COCHRANE— Cycling is a sport not without dangers, and if you participate in road cycling, the dangers go far beyond the usual risks of simply falling off your bike or crashing into a tree.
Sharing the road with drivers brings a new element to the sport, and as cycling hits new heights in terms of popularity it is more important than ever for drivers to be aware of cyclists on the road.
Cyclists around Cochrane are no strangers to small shoulders, fast traffic and dangerous situations.
Shane Campbell, co-founder of Big Hill Cycle in Cochrane, said as a cyclist and a driver he has been on both sides of the equation.
“When I’m driving and I know it’s a tight squeeze or that cyclist is holding me up a little bit because of that tight squeeze, it doesn’t bother me. I’m a cyclist, I’ve been there,” he said.
An accident can happen at any time, Campbell said. Whether a cyclist has a mechanical issue that causes them to weave into traffic, or a distracted or impaired driver is not paying attention— Road riding can be dangerous.
“That’s something you have to think about, you are putting your life in their hands,” he said. “You’re sharing the road. Luckily some of these highways and even some of these secondary highways have a bit of a shoulder.”
Campbell said at Big Hill Cycle, a lot of people have been investing in gravel bikes, to escape riding on busy highways.
Because of his experience, Campbell has some good insight into how to proceed as a motorist on roads with a high volume of bike traffic.
Slowing down around cyclists goes a long way to ensure the safety of both parties, he said.
“Instead of having your foot on the gas when you’re going by a cyclist, take your foot off the gas and just chill out a little bit, concentrate, make sure there’s no wind gusts or anything like that, or another vehicle passing you,” he said. “If you can give cyclists room, they love that.”
The simple gesture of slowing down and being careful “says a lot,” he added.
Campbell said that it helps if cyclists make themselves visible, as well. Having a working light is important, even in the day time, as is wearing bright colours.
Campbell said there is a trick he learned some time ago— If he knows cars are approaching from behind him, is to weave a little bit. The movement, he said, attracts the eyes of drivers more so than a cyclist traveling in a straight line.
“When I see that myself as a driver, I suddenly realize there’s a person there,” he said. “Cyclists can blend into the horizon, especially when they’re not wearing a yellow or an orange colour, and most of us don’t. It’s not cool— It doesn’t look as fashionable.”
He also noted that it’s important as a cyclist to be “predictable.”
Ensuring motorists know what you are doing can be the difference between having an accident and riding home safely.
While it is not perfect now, Campbell said, he thinks that the situation between drivers and cyclists, which was quite contentious, is getting better.
As cycling gets more popular and more drivers are also cyclists, the roads get safer for those on bikes, he explained.
“I remember in the 70s and early 80s, the bus drivers in the City of Calgary, they used to run you off the road if you were on a bike. Luckily that mentality has changed, and it will continue to change.”
The biggest thing motorists can do to help improve road safety, apart from abstaining from looking at their phone while driving, is to exercise a little understanding.
“Be more empathetic. Understand that there’s nothing wrong with cyclists being out there. That’s the biggest thing that will improve safety, is to put yourself in their shoes,” he said. “Understand that they’re there and they’re allowed to be there.”
