A short rage from my internal bike commuter self

This post stems from two events in the past months.

First, I had a conversation with a friend regarding cyclists taking up too much room in the lane in the winter. I would not consider this friend as bike-hostile in the least, so I think this is a representative opinion of many people out there. Coincidentally, the same evening that I had this conversation, another friend on his bicycle was hit by a truck (thankfully not injured, but bike damaged).

Second, I have frequently been yelled at, swerved at, threatened, had objects thrown at me, and been generally abused (thankfully not physically...yet) by motorists while I’m cycling and commuting. I commute through residential streets, all year round, mostly on designated bike routes (not paths, but roads marked as bike routes). Sadly, this is not an uncommon occurrence for urban bike commuters. This morning was the worst incident to date. An older man in a sedan swerved into a snow bank while yelling at me to "get the fuck off the road" because "it’s not biking season anymore". Nice.

Before I get into the legal stuff, I would just like to point out a few things to the general population of anti-bike motorists (because I know you’re reading). These are cool-headed responses to some of the verbal abuse that I’m sure every cyclist has heard:

1. There is no "bike season". It’s not baseball. There’s no "opening day". My commute sucks in the winter too. Yes, I wish the city would plough every road every day.
2. I can’t ride on the sidewalk. It’s illegal. Nor do I want to ride on the sidewalk. I have to ride on the road and I would rather ride on the road. No, there’s no route I can take that will get me where I need to go without leaving the bike path.
3. I pay taxes too, which means that I pay for the roads just as much as you do. I also own a car, but I choose not to drive it, because it’s stupid to commute by car in the city. I am not a hippie tree-hugger, and even if I was, I WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THE ROADS on which you drive your SUV.
4. Yes, I have a right to take up an entire lane when I can’t move over safely. Yes, I realise that your motor-commute will take you an extra eight seconds because I’m not willing to put my life at risk. Deal with it.
5. No, I don’t have an obligation to keep up with traffic (even though I do on most roads in the city). There are select roads on which bicycles are prohibited because they can’t keep up with traffic and, in failing to do so, endanger themselves. You are an idiot if you ride on these roads. The road I am riding on isn’t one of these roads. My obligation is to keep to the right when it is safe to do so, and I do this.
6. Yes, watching you tear past me aggressively and then catching you at the red light in half a block makes me happy. You look like an idiot when you do this. Just so you know.
7. No, I cannot perform such derogatory acts with myself. Please stop asking...sicko.

Okay, I feel better now.

Primarily, the item that I constantly hear about is a cyclist’s duty to move over for traffic—especially in the winter, when snow banks, ice, and other debris on the road can make travel difficult for everyone. I reiterate: there is no bike season. If you think cycling is a summer activity, then think again. For twelve months of the year, cyclists are entitled to use bicycles for transportation on the roads. If biking to work makes sense for us in the summer, it also makes sense in the winter. If there are snow banks on the side of the road, we can’t bike there. So we’re in the lane. This is our legal right and it is your legal obligation to only pass when safe (ie. I shouldn’t be able to reach out and touch your car, nor should you yell, honk, or throw things at me). As cyclists, we will certainly move back to the right when it’s safe to do so. If you can’t handle this, then you’re not mature enough to drive a car.

Just a suggestion: if you’re a raging anti-bike motorist, why don’t you write to the city or province and demand that they put in separate bike lanes. This way, the bikes are out of traffic and you can talk on your cell phone, drink your Tim Horton’s, and smoke a cigarette all at the same time while driving without having to worry about killing a cyclists. Believe me, cyclists want the same thing.

Most bike commuters also own motor vehicles. We can be on the other side of the wheel. I understand that it can be frustrating to be stuck behind a cyclist for a few moments on a narrow stretch of road on which you can’t pass. But guess what? The Universe won’t unravel if you need to slow down for 5 seconds. Honest. Try it yourself if you don’t believe me.

Everything I’ve said here is based on what is written in the laws. I have taken the CanBike certification several times and consider myself well-informed both on how to ride in traffic and the laws pertaining to cyclists. However, if you find any law in Edmonton, Alberta, or Canada that suggests something other than what I have stated here, I would love to hear about it. Please comment below.

Some resources about bikes on the road:

The Alberta Traffic Safety Act does not discriminate between cars and bicycles, considering them both as motor vehicles. This means:

• Bicycles have the SAME RIGHTS as drivers of motor vehicles.
• Bicycles have the SAME RESPONSIBILITIES as drivers of motor vehicles.

Edmonton Bicycle Laws:

A few highlights...

• As a vehicle, cyclists must obey all rules of the road. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
• Cyclists must ride in single file except when passing another vehicle.
• Whether riding on the road or on a shared use pathway, cyclists must always yield to pedestrians.
• Bicycles are allowed on all of Edmonton's roads, although cyclists are encouraged to use shared use pathways, bike lanes and bike routes as safer alternatives to major arteries with high speeds and traffic volumes. Always obey signed road closures.
• Standard size bicycles are only allowed on signed, shared use sidewalks that are 2.5m wide or greater. Bicycles with wheels less than 50cm in diameter (children's bikes) are permitted on all sidewalks.
• Cycling is permitted on all shared use pathways and unimproved trails 0.5m or wider. People are not allowed to use paths and tracks less than 0.5m wide to protect the natural area. Always obey signed trail and park closures.

From the Alberta Motorists’ Handbook, Chapter 8: Sharing the Road:

Bicycle operators / cyclists

There are many bicycles on today's roads. More people are using bicycles to get around for commuting, fun or for exercise. Some people use bicycles to help save natural resources like oil and gas.

Motorists should remember these tips when sharing the road with a cyclist:

• A cyclist riding their bicycle is considered by law to be a vehicle. When a cyclist has stopped and remains astride their bicycle at an intersection waiting for a traffic control signal, they are to be treated as a vehicle waiting for their turn to proceed.
• If a cyclist dismounts completely and is walking beside and pushing their bicycle, then they are considered by law to be a pedestrian.
• When passing a cyclist, go around them like you would any other vehicle. Leave lots of room.
• When you are preparing to make a right turn, watch for cyclists who may pull up alongside your vehicle. Remember to shoulder check your blind spots. Cyclists are entitled to make left turns in the same manner as motorists. Since they are more exposed to traffic on left turns, they will need extra consideration, especially on multi-lane roads.
• When pulling away from the curb, always check for cyclists who may be trying to pass you.
• When parked at the curb, always check for cyclists before you open your vehicle door. It is the driver’s responsibility not to open the vehicle door into traffic.
• Do not follow too close behind cyclists. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they are stopping.
• Cyclists are required to ride as close as practicable to the curb, however, they may need to ride further out when they have to steer away from drainage grates, pot holes, debris, loose gravel or sand, wet or slippery surfaces, rutted or grooved pavement and even dogs. Be aware of the roadway conditions that may affect a cyclist.
• Do not sound your horn unnecessarily when you are overtaking a cyclist. It may frighten them and cause them to lose control. If you feel that you must use your horn, tap it quickly and lightly while you are still some distance away from the cyclist.
• Many children riding bicycles on the street may lack the necessary training and skills for safe cycling. They may not be aware of all dangers.
• Be alert for small children on oversized bicycles. This may increase the likelihood of loss of control.
• Cyclists should remember that the law requires cyclists or passengers on a bicycle who are under 18 years of age, to wear an approved bicycle safety helmet. For a listing of the bicycle safety helmet standards, refer to the Traffic Safety Act, Vehicle Equipment Regulation 98 that is available from the Queen's Printer web site.

Cyclists using the highways* should:

• Keep both hands on the handlebars except when making a hand signal.
• Keep both feet on the pedals.
• Not carry more people at one time than the cycle was designed for.
• Not hold onto, attach themselves or attach the cycle to any other moving vehicle.
• Ride single file except when overtaking and passing another cycle.
• When cycling at night, make sure their bicycle is equipped with at least one headlamp (but not more than two), one red tail lamp and at least one red reflector mounted on the rear of the bicycle.
• Be sure the bicycle has effective brakes.
• Ensure that the bicycle is equipped with a bell or horn.

* Note that "highways" refers to pretty much any road in Alberta that isn't a freeway (eg. Deerfoot, Whitemud).

The Alberta Bicycle Association also has good information here. It would be nice to see a bit more on bike laws (rights, responsibilities) on ABA's website, but this is a good start.