A guy I work with complained that bikes should not be on roads because a driver can come around a blind curve and be unable to stop in time to avoid one. What should I tell him?
I had someone say this to me at a previous employer’s, and other people in the discussion seemed to think it was a reasonable objection. It took a bit of thought, but I ultimately decided this argument is hogwash. The problem in this situation is not the bicyclist, it’s that the car driver is driving too fast for the road conditions. Any “blind curve” situation can hide a variety of things from view of a driver – not just a cyclist. There could be a slow moving vehicle such as a tractor or an overloaded truck around the next bend. There could be a stalled vehicle or a fallen tree. If a car driver can’t stop in time, it’s reckless, dangerous driving. A bicycle commuter on a curving road has a number of options. He or she needs to listen for approaching traffic and monitor a mirror to see what’s coming from behind. Be prepared to head for the shoulder or even off the road if necessary. Dressing visibly and having at least one blinking light will help; so will an orange flag. If you hear
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