By Chris Cano
In the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, the transition to cleaner modes of transportation has never been more urgent. Although Congress is currently on recess without so much as an oil spill response bill, there may still be hope for moving away from fossil fuels. One way to help is to call and write legislators and wait patiently for them to implement clean energy policies. Another is to take action right now and ride a bike.
More than 6,000 Gainesville residents ride a bicycle, and the city was rated the 16th most bike friendly city by Bicycling Magazine in 2010.
Bicycle commuters make a powerful statement about the world in which they wish to live. As stewards of this movement, we have a responsibility to commute in a way that is not just safe, but considerate of fellow community members.
Bike commuters who disregard the rights of other road users will foster driver distrust, make the roadways more dangerous and hinder progress toward a more bike-friendly city. To play a part in building a more bikeable Gainesville, follow these guidelines for safe, sensible and sustainable bike commuting:
1. Know the rights-of-way. In most cases, Florida law requires that bicyclists who use the road abide by the same rules and regulations as motorists, but bicyclists who ride on the sidewalk are considered pedestrians. Cyclists should recall what they learned in Driver’s Ed about the rules of the road, since most of the same rules apply. Signals and signs dictate the right of way in most situations, and pedestrians have priority at all crosswalks and intersections. If in doubt, consult the Official Florida Driver’s Handbook.
2. Ride on the road. As motorists pull out into the road from a parking lot or side street, they often fail to notice bicyclists that are approaching on the sidewalk. Riding on the road ensures that you are in the field of vision of drivers who are looking out for oncoming vehicles before pulling into the roadway. Although it is legal for cyclists to ride on the sidewalk, doing so may risk not only your safety but the safety of pedestrians. Use your best judgment as to when riding on the sidewalk is safer than riding on the road.
3. Ride on the right-hand side. Whether riding on the road or on the sidewalk, it is always safer to ride on the right-hand side, along with traffic. If you are moving with the flow of traffic, it is more likely that motorists and other bicyclists will see you.
4. Make eye contact. Always make eye contact with motorists before crossing in front of them. Failing to do so could land you on the windshield of an unsuspecting driver’s car. If you are not sure a driver has seen you, yield or stop until they clarify their intentions.
5. Ride a safe distance away from parallel parked cars. Street-parked cars pose a safety hazard to bicyclists riding on the road, since car doors can open unexpectedly. Prevent car-door collisions by riding far enough to the left of the lane to avoid open doors.
6. Signal. Few bicyclists signal when approaching intersections, but making your intentions known can go a long way to easing tensions with motorists who often view cyclists as unpredictable. To signal, simply point left or right when you are within 100 feet of a turn.
7. Take bike-friendly roads when possible. Some streets are safer to bike on than others. For example, SW 2nd Avenue features spacious bike lanes, good visibility and large roundabouts that make collisions unlikely. Gainesville’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Board is currently working to convert more streets in the Northwest part of town into “Bicycle Boulevards” that are optimized for safer cycling.
8. Say thank you. When a motorist yields the right of way to you, show that you appreciate their patience by putting up your hand and thanking them. This is a simple way to establish a more friendly relationship between bicyclists and motorists in Gainesville.
9. Visit local bike shops. If you can, avoid the temptation to snag a cheap bike at Wal-Mart and make an investment in a reliable bicycle from one of Gainesville’s many local bike shops. Make it a point to find a bike that suits you well, both physically and spiritually. Check the local Craigslist or visit a bike shop around campus, whether Chain Reaction, Mr. Goodbike, Spin Cycle, Recycled Bicycles or the Schwinn Shop.
10. Enjoy the trails. Other than transportation, the bicycle offers opportunities for exercise and enjoyment, especially in Gainesville, which is home to several trails converted from train tracks through the Rails-to-Trails program. Trails include the Waldo Road Greenway, the Depot Avenue Trail and the Hawthorne Trail.
11. Stop at Stop signs. Running a Stop sign is a ticketable offense in Florida, where a motorist and a bicyclist face equal fines for failing to stop completely. Nevertheless, repetitive stops are draining for cyclists who lose balance and momentum, and the energy required to regain them. Many cyclists treat stop signs as yield signs if only to preserve the small amount of forward motion required to maintain efficiency. The Gainesville city commission is considering a proposal for a “Bike Stop Ordinance,” which I am working on, that would make it legal for a bicyclist to approach sign-regulated intersections by slowing down, looking both ways and proceeding if there are no cars or pedestrians. Failure to yield would remain a ticketable offense under the ordinance. A similar “Stop Law” has been in effect in Idaho for 27 years with no increase in cycling accidents.
12. Don’t drink and bike. Though it may be tempting to ride a bike instead of drive home from a late-night party, be aware that drunk biking is considered drunk driving under Florida law, and either offense could get you arrested and charged with a DUI.
Tags: high