LETTER

Winter cycling: Slip slidin’ away

 

Watching those “brave” (or stupid) cyclists on our roads after receiving 11 cm on Dec. 5 got me thinking.

I am not encouraging winter cycling, far from it, but let’s just review this for a minute: 2,000 lbs cars and buses are slip slidin’ away all over the place. Have you driven a bike on snowy roads? It’s very tricky, a circus act, even for regular commuters.

Cyclists have been demanding to “share the road” OK! By law, in Québec, car owners must have winter tires. Why aren’t cyclists forced to have metal studded winter tires? (It just makes sense.)

Most important, 99% of drivers don’t expect you to be there. Drivers often have a tough time maintaining control of their own car and avoiding mistakes of others -- they don’t see cyclists. This is compounded with frost and snow-covered windows that make it very difficult to see a bus, much less a bicycle.

It is your responsibility as a winter cyclist to drive extra defensively in winter. Don’t put yourself into a position where you ‘figure’ the car can see you. Assume you are completely invisible, because you probably are.

It gets dark out earlier, so lights and reflective vests are a must. Do your part to be more visible.

No need to go overboard. You don't have to ride every day; avoid cycling in freezing rain or on days with heavy snowfall. Be smart and be careful out there. Use your judgment!

 Bob Rousselle
(Aylmer cyclist)