A Surefire Way to Cure Vehicle vs Cyclist issues
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?
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Darryl, I know you saw my video but yes, I think this is a great idea. I know that it made a huge difference for my husband. He hated cyclists until he started riding. There is a distinct misunderstanding. I tried to clear that up in the video.
This is a good idea. I wrote a post on this subject a while ago – I think cycling should be a part of the driving test. After all, if drivers can’t ride a bike safely, why should they be allowed to drive a car? http://lifesprinter.com/2011/09/learn-to-ride-before-you-learn-to-drive/
I just read your post, but it said comments were closed so I couldn’t respond over there. Nicely said, and I can see that we’re both on the same page with this.
A friend of mine in Austin who runs http://www.bekindtocyclists.org has been pushing to have bicycle education a part of the standard driving test. Teaching people how to drive and interact with cyclists would be a great thing.
I also like your comments and think your plan would help very much.
Better: ban those who abuse their bicycles as children from driving cars they’ll kill with.
This is a great idea! Out of curiosity I wonder what the numbers would show if all drivers were polled regarding whether they’ve ever even learned to ride a bike? It’s crazy but I know two people who’ve never ridden a bike before!?!
Good question, Tony. I’ve heard that there’s over one million cyclists in The Netherlands….not sure what the statistics would be for what percentage of a population has ever ridden a bike. Thanks for your comment.
As a cyclist, and former truck driver, I think this and a couple days as a passenger in a big truck shoud be mandatory.
Great idea, Al.
I’ve often thought the same, except it would be for days commuting to work on a bike, then they could get a license. Of course, they would realize the little space we are given, and yes, they would pee their pants.
It really is a genius idea….we just need to get it implemented.
I’ve been saying for a long time that a virtual reality ride on a bike with people buzzing by should be part of getting a drivers license.
That would be great, wouldn’t it? Thanks for your comment.
Sounds like a great idea to me. I actually think this would help things.
Thanks, Danny…..I really do think it’s a surefire plan.
Interesting thought and it might work except for the fact that a significant number of people with bike racks on their cars drive like complete buffoons, usually to and/or from “rides”
But I’ll try to stay positive and hope this might work
Yeah, I hear you Tim. Those ones might drive bad, but I think they have a better sense for looking out for cyclists.
I hope you’re right. My experience says otherwise