunately, they also feel the heat from motorists.
Twice this year, drivers have thrown things at me while I was riding in the bike lane on South Congress (the cup of ice narrowly missed, but the half-full beer landed squarely in the center of my back, nearly sending me into the curb at a high rate of speed). By the way, I don’t know if anyone has tried to grab a license-plate number while recovering from a sideswipe or an attack from a speeding vehicle, but it is nearly impossible.
It’s a shame that this aggressive attitude exists, especially in such a friendly town as ours. Many cyclists ride for health and environmental benefits. I have a vehicle but choose to bike for these reasons. It’d be nice if drivers could appreciate the fact that each bike is one less car on the road, one less vehicle spouting emissions and contributing to traffic congestion.
One last challenge: I dare anyone who thinks Austin is a great cycling town to ride his or her bike from Manchaca Road to Downtown via South Lamar. And for the return trip, try South First Street. Hell, for that matter, take a cruise down Manchaca Road itself. You’ll quickly learn that the majority of routes leading to and from downtown Austin are some of the most dangerous and difficult to navigate roads for bicycle travel. I hope Austin gets its head out of its ass and addresses the needs of the cycling community, which are also the needs of Austin’s commuters. Let’s not forget that they are one and the same.
I ride [my bike] as a form of transportation 15-30 miles a week, usually from South Austin to Downtown. I evade at least one collision a week (it usually averages closer to three or four). Most of the time, it’s a driver who is just not paying attention. But sometimes it’s aggressive/reckless drivers [“Riding at Risk,” News, Nov. 10].
I have the required lights and reflectors, and I obey all the traffic laws. I understand that many drivers feel that all cyclists have an arrogant disregard for traffic laws. And every time one of my fellow cyclists rides like an ass, running lights and weaving in and out of traffic, it only contributes to the climate of hostility that drivers have for cyclists. There are, however, a great number of responsible cyclists out there, and unfortunately, they also feel the heat from motorists.
Twice this year, drivers have thrown things at me while I was riding in the bike lane on South Congress (the cup of ice narrowly missed, but the half-full beer landed squarely in the center of my back, nearly sending me into the curb at a high rate of speed). By the way, I don’t know if anyone has tried to grab a license-plate number while recovering from a sideswipe or an attack from a speeding vehicle, but it is nearly impossible.
It’s a shame that this aggressive attitude exists, especially in such a friendly town as ours. Many cyclists ride for health and environmental benefits. I have a vehicle but choose to bike for these reasons. It’d be nice if drivers could appreciate the fact that each bike is one less car on the road, one less vehicle spouting emissions and contributing to traffic congestion.
One last challenge: I dare anyone who thinks Austin is a great cycling town to ride his or her bike from Manchaca Road to Downtown via South Lamar. And for the return trip, try South First Street. Hell, for that matter, take a cruise down Manchaca Road itself. You’ll quickly learn that the majority of routes leading to and from downtown Austin are some of the most dangerous and difficult to navigate roads for bicycle travel. I hope Austin gets its head out of its ass and addresses the needs of the cycling community, which are also the needs of Austin’s commuters. Let’s not forget that they are one and the same.
Bob Ray
