Wrong-Way Cyclists

[Becky]

Withm,

Are you familiar with Bike Delaware (http://bikede.org/)? As I recall, they have a project to deal with the issues of wrong-way, unlit, and helmet-free student workers. I couldn't find it on their website....maybe I saw it in the listserv.... I'll forward it to you if I see it again.

I wish that I could have videotaped my commute home last Saturday to use as an explanation of why riding on the wrong side truly is dangerous. I was making a left-hand turn onto a side street where a truck was waiting to turn right onto the main street. He looked left, never looked right, and made the turn. He never saw me until I had completed my turn. Had I been on the wrong side of the street, he would have hit me head-on.

[withm]

My bike club has advocacy as a high priority and we have done a lot over the years but we have a whole new crop of guest workers arrive every spring/summer and have to start all over again.

We got the highway dept to install "wrong way" on the backs of street signs in some areas around here. We sponsor and staff bicycle "pit stops" where the kids or anyone else that stops in are given bike safety brochures printed in 5 languages, free helmets (and fitted), lights, and reflective tape. We also do bike safety checks and adjustments and even repairs. All free.

The reality is some of the kids never take the helmets off the handlebars, and the lights disappear. The tape is good and many of them ride at night.

Each year it takes awhile for all this to sink in and a few close calls will probably help to accelerate their learning factor, but all this takes time.

I have printed a few copies of "The Wrong-Way Wreck" to carry on my bike and will attempt to hand out a copy when I encounter this, but engaging strangers on the street may be more than I want to get into.

http://www.bicyclesafe.com/

I usually point across the street and say something like "You need to be riding on the RIGHT side of the street to be safe" but really, it seems like they don't care - the reaction is the same from 65 yr olds (or more) on a beach cruiser or 20 yr olds on an ill fitting hybrid. Just looking for better words that will really drive the point home to these kids.

It's very sad, but some of these guest workers go home in much worse condition than when they arrived, or worse.