Give them some room

While reading the interwebs, and other blogs I frequent, I found a link on http://www.dcrainmaker.com/ for a new street sign in Texas.  I must admit that I am a huge fan of the sign!

from bikesnick; http://www.thewashcycle.com/

Here in the great state of Washington we have a similar law.  The problem is that many drivers either do not know about the law or do not follow the law.  This does not mean that all drivers do not follow the law, just many do not.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of having a side mirror come close enough to you that you almost feel it touch you.  Another favorite of mine is the guy who has a trailer and you could write a message on the side, due to the closeness of the trailer.  I also like big diesel truck guy who mashes the gas right as he passes you.  It scares the crap out of you, and then you get the added bonus of riding through a black cloud of exhaust.

There are also the drivers I love to wave a thank you to.  They are the ones that get completely in the other lane, if there is no on coming traffic.  If there is traffic, they edge over to the yellow line, so that you know they intend no harm.  I love those drivers and try to always acknowledge them with a friendly wave and thank you.

Drivers need to remember that cyclists have just as much right to the road as cars.   Drivers also need to remember that our intent is not to cause problems or be obstacles.  We just want to enjoy the scenery, get a workout, and see new places.

Cyclists need to remember that while we have a right to the road, cars are bigger, faster, and can do more damage than we can.  We also need to remember that our job is to stay out of the way.  Most states have a law that states we are to ride as far to the ride as is safe.  Cyclists should also remember to follow the same laws as motorists.  That means obeying traffic signals, stop signs and other postings.  By ignoring those we just frusterate drivers and they generalize those actions to all cyclists.

Hopefully these signs, in Texas, will educate and reinforce the law to the general public.  I am always amazed at the risks some drivers take.  They do not think of the ramifications of their poor decisions while driving closely/too close to cyclists.  From a person who has been hit, I can tell you that it SUCKS major!!!