I might just be a graphic designer, but topics like this, particularly when I have to deal with them everyday, really start to tick me off. Picture this: You’re cruising down the road, minding your own business, when, suddenly, you encounter a two-wheeled annoyance blocking your course, as I experience everyday. Yes, I’m talking about bicyclists — the bane of my existence on the road.
Before you assume I’m some sort of road-raging lunatic, let me make one thing clear: I have nothing against bicycles as a form of exercise or transportation. I applaud people who choose to pedal their way to work or take their bike out for a ride on the weekend. Biking is good for the environment, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and reduces traffic congestion. But when cyclists start behaving like road hogs, taking up lanes meant for cars, that’s when my patience runs thin.
Bike lanes were created for one reason — to give cyclists a space to ride without wreaking havoc for motorists. Yet, pretty much every single time I drive, I encounter cyclists who blatantly ignore these lanes. Instead, they swerve into traffic or ride in the middle of the road, forcing cars to slow down, go around them into the other lane, or cause traffic jams. It’s like they think the bike lane is just a suggestion, not a rule. Maybe they need to get their eyes checked, or take a refresher course on what those painted lines mean.
And don’t even get me started on cyclists who ride side-by-side. When you’re driving on a narrow road, and two cyclists come out of nowhere and take up the entire lane, it’s infuriating. Do they not realize that they aren’t the only people on the road? Or do they just not care? It’s like they’re out on a Sunday stroll, completely ignoring the line of cars behind them driving 12 miles per hour. If I had a dollar for every time I was stuck behind a cyclist who refused to move over, I could afford a private helicopter and just skip traffic altogether, never having to drive again.
Now, before everyone comes after me and my family, I know not every cyclist is like this. Many cyclists are courteous and stick to the bike lanes, following traffic laws and being considerate of other people on the road. But it takes just a few bad apples to spoil the bunch, and those are the only ones who seem to be everywhere I go. Seriously, are they cloning them somewhere? Is there a secret lab churning out these people just to test my patience?
Reckless cycling is another thing that gets right under my skin. Cyclists who run red lights, drive right out into traffic without warning or ride against traffic are not only breaking the law, but are also putting themselves and other people at risk. It’s not just about my annoyance as a driver out there — it’s also about safety for everyone on the road. These cyclists think they’re invincible, like they have a force field around them. News flash: You’re not Superman.
And let’s not overlook the whole “I’m-a-cyclist-so-I-can-do-whatever-I-want” attitude. Cyclists seem to believe that traffic laws are merely suggestions, and not rules — certainly not rules for them. They run red lights, cross intersections without even looking, and ride on sidewalks when it suits them, depending on people to move out of the way when they see them coming. Oh, and let’s not forget the ones who wear all-black outfits at night with no lights or reflectors. Because why make yourself invisible to cars when you can be the ninja you always wanted to be growing up as a kid, right?
So, what is the solution? Cyclists need to start using the infrastructure that has been put in place for them — bike lanes exist for a reason. They also need to be educated on traffic laws and learn to share the road with other vehicles. It’s great that some people decide they’re not going to get a license and would rather ride a bike instead, but they need to get with the program and learn the rules of the road, since they’re a part of it. If they can’t handle that, maybe they should consider other options, such as going home, getting on a stationary bike, putting on a mountain-side YouTube video with a fan blowing in your face to feel the thrill of it, and having a ball. At least then, they wouldn’t be in the way of everyone else who’s actually trying to get somewhere.
It’s time for cyclists to realize that they are not the only ones on the road. Until they start respecting traffic laws and using bike lanes, we’ll continue to face these frustrations. I dream of a day when cyclists and drivers coexist peacefully on the road, each respecting the rights and safety of the other. Until then, I’ll be stuck behind them, seething with frustration, giving the death stare as I pass by, and wishing they would get in the bike lane. The road is big enough for all of us — we just need to learn how to share it. We all have places to go and things to do, and patience only goes so far when you’re caught behind a cyclist who doesn’t know where they are.
So let’s make this clear: Respect goes both ways. If cyclists want to be treated with respect, they need to show it to others on the road. Share the road, obey traffic laws, and use the bike lanes. Because when they don’t, it’s not just annoying, it’s downright dangerous. And that’s not fair to the rest of us who are just trying to get to where we need to go without drama to follow. It’s time to pedal with purpose and remember that the rules are there for everyone’s safety, not just for kicks. And most importantly, stay safe out there.
Now, don’t even get me started on mopeds. I could write a whole column about those scooter-riding traffic hazards. They drive like they’ve got nine lives, swerving in and out of lanes without a care (or a car) in the world. But that’s a story for another day.
Sam Deeb is The Item’s head graphic designer and art director.
