The highway code states that cycles, auto cycles and motorcycles are more fragile, vulnerable and less visible due to their size. I also add that riders do not have any protection for their bodies, except a good set of leathers in the case of motorcyclists. Consequently a collision with a car/truck tends to assure catastrophic injuries. So, what are the rules when encountering someone on a two-wheeled vehicle?
Bicycles:
Firstly, when overtaking a cyclist of whatever description outside of town limits, they must be given a width separation of at least 1.50 meters. This normally would require a passing car or truck to completely cross over into the next lane.
This group deserves extra special consideration. They are particularly unstable, slow, and can get lost in the jumble of traffic. Their riders often squeeze along the inside of traffic queues making the opening of a passenger door somewhat subject to surprise. Bicycles are used for main transport, casual genteel exercise, and for intense racing, which is a serious national sport throughout Europe.
If we all cast our minds back we probably have a fond memory of learning to ride ourselves, or if we can’t remember back that far, we probably had a hand in helping our children and grandchildren to ride for the first time on their own. For this reason we need to be ever careful when driving through neighbourhoods, especially our own, to be aware that someone’s child may be just around the next corner on the wrong side of the road proceeding the wrong way on a one-way street.
Out in the country there are the week-end riding clubs to be concerned about. This is supposed to be a healthy form of recreation/sport. Clubs routinely cover a couple hundred kilometres over the weekend and usually ride in large groups in very colourful suits. Alas, there have been one too many cyclists to have lost their lives, or who are suffering debilitating injuries because a car approached from behind from around a corner at 100 km/h, which was the legal speed only to find a cyclists right there in his face practically standing still even though travelling at 20km/h.
More authorities are providing purpose built cycle paths, particularly in the more popular destinations, but motorists should remember to be vigilant for this very welcome type of road user.
Motorcycles:
This class of transport covers anything from 50 c.c. all the way to the Honda Goldwing 2000, a particular favourite of mine. But, this is also a class that car/truck drivers love to hate, even if we car drivers are part-time motorcyclists ourselves. The reason tends to be that riding a motorcycle appeals to the outlaw in us. Something about the fresh air in one’s face and one’s hair flying in the breeze. I know, there’s a helmet law. It’s interesting to see young people riding around with their helmets hung over their arm. Evidently they read the law to say that they must not operate a motorcycle without a helmet. (Doesn’t say you have to actually wear it on your head. Or does it?).
But youthful exuberance and testosterone, and the need to be noticed can be a nuisance or deadly cocktail. We see them dodging in and out among the cages (cars), sometimes with a terrified passenger hanging on for dear life as the rider tries to impress. He could really impress us all by a show of careful, safe riding. Alas, we don’t think like that when we are indestructible.
Mopeds
I have saved this group for last because this is where most of us entered the world of motorised transport. In a spectacular form of roads mismanagement that exists in many countries the system provides our sons and daughters with a permit to ride at a very early age, but there is virtually no real preparation for these young people to deal with traffic. Sure they may indeed be able to control the bike, but as to what to expect from other road users they haven’t a clue.
We see them riding along the autovia on the inside of the hard shoulder, but there are exits and entrances to cross and cars travelling at 120km/h to dodge.
Parents, when your child goes out under these conditions and returns home safely, hug them and be grateful. Meanwhile, what is needed in every major city are specialist training centres for our little lambs so that they do not go to the slaughter. It would also be extremely useful for motorcyclists to always wear a reflective "Gerry Jacket" vest, both day or night. This way, others will more likely see them coming.
Death on the roads? It does not have to end like that!
Don´t overtake on two-way road systems. Save your life for those who love you.
Copyright (c) 2007 Eugene Carmichael
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