Transportation Tuesday TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY There’s nothing I hate more than intolerance (Anon) Remember the little guy... High in your truck or protected by your airbags you probably feel superior, safe and secure. So spare a thought for those on the road who are smaller than you … motorbike riders and cyclists have their rights too.

Transportation Tuesday WHAT BIKE RIDERS WOULD LIKE DRIVERS TO KNOW They are smaller (and sometimes slower) than other vehicles. This means drivers of cars, vans and trucks have the major responsibility to take care. They can feel threatened by inconsiderate driving. They need extra space at junctions and roundabouts where cars change speed, position and direction. When they move away from the side of the road, it’s not to annoy you but to:  avoid drains, holes, debris and hazards on the road  be seen as they come to junctions with side roads  stop drivers from squeezing past when it's too narrow If they look over their shoulder when you are behind them it’s a good clue - they might soon try to turn right or left - give them space and time. If you park or stop in the wrong place you are forcing them into faster traffic and creating extra danger for them. They are blinded by full-beam headlights, like everyone else

Transportation Tuesday WHAT DRIVERS CAN DO Think bike. Expect to see cyclists and motor bike riders, and take care. Slow down and drive smoothly. Keep within speed limits. Don’t be surprised by sudden movements from bikers, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces. Signal: always at roundabouts and every time you pass a cyclist. Let them know you’ve seen them. Left-turning cyclists need space and time. Park considerately. Always check for bike riders before opening a car door. Use dipped headlights. Watch for riders on the inside when you turn right. Don't cut them up. Give bikes space - at least half a car's width - and never force past them. Be patient - a few seconds for someone else on the road hardly affects your total journey time. Don’t drive too close to their back wheel or pull in too quickly after passing them

Transportation Tuesday WHAT DRIVERS WOULD LIKE BIKE RIDERS TO KNOW Drivers get upset when bike riders –ride without lights at night –ignore red traffic lights –hop on and off the footpath –cycle the wrong way up the road Your bike is smaller than other vehicles - they may not always see you - so make yourself visible. Wear bright clothes. Put on your lights. They worry when you hesitate, move out suddenly or wobble around potholes. Drivers usually travel faster than bikes and may have less time to take account of hazards - bike riders need to pay attention to cars in front. Be ready to stop or move aside. They are blinded by full-beam headlights, like everyone else.

Transportation Tuesday WHAT BIKE RIDERS/CYCLISTS CAN DO Follow the rules of the road... Don't... - jump red lights - ride on pavements - ride the wrong way down the street - ride across pedestrian crossings - cut between a turning vehicle and the roadside Show drivers what you plan to do. - Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn. - Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodge between them. - Ride positively and decisively. It helps drivers to understand what you plan to do. Be visible... - ride well clear of the roadside - wear bright clothing - always use lights after dark or in poor day-time visibility. Think ahead. Anticipate drivers' actions. Catch their eye. Make sure it’s safe before you move into traffic. Watch out for hazards on the road so you can avoid them safely, not swerve around them. Beware of doors opening on parked vehicles.

Transportation Tuesday REMEMBER THE LITTLE GUY...