Thank you for your suggestions. I especially appreciate that you were able to deliver them without banging your fist on the hood of my car, ringing your bell incessantly, or loudly suggesting that I “learn how to drive!” You must be in a good mood – did the police finally find your old bike in one of Igor Kenk's garages?
In the same spirit of helpfulness, I will offer my own etiquette suggestions for you, with a similar hope that peace will reign on our mutual commute. And I'll begin where you did, with sharing.
Share the road
I'll admit that many of my fellow drivers have trouble getting their heads around the mere fact of bicycles on a road built for cars, but remember that respect is a two-way street. Do unto others, etc., and the first step is accepting that not all drivers are dangerous morons who'd drive over you just to avoid spilling their coffee. If you want a friend, be a friend, and all that.
Pick a lane
Bike lanes, by definition, are for bikes. Assuming there's not three feet of snow or a delivery van parked in your lane, you oughta use it for all it's worth. (There's one on Harbord Street big enough for a parade of bicycles.) You stay out of our lanes and we'll stay out of yours.
Don't ride blind
Cars have blind spots – riding in one is just asking for trouble. Drivers have blind spots, too, mostly due to the concentration needed to operate a motor vehicle in a city. You see us better than we see you, so stay alert.
Lay off the bell
A little ping! now and then to ward off trouble is fine, but some of you seem to think you're handing out angel's wings out there.
No swarming
There are scenes in Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior less unnerving than having half-a-dozen cyclists suddenly passing your car on all sides at top speed.
Follow the rules
Some bikers are like children, who want rights without responsibilities, freedom without restrictions. A stop sign is a stop sign is a stop sign, and the rules of the road apply to you every bit as to me. Earn your place on the road.
Don't be so touchy
Mistakes will be made. The occasional car will make the occasional bad turn. Someone will park where they are not supposed to. A driver will open his door at an inopportune time. I don't mean to trivialize your grievances when I say that not every momentarily careless or distracted driver needs to be brought before a human rights commission.
The “two wheels good, four wheels bad” crowd may be fighting for all the right things – more bike lanes, dedicated bike paths, etc. – but political change is rarely brought about by screaming righteously at some frightened commuter from Etobicoke in his Honda Civic. If we can declare a general ceasefire, we can better focus on our mutual enemy, the real villains of the road: pedestrians.
Special to The Globe and Mail
