cyclist

Dear Motorist,

Last week there was unseasonably warm weather for the DC area so I decided to go cycling. I was reminded from my first experience  on the road this season that I should write you to give you some unsolicited advice. Maybe this is rude of me, but I would like to survive my cycling experiences this season, which means I need to bring a few things to your attention.

I know how busy the mornings can be for you. Getting kids ready for school; packing lunches; making and eating breakfast; and getting ready for work can be a lot to juggle in a short period of time. May I suggest you refrain from doing all of these activities simultaneously in your car? I know; it is silly of me to question your ability to multi-task, but it makes me nervous when you are applying make up, eating breakfast, and throwing things in the back seat to your kids while talking on the phone. It is especially unnerving when you swerve over the white line onto the shoulder, just inches from my front tire. I only have a few inches to possibly a foot, depending on the shoulder, in which to maneuver. That is not a lot of room.

Clearly you are not worried about the safety of you and your precious children. Why would you when you are driving a huge SUV? I just want to point out that when I am flying downhill at 30+ MPH, I only have a bike helmet for protection. I am confident that if we had a collision, you and your children would walk away. The best scenario for me would be hospitalization.

Here are a few ideas to help you plan for your day, which will also help keep cyclists safer on the road:

  • Eat breakfast at home.
  • Apply make up at home, in your car parked at work, or the company restroom.
  • Get a Bluetooth for talking in the car.
  • Sort and sign school papers at home.

Ideally you would be aware of the road and your hands would be in the “10-2” position, but that might be too much to ask at this time. Just start with these few suggestions.

On behalf of all cyclists on the road, I thank you .