by William Addison

Created on: November 23, 2009

Animosity between cyclists and motorists has become a critical issue, particularly in urban and suburban settings. In urban settings, the challenges of congestion related to auto traffic and resulting frustrations tend to feed the fires of this animosity, but in suburban settings, there seems to be more a fundamental issue of attitude with respect to rights.

Many drivers lament that cyclists take up too much of the road, are arrogant, or are pushy. Many cyclists express concern that they are often not seen by drivers, or that they are harassed by drivers.

When it comes to a power struggle, drivers clearly have the upper hand. They are operating heavier, faster machines affording a significant amount of protection from collisions and weather. Cyclists on the other hand may weigh in at well under 250 pounds with bike and rider, and many cyclists weigh well under 200 pounds including the bicycle.

So, why then would drivers have ill feelings toward cyclists? Perhaps cyclists do take up too much of the road, but that is unlikely as the average width of a person is around 18 inches.

Perhaps they are arrogant, but it is difficult to imagine how someone riding a bicycle on a road with a total weight of 200 pounds, and a width of 18 inches could feel superior to someone operating an auto weighing thousands of pounds and measuring 6 to 7 feet wide. In addition, only a mentally challenged cyclist would have feelings of superiority over a vehicle that has the ability to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in around 9 seconds.

It would seem that a cyclist would possess more feelings of intimidation and fear rather than superiority, especially when you consider that autos are continually approaching from behind at significant speeds. These are often powerful and loud, and many approach with horns sounding and drivers yelling.

Motorists take the roads for granted in suburban settings. It is this attitude that fuels the flames of acrimony between drivers and cyclists. Road anomalies frustrate suburban drivers. These anomalies can take the form of potholes, red lights, garbage cans that roll in to the road, or a group of ducks crossing in front of them. These things impede the flow of traffic, which slows a person's commute, delays a delivery, or simply disrupts the flow of an otherwise smooth and steady driving experience. Cyclists fall into the category of a road anomaly as well, even if they do not impede the flow of traffic, they are seen as a potential interruption, which is enough to make them a threat.

Motorists and cyclists would be best served to show respect and deference toward each other at all times. To do otherwise invites potential injury and damage to both occupants of the road.

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