1. When the losers collide:
pedestrians and cyclists fighting for the bread crumbs of public space
mário j alves

2. We know who doesn't rule the roads:
it's not pedestrians, and it's not cyclists.

3. Reject the idea of
“shared responsibility”
Hierachical responsibility:
Car > Bicycle > Pedestrian

4. Strict Liability:
e.g.
Loi de Badinter
Betriebsgefahr

5. 1. Respect pedestrians in all circumstances ...
Just like we demand responsibility and respect from drivers of heavier, faster and more dangerous vehicles, we have to ask from ourselves to fully respect the most vulnerable.

6. 2. ... even when we ride on the bike path
When using bike paths, ride with extra care and always respect pedestrians who, for various reasons, might be walking on them (e.g. because their pavement is less comfortable, has too many obstacles or is deteriorated, is even too narrow or non-existent, or simply because children, elderly or adults who walk distractly). If you have to use the bicycle bell to warn your approach, use it at a distance and early enough to avoid scares. Remember that it is the responsibility of the heavier, more powerful and dangerous to guaranty the safety of the weakest.

7. 3. Take your natural place on the roadway
Ride, where possible, away from the curb or gutter, occupying the "primary position", i.e. near the middle of the lane. This allows you to be seen and to be more conspicuous, and to avoid collisions with pedestrians who unexpectedly might step off the sidewalk.

8. 4. Establish eye contact when approaching pedestrian crossings
On the approach of a pedestrian crossing, with or without traffic lights, always establish eye contact with pedestrians that are crossing, or about to do so. Reduce your speed to indicate that they were seen in order to avoid unnecessary scares, and give way.

9. 5. Do not ride on pavements
Riding on pavements creates conflict, discomfort and danger to pedestrians (especially children and the elderly) and is illegal for cyclists over 10 years old. For cyclists, the use of the pavement is generally more dangerous than the use of the road. Pedestrians are naturally unpredictable, there can be numerous obstacles with little visibility, and corners with virtually zero visibility, public transport stops, driveways with unexpected crossings of vehicles, or people who leave home with their children and luggage.

10. 6. Do not cycle along pedestrian crossings
As for riding on pavements, cycling along pedestrian crossings is uncomfortable and dangerous for pedestrians who are legitimately using them. In addition, this illegal practice is extremely dangerous for the bike rider. Riding on pavements induces this very dangerous practice for cyclists. When riding along pedestrian crossings, the rider may have a much higher speed than the pedestrian and is outside of the driver's angle of vision. These factors are the cause of a high proportion of serious crashes between bicycles and motorised vehicles. On the pedestrian crossing it is legal and safer to take the bike by hand (as such the rider is legally considered a pedestrian).

11. 7. Be careful when parking your bike
Parking the bike on the sidewalk can be very uncomfortable for pedestrians and is illegal. Always remember that there are pedestrians who are blind or with partial vision that fail to anticipate and prevent to collide with your bike. There are also baby carriages, wheelchairs and accompanied elderly. Do not forget that loose-end cables, a brake lever or pedal can bruise or tear the pedestrian’s clothes. Never forget that a badly parked bicycle on the sidewalk can block the access to pedestrian crossings, fire hydrants, doors of buildings, etc.

12. mário j alves