To the driver of the bright red pickup truck cruising north up Foothills Boulevard on Sunday afternoon. Thank you for sending a feeling of terror right through me by gunning your engine as you came ever so close to me on my bicycle as I pedaled my way up the hill. As you swerved into my bike lane just seconds after you passed me, I caught my breath and felt my body tighten up with fear. My thoughts reflected back to one week ago, which saw me pulling my three year old in a chariot up this same stretch of road. Would you have driven your high powered, well-insulated vehicle so close to me then, not only putting my life in danger but that of my son as well?
For the rest of my ride I am left to meditate over what causes a driver to act in such a demonstrative way when driving his vehicle. Does he threaten me on purpose, to prove that he has the more powerful vehicle, or, which is even more disturbing, is he simply unaware of my presence.
He is not the only one that comes within what seems like inches of my bike's handlebars. Even when there are two lanes of open road, many vehicle drivers insist on snuggling up to the bike lane, when they could so easily safely signal and move left as they passed. Are drivers aware of how vulnerable cyclists feel, with mere clothing to protect them as they attempt to share the roads?
I have had numerous conversations with people in my workplace, who speak of wanting to ride their bikes to work and/or for recreation, but are too terrified to head out on our city's roads. They claim that our streets are poorly designed for cycling and too many drivers are not respectful or are downright threatening to those who ride bikes.
As someone who loves to ride her bike and believes that every user of the road should feel safe and respected when sharing our city's asphalt, I ask that all users travel with awareness of and reverence for each other.
Nikki Kassel
Prince George
