As a cyclist, behave like a vehicle on the roadway. I think we all know traffic laws recognize bicycles as vehicles (except in specifically noted areas) and therefore are subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. What this means to you is while on your bike, obey all traffic laws. My observations tell me the majority of you already keep traffic laws in mind but have a few bad habits. Anybody out there identify with blowing through stop signs or traffic signals, riding three and four abreast and impede traffic on purpose, never signal a turn, make radical lane changes? Guess who sees you do it? Motor vehicle drivers, right? How much respect as a vehicle driver do you think they have for you? Likely, not a lot.

This doesn't mean a motor vehicle driver is justified driving in a discourteous (or purposely dangerous) manner towards you, but you understand the lesson here. It's about mutual respect. As a place to start, let's all make sure motor vehicle drivers see us obeying traffic laws while riding our bikes. Then, as a unified group, we will begin to make a difference, just like we are doing with the issue of cancer in the world. Remember when you decided ENOUGH with cancer and climbed on your bike to take action? Easy, do it again! Be a cyclist of purpose! Change starts with the thought of one individual. I'm confident it's you and me and my friends that I tell to join me and the group ride leader who sets the example for his or her riders.

Stay tuned next time for some interesting perspectives from law enforcement officers on the subject of "Share the Road". Also, I'll explain more clearly what traffic laws have to say about the interaction between motor vehicles and bicycles on the roadway. Be safe. Share the road, ya'll!

Mark Griffith
"Skinny King" (a.k.a. Event Director)

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