Okay, so I’ve come up with the ultimate guaranteed way to cure the issues found on the road between cyclists and motorists.  Well, actually I’m kind of stealing the idea from my good friend Daniela who mentioned it recently in a comment.

She posted this on Facebook in response to my recent “Plea to Motorists” video, and I really think she’s onto something.  Daniela may be more of a sailor than a biker, but her solution is genius.

So here’s the deal.  We make every person who operates a vehicle get on a bike and spend 10 minutes riding on their local roadways (I think it would be even more effective if we made them ride on the most dangerous cycling road in their area).

So after they pee their pants or go running home to Mommy….or both, I’m pretty sure they’ll have a newfound appreciation for cyclists on the road.

Now if there were just a way to get this implemented in our towns and cities.  Do any of you have good connections with the President or Prime Minister of your country?

Drop the Cell | We’re Not Just Cyclists, We’re Parents, Uncles, Sisters, etc

I’m a huge supporter of all the great cycling advocacy organizations out there pushing for safer roads and improved cycling infrastructure, but I’m going a little controversial on you today and saying that the roads just might be safer than we think.

I’ve been living and cycling here in Grenada for over a month now and I’ve been heavily reminded just how scary a road can actually be.  I can’t complain about it because it was my choice to move here, but I wanted to talk about the incredibly poor riding conditions and the insanity a cyclist is faced with if they want to ride.

One thing is for sure, the roads of North America now seem like ultimate luxury lined with the softness of pillows.

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and have decided that the roads of most locations in the world are not the heart of the problem….it’s the amount of traffic consuming those roads.  Mix in an increasing lack of focus and attention by drivers (and some cyclists) and you’ve now got an unsafe situation.

I feel as if the roads are not necessarily to blame and that putting up things like bike lanes, bicycle traffic lights, and share the road signs are more of a band-aid than a solution.  All these things definitely aide in making the roads safer for cyclists, but with enough traffic out there…even the best infrastructure becomes unsafe.

Unless we can construct pathways that are only for cyclists and nowhere near the path of vehicle traffic…..there is always going to be unsafe conditions.

I’m currently riding on uneven crappy pavement with lots of huge holes, super narrow roads, people (and animals) constantly darting out into traffic, broken glass, and so many other things that us cyclists consider the enemy.  Even a guy like me who has claimed to be a tiny lap dog who rides like he’s a Rottweiler, has moments of pure freight out there.  But I’ll tell you why it works (well, sort of works).

Less traffic, slower speeds, and focus.  There aren’t a lot of roads here in Grenada, and vehicles per mile of road is definitely less than what you’ll find in places like North America, Australia, and the UK.  The vehicles on the road are also moving a whole lot slower than in places with smoother and straighter roads…okay, the busses here think they are racing an F1 but for the most part people drive slower.  And then there is focus.  I can’t speak for everyone, but when I’m on my bike or driving our vehicle I am way more focused on what’s going on than I’ve ever been anywhere else.  Extreme focus is a must for me over here.

The Grenadian drivers are not the best that I’ve seen in the world, and there are more than just a few reckless drivers around here.  They also don’t seem to care much for the cyclists.  Those of us who ride in Grenada, take our lives in our hands in order to train on the roads.  Sounds like the situation in most places, huh?  Well, I didn’t seem to notice it as much when I was riding on nice roads with big wide bike lanes.

But like I said, it’s a numbers game.  With enough traffic on these roads, I know the situation would be increasingly worse.

So there you go….my bicycle advocacy advice.  If we can somehow get fewer vehicles on the road and a better focus from the people behind the wheel and handlebars, our roads of the world will be a safer place for everyone.

What do you think?  Maybe a couple of rides with me over here in Grenada will get you thinking the same way.

December is definitely here and I don’t know about the rest of you, but it’s bloomin’ cold over her in the good old U of K. When I checked out LovingTheBike.com yesterday morning (as I do every day, like a good ‘employee’) I was filled with a sense of wonder tinged with a massive amount of jealousy!

I’m sure you have noticed that Darryl has made the family move of a lifetime and set up camp on the wonderful island of Grenada, and posted this about an idyllic morning ride.  Well ‘D Dawg’ you might have the glorious beaches and crystal blue waters, but I have wet roads and bitter winds…the making of a strong spring rider.

Winter is a hard time to get on the bike and get the legs rolling. You may have chosen to have a little time off the bike as I did and have to get back into the routine, but winter is a great time to ride.  You’ll feel super strong in the spring after putting in the hard miles and those fresh, sunny roads in a few months time seem to just roll so much smoother than those presently.

Winter also gives you the added enjoyment of getting all of that expensive, lovely winter kit out of the cupboard and strutting your stuff.  I have a real thing for kits, as many of you do too I’m sure, and there is nothing finer than showing off your style with a matching winter kit right from the cap down to the pedals.  The cold weather just means there is more lovely kit to wear!  In the summer we can select the Euro-cool white kits but for now, it’s understated and hard working clothing which takes centre stage.

There is also a real sense of camaraderie built up through the winter within the various chain gangs.  It can be a hard time to ride through harsh weather and sometimes the only thing that gets you through is wanting to not lose face in front of your riding pals. But when those sunny months come around and you look around the bunch you’ll know the faces that struggled through the winter with you and seek those wheels over others.

Those are the riders you follow because the trust has been built up through the wet months and there is an unspoken pact between you. The ones that have put in the effort and dedication to mean that when the weather is fine and you can sit outside the mid ride cafe, you can be proud you put in the tough miles and enjoy smashing all of your lazy friends for the whole summer!

Get out there and ride this winter. Don’t let weather stop you, there is kit, tyres and equipment to make it all possible.  Make December the month to change, and don’t wait for those useless New Year’s resolutions.  Do it now.  Get wet and wild!

Stevie