Member-only story
It’s Time To Designate Cyclists as Pedestrians
The label will save lives and reduce motorist aggression
I was twelve, riding my bicycle on a 60 mile organized ride when a guy in a red pick up truck pulled up beside me. It was a rusty truck, and the driver was a younger man in greasy clothes with unkempt facial hair.
For the most part on this ride, I’d received encouragement from motorists, so I looked over at this driver with a smile thinking he was slowing to tell me I was doing a good job. It turned out that wasn’t the case.
“Move over,” he shouted, his face contorting in growing rage. “Get the f#$k off the road!”
I turned back to focus on my handlebars not sure if the driver was about to sideswipe me with his car. I was terrified. My heart rate shot through the roof and I felt weak and vulnerable. The instant reverse of emotion left me confused.
Had I done something wrong? I checked my position on the road and saw I was appropriately riding to the right of the white line. When you’re twelve you always assume that you have committed an error when you get berated by an adult. You’re rarely instructed on defending yourself in instances of…