Sharing The Road For Safety’s Sake: When Bicyclists, Pedestrians & Autos Struggle For Space

By Kendra Bobowick

Garrett Henchcliffe has had “a few close calls” with automobile traffic while cycling alone, with friends, or while jogging. A local business owner and resident, Mr Henchcliffe is often on the street and alongside traffic. In a week’s time he may ride his bike as much as 100 miles and run about 20 miles while training for triathlons.

“I train with a lot of people and some have been hit by cars,” he said. He hopes that both residents who “use the roads recreationally” and drivers can keep their minds on safety. “There are responsibilities both ways about using the roads,” he said. While bicycling, he has been the target of objects tossed from car windows, “[drivers and passengers] yell names. I hear a lot of sarcasm,” he said.

He also has to watch for debris on the roadside where he rides out of the path of traffic. Noting that cyclists should “try to keep as far to the side as possible,” he said, “there is a lot of junk on the road.” He mentioned the often-littered path on the road’s shoulder that can blow a tire or throw a cyclist off balance.

Between those driving and those using the roads for recreation, he said, “there needs to be a mutual awareness and courtesy.” As a driver he said, “being on the bike or running has made me slow down driving.”

Resident Cindy Palkimas, an avid triathlete from Sandy Hook, has “had a lot of things happen to me.”

Because of her bad experiences on the road, Ms Palkimas, who “used to do a lot of [bicycle] riding,” said, “I do more training inside because of the experiences I have had outside.” She will now bike with a group during training, but is wary of exercising on the road.

Resident and cyclist Lee Shull admitted, “Fortunately, I have not been in any accidents.” But like Mr Henchcliffe, he has experienced drivers “throwing things out their windows at me; it’s unnerving.” Since he has become more serious about his exercise training in the last few years, he has made some observations: “[Drivers] don’t or can’t judge speeds of cyclists if they are pulling out or turning in front of us — I often have to hit the brakes.”

Cycling has also “cured him of hugging the white line” on the edge of the road when he is driving. Why? Motorists may not see a cyclist coming around a bend. Also, as a driver he has also begun giving bicycles more room on the street. Instances on his bike have made him aware, as a driver, of what the cyclist may be facing. “Even if I am trying to stay in a straight line, there could be something — a branch — and I may swerve.” And as a cyclist, he wants to be predictable for drivers and “play nice,” as he shares the road.

Rick Beasley of Cycle Fitness in Monroe said that groups of cyclists are often “hard to pass.” Riders should consider working themselves into a single file when a car is behind them. However, “motorists are impatient,” he said. Speedy drivers and cyclists on a blind corner are a bad combination, he said.

Know The Law

Speaking as a Mountain Bike Patrol Officer in the summers, Newtown Middle School Resource Officer Lenny Penna addressed several specific scenarios regarding bicycles and motorists. Cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast, but not when the road has a lot of traffic. “By all means, take the lane, if the road is free,” he said, “but get in single file” to make room for drivers.

A cyclist making a left turn can also “take the lane” and “act as a vehicle” to signal and make a left hand turn. Motorists will be aware of where the bike is and what they are doing, he said. Running down some key points of state law, he explained, anyone under the age of 16 is required to wear a helmet, while others “should.” He said, “It’s an inexpensive way of staying safe.”

Cyclists may move in to the travel lane to avoid a pedestrian, parked car, slower bicycles, etc. Those riding two abreast can do so, unless they are impeding traffic.

When passing cyclists, in a rule that became effective October 1, 2008, Connecticut motorists are required to allow at least three feet of separation when overtaking and passing cyclists. Failure to do so could cause motorists to receive a fine.

Regarding vehicles and bikes, no driver shall knowingly allow anyone on a bike, skateboard, etc, to attach to their moving vehicle.

Cyclists should not carry passengers unless the bike is designed for a passenger. Cyclists should not be carrying any packages that prevent them from using both hands on the handlebars, and cyclists should ride with at least one hand on the bike at all times.

Behind The Wheel

Bicyclist and driving instructor Gary Knepler of Gary Knepler’s Driving School said, “Drivers need to be aware.”

His school specializes in teaching people with learning disabilities, brain injury, or special needs such as autism or physical limitations requiring adapted vehicles, also driver-improvement training. He emphasized the “three-foot cushion” that motorists are required give to cyclists. “The driver also has to be aware that a cyclist may need to dart out to avoid an obstacle.”

Drivers need to pay special attention to children and young adults. “The only predictable thing about kids is that they are unpredictable and have no concept of a vehicle’s limitations.”

He said, “Adult drivers must be cognizant of younger people.” He feels they are at greater risk. If anyone has ever wondered, “Why did they jump out into the road, it’s because they haven’t fully developed cognitive functions,” he said.

The road is full of circumstances of which a driver must be aware, including pedestrians wearing head phones. “They don’t hear or sense a vehicle coming,” he said.

As an instructor he emphasizes driver responsibility. “Joggers, walkers, cyclists have no protection against the blunt force of a vehicle, so I put all the responsibility on the driver — being dead right makes no sense,” he said.

Mr Knepler offered two “simple concepts” to remember safe driving.

He first detailed the Smith System, saying, “Aim high on the steering wheel — look three inches above the wheel and look about a city block ahead.”

Second, “keep your eyes moving,” he said. Watch the rearview mirror and side mirrors. “You should be scanning, to get the big picture.”

The process should be more than visual, but include hearing, smell, and touch, he said.

“Always leave yourself an out,” he stressed. “It’s defensive driving, having an escape route.”

And, be seen and heard, he said, and only use the horn if there is immediate danger. Let joggers or cyclists know you are coming well ahead of time with a slight tap on the horn. “Do this well in advance or else you’ll startle the cyclist,” he said. Blowing the horn when the car is too close to the jogger or pedestrian can also create a danger to the person on the road. “When [the jogger or cyclist] is startled and turns to see what’s happening, they turn in the direction they are looking. They turn into your path.”

Naming a second method for safe driving, Mr Knepler described the IPDA concept: Identify, predict, decide, and act.

Identify the cyclist ahead and predict that he may come into your path, decide to slow down by letting off the gas or using the brake, and then go back to regular speed after you pass, he said. “Give common courtesy and we are all happy campers,” he said.

Avoid fixating on the cyclist, he warned. “Drivers may mean well,” he said, “but can accidentally gaze too long at something and may end up driving toward, rather than avoiding.”

Noting also that some drivers may throw things at pedestrians or cyclists or regard them with frustration, Mr Knepler said, “Many don’t appreciate bicycling or think it should be done on a sidewalk.” But bicycling has become an alternate means of transportation, “and it’s here to stay,” he said.