A couple of recent interactions remind me of a topic that I revisit ever so often. Today, that topic is sharing the road with cyclists, particularly my chosen mode of two-wheeled transportation, bicycles. I recently settled a case for a young man who was hit by a motorist as he was traveling through an intersection on a green light after dark. The motorist, who was looking at her hand-held cell phone, failed to observe the well-lighted oncoming cyclist and turned into him throwing him over the hood of her car. Fortunately, aside from the lingering fears left by the incident, my client has recovered well and resumed his regular riding. Then just the other day, I was driving and passed a cyclist on a road with only a minimal shoulder. He was as far to the right as he could get, was wearing a helmet and riding as safely as conditions allowed, but I thought of the times that some small object or road defect, invisible to a motorist, has caused me to swerve or temporarily lose control of my bike. I slowed and moved as far to the left as I could knowing that something similar could happen to him even as I was passing him.
These experiences, which carry similarities to interactions with motorcycles, serve as reminders to bicyclists, motorcyclists and motorists that the potential for serious or fatal injury is ever present as cars, trucks, motorcycles and bicycles legally share our roadways. Some cyclists are guilty of inexcusable behavior, but most are just enjoying the beauty of the outdoors and trying to comply with the rules of the road. To my cyclist friends, I say, keep in mind that even under optimal conditions you are easily lost in the blind spots of vehicles, the glare of the sun, the gray of a rainy afternoon, or the clutter of roadside signs, trees and other things. Wear the bright colors, use good lighting, clip on a rear-view mirror, and remember that if the wind is in your face, you will not hear that car coming up behind you as quickly as when the wind is coming from behind you. For motorists, the signs that say “look twice for cyclists” and “hang up and drive” are good rules to remember. Respect and attention are critical as we share the roads here in Texas.
©2024-Roland Brown