Sharing the Road with Cyclists

Now that the snow has melted and spring is in the air, it is inevitable that we are going to have more and more cyclists sharing the road with drivers. As an bike enthusiast, I recognize the benefits of a rigorous cycling regimen, or even an enjoyable afternoon ride. There is nothing like getting out in the open air while enjoying our beautiful scenery and getting that invigorating feeling that comes from riding your bike

Tragically, a story involving the death of a famous cyclist caught my eye this weekend. According to the report, twenty-seven (27) year old Jorge Alvarado was one of five (5) professional bikers riding for Bahati Foundation. He was hit and killed on April 9, 2010 by a small sedan. According to reports, a few reckless teenagers were racing upwards of seventy (70) miles per hour, lost control and hit into Alvarado. He was immediately rag dolled from his bike and died upon impact.

(To view this article in its entirety, follow this link.) http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/bahati-rider-killed-during-training-ride0

Often times, drivers of vehicles can be very upset by the presence of bicyclists on the road. Many drivers feel that a bicycle does not belong on the road and can be an extreme nuisance. Because of these frustrations, a certain hatred toward bicyclists seems to have arisen. Some drivers can even experience road rage towards bicyclists. One of the scariest parts about the entire scenario is that bicyclists don't have any real protection when it comes to being hit by a car

Bicyclists have been on the road for more than a hundred years. Isn't it time we all learned to share the road and have courtesy towards one another? Did you know that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the first American car accident, in New York City in 1896, involved a car crashing into a bicycle? In that crash, the cyclist died.

Since then, more than 52,000 cyclists have died in traffic crashes. In 2007, the death toll was 698 cyclists, representing 2 percent of all highway deaths. Another 44,000 cyclists were injured that year.

We all need to recognize the importance of bicycle safety and share the road responsibly.