R.I.P.

Last night around 6:00pm (2/21/2011) a cyclist was killed in an accident on a street we often ride:  San Joaquin near Spyglass Road in Newport Beach.  I visited the newspaper’s website (Orange Country Registry) (click here to link to the article, including comments) and I was overwhelmed by a comment someone left;  this is an example of the attitude we’re constantly at odds with.

There are always fringe elements who make outlandish remarks, however, I believe it represents a sentiment that’s widely shared by the non-cycling community and illustrates the hostility that runs deep.

Below is the comment:

“Wow I bet 90% of the idiots who comment here have driven drunk in their lives at least once. especially when they were 22. Also I bet all you fools text while you drive!! The real Moron in this sad story is the CYCLIST!!! These people ride two feet out of the bike lane and constantly slow down traffic because of their power tripping attitudes!!. Ive lived in Spyglass hill my whole life and deal with these idiots on PCH every morning. What they do is literally the most dangerous thing you can do. Seriously bungee jumping is a hundred times safer. These people dress up in Spandex covered in Windex and Suburu adds. what a bunch of posers! YOURE NOT SPONSORED!!! I want to throw my skateboard at your spokes everytime I SE YOU! Same A%$%holes that are managers at Banks … Mortgage scum total MICHAEL SCOTTS! I feel really bad for the girl. STAY ON THE SIDEWALKS AND STOP PLAYING IN TRAFFIC IDIOTS!!!!!”

According to the article: “The bicyclist, whom authorities have described only as an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene. ”

Originally cyclists were encouraged to ride in opposition to the flow of traffic. Then it was understood that riding  with the flow of traffic was safer.  Now is the time to propose a new safety paradigm:  “Take up the lane”. We need an educational program to help drivers understand that we ride with safety in mind and not “power tripping attitudes.”

When the bike lane disappears, it’s imperative to take up the lane to prevent being squeezed out and to prevent near misses by drivers who are simply too impatient to care.