With the high gas prices, bicycles are selling at an all-time pace.  Great news, but with more people on bikes, the likelihood of more confrontations between cyclists and automobiles also grows.

So who’s at fault for the increased tension between the two camps?  Certainly, drivers must be sure to be careful whenever driving on roads with cyclists, as one small error can mean the end to a cyclist’s life, and at the very least a life-changing injury.

But as a cyclist, I think WE need to take greater care in holding up our end of the bargain.  How many times do you see cyclists riding 3 wide in a road meant for single file?  Or flying through a stop sign or traffic light? Or riding dangerously close to a car that comes by to “catch the draft.”  I get it – I’ve done all of these.  But when I do, suddenly the ball is in my court in terms of responsibility.  And when I do one of these to the detriment of a driver (granted, maybe it’s just irritation and not injury, but still a detriment), it puts ALL cyclists at greater risk.

So cyclists – let’s do our part.  Not just for our own safety, but for the reputation of all of us out there.  Thanks!