A Cycling Rant

As cyclists normally do, I was cycling in the curb lane, next to the curb. Cyclists do this because:

1) It is safer than cycling down the middle of a lane.
2) It is safer than cycling in the centre lane.
3) We normally travel slower than cars.
4) Bike lanes are constructed next to the curb.
5) The rules of the road for cyclists dictate that we ride at the curb. In fact, cars are required to give a cyclist the whole lane, if necessary.

We pass cars and trucks on the right hand side because the roads are wide enough - in most cases - to accommodate that. Usually, we pass cars on the right when vehicles have queued up for a traffic light (but sometimes, we are faster than vehicles).

This morning, as I approached a traffic light, I noticed several cars waiting. As is the practice of most cyclists, I planned to cycle past the waiting cars when the rear door of a cab flew open, and some guy started to step out.

I said: "Whoooa!"

He said: "That's why you're not supposed to pass cars on the right!"

I said: "That's why you're supposed to look for cyclists!"

I neglected to tell him that many cabs do, in fact, have window stickers reminding passengers to check for bikes.

He went on, quite forcibly: "You are not supposed to pass cars on the right because it is illegal!"

I said: "That's where cyclists ride. We ride at the curb." I went on about how it looked as though the cab was waiting for the traffic signal. I told him that there was a car directly in front of the cab, also waiting for the light.

But, more importantly:

1) The cab did not pull over (had it done so, I would have passed on the left).
2) The cab driver did not signal (had he done so, I would have passed on the left).

So, dude with the grey beard threw a few more sentences my way, and I left, but not before I told him that I was not angry with him. I wanted to add that I was angry with the driver for failing to signal or pull over. But, even having thought that, it was obvious that the cab driver knew I was there because he did not pull over: he left me room to get by, and Mr. Grey Beard failed to check for bicycles. He blew up because he was embarrassed.

And now, I must do some work.

Technorati Tags: Toronto, cycling, bikes, bicycles, cabs, taxis, traffic, arguments

Get out of the Bike Lane

Why is it that Taxis are permitted to use shared lanes? You know, like the ones on Bay Street. These lanes are reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles. Why? Taxis are no solution to pollution or road congestion. They drive around looking for fares, or else they are usually carrying ONE passenger. This sucks. In my opinion, these lanes should be reserved for buses and vehicles with three or more people inside. What I really think is that there should be bike lanes on more streets. And not like that idiotic bike lane on Spadina.

Get out of the bike lane!

Tags: cycling, Toronto