When I stop at a red light and see a cyclist overtake me without stopping, I say two things to myself: 1) this person doesn't seem to understand the elementary rules of survival 2) he's clearly not serving the cycling cause. Then I think of the motorist or pedestrian right next to me, who must once again be thinking «Cyclists don't respect anything!»
The small gesture
Far be it from me to condone all the derogatory comments that impatient, hurried motorists make about us. I do believe, however, that we have a responsibility to enhance the image of cyclists, and that we sometimes have the perfect opportunity to change the negative perception that some motorists and pedestrians have of us. I'm convinced that stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians trying to cross the road, driving at moderate speeds in town and wearing good lighting at night are all small gestures that help to improve the public image of cyclists and cycling in general.
Living together
Although many of us have tamed winter by bike, for most cyclists the season will begin in the next few weeks. Cyclists, pedestrians and motorists, we'll have to relearn how to share a network rarely designed for everyone's needs, where space is not always optimal for peaceful, tension-free cohabitation. Let's not forget that courtesy is contagious, but so is aggression!
Persuade
I'm often asked to talk to «my» cyclists, to tell them to respect the rules. I know there's work to be done, but there's not much I can do on my own. Together, we can help change perceptions by adopting a civilized attitude and trying to convince other cyclists to do the same. After all, we're all ambassadors for cycling, and our powers of persuasion are not insignificant!
Happy spring!
Suzanne Lareau
President and General Manager
