Please Don't Kill Me

I have been biking to work for the past few summers, and almost die at least once a month. Yes, almost die due to people not paying attention to the road. The sad thing is I've gotten used to it. After my first few close encounters with death I was left shaking, and sometimes crying. Now I just let out a curse word and thank God I'm still alive. Though, I'm not sure I should be doing both of those things in the same sentence.....
Anyway, I thought I would write up some guidelines for both car driver and bicyclist. 


Car Driver

• Treat me (the bicyclist) as you would another car. When I'm on the road we follow the same laws. 
• About 1 in 20 drivers are overly bike friendly and end up causing more harm than good. I stop for stop signs and traffic lights. Don't hold up traffic to wave me through if you have the right of way. 
• Don't make it a game to see how close you can pass by me without actually hitting me. Next time I'm kicking your car as you drive past! 
• Use your turn signal! I can't read your mind!!
• Remember I may be going faster than you think. Make sure you have a good amount of time to get ahead of me before making that right turn (crazy lady last week!).
• Get off your damn cell phone and watch the road! This is for everyone's safety!
• Have patience. Yes, you may have to wait a bit to pass me, but it's better than killing someone don't you think?
• Pay attention! 
• I see a ton of people run lights and stop signs every summer!
• I was almost hit not long ago because a lady just followed the car ahead of her at a 4-way stop, she didn't bother to stop. 
• Yes, I will take up the whole road if I think it will save my life!
• Yes, I will be in the left lane to make a left turn, deal!
• Be sure to look both ways even when crossing one way streets. I may be on the sidewalk! 
• Don't follow closely behind me for a mile. It's not safe, and it's kinda creepy.
• Be careful when opening car doors. Lots of bicyclists are actually killed every year from this. 
• Not sure how to drive around bicylists here's an awesome video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz7kOIk-g3Y
• Remember I bike not to be annoying, but to save gas, get some exercise, and create a better future for your children! 

Bicyclists

• When you are on the road you follow the same laws as cars.
• No speeding through stop signs or traffic lights! 
• Use your hand signals! 
• I over exaggerate my hand signals, hoping everyone sees it.
• Make eye contact with drivers
• No eye contact probably means they don't see you. I have learned this the hard way.
• Slow down or stop if you are unsure if a driver sees you.
• Ride further left when possible. 
• This way people pulling into intersections are more likely to see you.
• This will also help to avoid the dreaded car door.
• Don't weave in and out of parked cars. Ride in a straight line along side them. 
• Just stay away from busy streets, or ride on the sidewalk. 
• Even if you have every right to be on the road don't put yourself in harms way!
• No headphones! You should be listening for traffic.
• Wear a helmet because you don't have a 2 ton vehicle to help save your life. 
• There are lots of websites for riding tips, I like this one: bicyclesafe.com
• Be sure to research the bicycle guidelines and laws in your city before you start. 

If you have ever thought about biking to work or wherever  I strongly recommend it. Despite my near death encounters I really enjoy it. It takes me only a few minutes longer than if I were to drive, and cuts down on the road rage I have as a driver. I am down 30lbs, and feel more fit than ever! And the best benefit: we cut our gas use in half! Instead of filing up every two weeks, now we fill up about once a month! 

Drive safely! 


Tonight I will be posting another do-it-yourself craft, come back to check it out!