Open letter to all Richmond drivers,
Since I was rear-ended by someone speaking on their cell phone, I have been using my bike as a way to get in shape and as my primary mode of transportation to commute to work and run errands.
However, every time I am out there, I am risking my life!
Please, please, please, when you are on streets such as Granville Avenue, which have designated bike lanes, and even those that do not, do not assume it is clear to turn left just because you do not see a car.
Stop assuming that because the car in front of you turned left, it is okay for you to also turn.
Three people have done this to me. Check that bike lane; three times in two days I was almost hit because you were not looking.
I have reflectors. I have lights, on both the back and front of my bike, that flash to alert other vehicles to my presence on the street.
I even use them during the day. My clothing is not dark. I have a bell that I will ring when I am coming up to a vehicle that is looking to cross into the intersection and has its window open, to be certain the driver knows I am there.
I have to stop at green lights when a car is turning left to be sure they are looking and are not going to hit me.
I would love to ride on the sidewalks. It would be safer, but it is illegal.
Drivers, you are not looking for us.
Look for me. Look for us.
If you actually hit me or one of the other cyclists I see out biking all the time, we could end up seriously injured or even dead.
Please, take a moment and look. You could save a life, including this Richmond driver turned cyclist.
Catherin Rey
Richmond
