As a driver of everything on wheels for over 70 years, and a cyclist whenever weather permits, I’d like to express my two bits worth.
First as an accident-free driver: I’ve always believed that looking out for the other fellow will keep you safe and out of trouble; that includes sharing the road with cyclists. But . . .
Come with me, we’re hauling a mixer truck of concrete to a job site in Osoyoos. It’s a warm day and we have to get the concrete there in a reasonable time before it starts to set up. We’re driving down Black Sage Road and there is a group of cyclists taking up the whole right hand lane.
This is not a race, just a training or pleasure ride. Anyone familiar with Black Sage Road will tell you there are very few places in which to pass; so you sound the horn to let them know to form a single file so you can pass, and what so often happens?
You receive a lot of single-finger responses from the group and they continue to block the lane. Of course you’re so busy catching gears because of having to slow down to their cycling speed you don’t have a spare finger to reply to their response.
This situation is very common on Eastside Road as well. Ask any trucker and they will have many similar situations to regale you with. Now as a cyclist, still pedaling around at 85 years.
There are times when we don’t have any choice we have to share the road: and yes fellows and ladies we do have rights to the road. It’s the law, when we signal for a turn with our outstretched arm it means the same if you remember to turn your signal on. At a four-way stop the same rules apply.
Again using my mantra about putting the other person first and keeping yourself safe, I try to not inconvenience drivers by blocking their way, and just the same when I’m driving I watch my rearview mirror. So why don’t we do as the signs say: share the road?
Herb Moore, Oliver
