Cycling Code?

I ride my bike for many reasons. There are as many cyclist styles as there are people, and every style is awesome. In my opinion the three Major categories are: The Exercise Nazi, The Commuter, and the Recreationalist. There are others like the Nonconformists, the Hippies and the Alpha Spandex Assholes, but the problem is that we all have to ride on the same roads. I feel if we don’t acknowledge our differences and adopt a loose code of conduct, we are no better than the honking, oblivious, me first, assholes behind the wheels of the cars that plague us. I have formulated a list of things that really bother me that I hope all riders will take into consideration the next time they ride.

1.    Don’t que in front of others. If you need to get in front, start a second or third que. Or pass on the move. And in all fairness Que responsibly and respectfully. If you don’t plan a quick take off que beta or omega, NOT ALPHA.

2. Don’t stop on or obstruct bike paths or lanes. If you need to make a call, or have trouble, or just want to socialize, DO IT ON THE GRASS OR SIDEWALK.

3. try not to lurch left or right on take off. Post, and move the bike side to side, so people around you don’t get hit.

4. Call out when on an intersect vector, but don’t forget just calling out, doesn’t remove the obstruction. If you’re passing you’re responsible for passing safely.

5. Try to minimize riding on the wrong side, sidewalk or illegal activity. I realize we see this as our privilege, but we still need to exercise civility. In the United States, TRAFFIC KEEPS TO THE RIGHT. When you have to go on the sidewalk be courteous to pedestrians and be careful about your speed.

6. Don’t pass unless its clear. Again if there are pedestrians or obstructions on your side, that doesn’t give you the right to swing out into the other lane if it is not clear. I don’t care how important your exercise regimen is!

7. Remember to watch for others if you ride the traffic, instead of riding the signs and lights.

8. No matter what, PEDESTRIANS ALWAYS HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. I know it hurts, and I’ve seen some unbelievable stupidity, but that’s the reality of it. They need to be protected as much as we need to protect ourselves from cars.

Not only do we owe it to ourselves to be better to each other, but we are representatives of our idiom. Instead of seeing bikes as an annoyance, we need to get drivers to appreciate us for the resource we are. We need to nurture the concept among drivers that every cyclist is one less car in thier way, and engender a sense of ownership and  protection. I would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on this. I’m relieved to get it out there.