I am commencing a study on cyclist-driver relationships (particularly conflicts): the tension between these road users and how this may result in unsafe behaviour. I would be most appreciative for references, previous studies or any advice or ideas people have.
P Somers
Australia
Cyclist - Driver Relationships (Conflicts)
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There were two resource pamphlets produced by the Canadian Cycling Association about Sharing the Road, one for the motorist, the other for the cyclist. They can be found at http://www.saskcycling.ca/resources.html. In Canada, we are sometimes polite to each other. I know that in Toronto, there was a cyclist's survivor guide made to define what your rights were as a cyclist so that if you were in an accident, you could properly defend yourself.
Jim Elliott,
Regina, Sask.
Canada
Jim Elliott
Canada
How's the cyclist-driver relationship study going, P?
Best,
Gregg Zukowski
Revolution Rickshaws, L.L.C.
United States
...
It's critical to affirm in the study the status of a gas-guzzling metal box as a DEADLY WEAPON; for example, leading with the statistics of the people (and possibly cyclists, in particular) murdered by motor weapon drivers. Motor weapon drivers brandishing their deadly weapons rarely are charged with the crimes they perpetrate regularly of simple assault & battery. (Also, eliminate the term "accident" and establish the precedent of deploying the term "incident" - rarely do true accidents occur on the road let alone anywhere else.)
Of course, on the flip side is the failure of local law enforcement agents to properly enforce cycling laws - they simply pooh pooh cyclist infractions. Treating cyclists similar to motor weapon drivers via law enforcement agents investing in the speediest of cyclists as well as road bikes to catch scofflaw cyclists in the act would be a good start.
Motor weapon drivers often resent cyclists because of their flippant attitude towards law - and for good reason. Cyclists deserve to be monitored and held accountable for violations of law just as motor weapon drivers do.
I fantasize some times about establishing and administering a proper cycling law enforcement program here in NYC, where the worst cyclists are the law enforcement agents on bikes!
Best,
Gregg Zukowski
revrickshaws.com
Gregg Zukowski
Revolution Rickshaws, L.L.C.
United States