Bicycling is my sanctuary. Fifteen years ago, when both my parents fell ill, I asked their neurologist what I could do to stave off illness. Her answer: stay active, stay fit.
Cycling has brought me so much more than physical fitness. It has brought balance to my stressful and busy life. Cycling has helped me clear my mind through meditative, cardiovascular activity. I take pride in my progress as a cyclist, and I have become part of a positive, eccentric, and diverse community of fellow cyclists. But it feels increasingly dangerous on the roads.
In the last month, cars killed two cyclists in my community: one up the street from my home, as I was blocks away on my bike:
Bicyclist fatally struck by a car in Jenkintown.
And another on Henry Avenue by Roxborough:
Kevin Saint Clair died after being hit while riding his bike
Kevin was a long-time member of my team, Guy’s Racing Club, and an active racer.
On November 19th, the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia organized a World Day of Remembrance 2023, an annual event to honor people who have lost their lives to traffic accidents in the Philadelphia area. I was proud to take part.
I understand the risks of getting killed by a driver. Motorists, I implore you to please drive safer. Safer roads benefit drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Here are my requests for motorists:
Be Present
From work to family life, being present and in the moment makes you better. No matter if it is night or day, bike lane or no bike lane, cyclist and pedestrians have equal rights on the road. Think about that fact next time you are driving and are forced to change your behavior to safely pass a cyclist. A good driver expects the unexpected, observes what is on the road and makes calm, safe decisions. Be present and not angry. Be present and react safely to fellow humans walking, riding, or driving. You will be a better driver, happier, and safer, if you accept the fact that we all have equal possession of the roadways. Give cyclists space when you pass them—it is the law—and please don’t pass cyclists by recklessly driving into oncoming traffic. Your lack of patience does not justify endangering everyone else.
Calm down
My observation is that too many car drivers drive with a heighten sense of urgency. The idea of waiting a few seconds, and safely passing a cyclist, appears to be an offensive suggestion to many motorists. When you get in your car to go somewhere, please calm down. The sacrifice and inconvenience of passing a cyclist without risking your life, their life, or the life of other drivers, is well worth those seconds. Share the road means respecting other’s right to exist on the road.
Slow down
If you are speeding, you have less time to react to emergencies and less time to avoid an accident.
Phone down
Do not use your phone while driving. Not worth the risk, please.
Please keep the above in mind and make our roads safer for all users. I promise to be an advocate to make the roads safer for cyclists and I ask you to please join me.
