In response to Mark Balogh's May 30 letter.
You wrote a great letter. You're right when you say that everyone has responsibilities and everyone has to share the road. Drivers and cyclists both need to commit to patience and respect for other road users.
Sometimes just a little understanding works best. If you are in a close call, either as driver or a cyclist or a pedestrian, acknowledge your mistakes with eye contact and try to take it as a lesson learned.
Cyclists, read the Road Sense Manual, the driver's licence for cyclists at http://www.bikesense.bc.ca/index.htm
These statistics come straight out of the Road Sense Manual:
"The most common error among cyclists was to ride without due care. Among motorists the most frequent fault was failure to yield right-of-way.
- Operating vehicle without due care - Cyclists: 23 per cent. Car drivers: 14 per cent.
- Failure to yield right-of-way - Cyclists: 13 per cent. Car drivers: 27 per cent.
- Using the wrong side of the road - Cyclists: 10 per cent. Car drivers: 0 per cent.
Several other studies in North America have found the primary fault in bicycle/motor vehicle collisions is approximately equally shared between cyclists and drivers. These studies also found the single most common bicycle accident was falling, without any other vehicle being involved.
All cyclists should be aware the three most common motorist-caused bicycle/motor vehicle collisions are:
- An oncoming driver turns left in front of the cyclist.
- A driver on a cross street stops, and then pulls out directly in front of the cyclist.
- A driver barely passes the cyclist and then turns right.
Having said that, motorists, your chosen method of transportation kills more people every year than guns. When you get into your vehicle, treat it like you are carrying a loaded gun.
If you've ever thought of trying cycling or walking or taking the bus, now is a great time to do it.
Jillian Merrick
Prince George
