The Auroran
http://www.newspapers-online.com/auroran/think-before-you-honk-says-cyclist/
Export date: Fri Mar 29 13:38:30 2024 / +0000 GMT

Think before you honk, says cyclist


I'd like to ask for a bit of patience towards cyclists who share our roads.
This past month I've had several dangerous events take place on our quiet country roads.
I've been riding with one or two friends at 6 a.m. when a car or truck will creep up on us, honk at close proximity and then drive by dangerously close to us while addressing us with a one finger salute in some cases.
This is completely unprovoked behaviour. We are in the middle of nowhere, no traffic, the sun just up, an otherwise beautiful morning.
To the driver of these cars/trucks, you are putting us in mortal danger.
Your unexpected honking can cause us to swerve and lose control and then within seconds you are inches away in a massive vehicle. The law suggests a one meter buffer between cars and cyclists. We will be the loser in this situation if it goes badly.
We are business owners, mothers, fathers, grandfathers and folks like yourself just trying to enjoy the morning.
I'm trying to put a human face on what seems to be a symbol of some road sharing frustration to you.
There are some challenges sharing the road.
The growth in popularity in cycling has made this more apparent.
Town and Regional planners, are you listening?
I did get the licence plate number of a truck this week and found that I could report it online to the York Regional Police.
The police tell me that they've sent a warning note to the individual.
This avenue is open to all who may encounter this issue while riding.
Would I be stating the obvious if I say that cyclists are sometimes the root cause of the animosity? Often cyclists seem to think they are above traffic laws; It's not justification for the dangerous actions I've witnessed but I can see what might have inspired it.
Let's look for the best ways to share roads, act responsibly and in the spirit that will make it easier for everyone to navigate our thoroughfares safely and enjoyably.

Steve Falk
Aurora

Post date: 2017-08-23 12:25:16
Post date GMT: 2017-08-23 16:25:16

Post modified date: 2017-08-23 12:25:16
Post modified date GMT: 2017-08-23 16:25:16

Export date: Fri Mar 29 13:38:30 2024 / +0000 GMT
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