9.04.2007

Cyclists: quit dying.

I've already read three news reports of cyclists being hit by cars today in the US. This is nothing new, people get hit by cars while riding every day. And every time it happens, people argue back and forth regarding who's to blame. They hurl insults and spout stereotypes; cyclists run red lights! woman drivers apply make-up while driving! etc. The fact of the matter is that there are people that make poor decisions in the car and on the bike, and the results can be devastating. I've seen accidents caused by bad drivers and those caused by bad cycling - wrong side of the road, no blinkie-light, or whatever. We can all sit around and blame the other side until the cows come home, but unless we act like adults and take responsibility for our own actions, people are going to die tragically and unnecessarily at an alarming rate. So drivers - pay attention when you drive. Cyclists, it's YOUR LIFE at stake. Put some freaking lights on your bike. Wear a helmet. Ride on the right side of the road, and if you're in front of a big truck and it honks at you, suck it up and get out of the way. You might feel like you're losing some dignity if you don't flip them off but would you rather have your dignity intact or your spine.

1 comment:

Erica said...

Excellent commentary.