BIKING has picked up at the onset of 2021. There are already a lot of Dabawenyos posting about their biking expeditions on social media. Several routes are the favorite for bikers, the uphill trek to Shrine Hills and the famous "Laste," the long stretch of Gatungan, and the favorite Eden chill ride.
Some entrepreneurs even have set up biking stops in these areas. All of these have made biking a wonderful experience for every Dabawenyo into biking.
While many have embraced biking as an alternative means of transportation, we also encourage other motorists to share the road with cyclists.
There have been numerous reports and incidents of accidents involving cyclists and vehicles in recent weeks. While road attitudes between cyclists and motorists are usually the culprit behind such accidents, this is a call for both to be more respectful of each other on the road.
For cyclists, let us respect traffic rules and regulations. Being on two wheels is not an excuse not to observe stop lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crossings. Stop at safe distances behind buses, cars, etc. Use the designated bike lanes. Use hand-signals and maintain visibility always.
For motorists, let us be mindful of cyclists while we are on the road. Watch out for riders before disembarking our vehicles. We might hit them with our doors. Check side mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Provide enough space when overtaking cyclists. Use signal lights.
Common areas where accidents happen are junctions and laybys, sudden obstructions such as the opening of car doors or sudden stops, overtaking by cyclists and motorists, traffic lights.
We should be very cautious when navigating through these areas and always keep an eye out for obstructions and sudden stops.
These are but a few ways by which both cyclists and motorists can share the road. I am a weekend rider, and I use my car going to work.
Being both have made me more disciplined on the road, knowing that other motorists' and cyclists' safety is my concern once on the road.
Lastly, for both road users, keep our aggression at bay. Road rage has no place in a civilized society. Talk calmly and handle things like adults and professionals as possible.
Enjoy the road and safe ride to everyone, cyclists and motorists alike.