Dear Editor,
This letter is addressed to all drivers in Richmond. I implore you to look for all other vehicles on the road. You are not the only driver. It is your responsibility to be aware of your surroundings at all times.
The reason for my letter is I have noticed that, in the past three months since I’ve started riding my motorcycle to and from work, drivers are not using their mirrors, signals or doing shoulder-checks. Lane changes are the one thing that most motorcyclists and bicyclists fear while riding. If a driver fails to do the simple steps of 1) Check the side mirrors 2) Activate the indicator 3) Shoulder check, 4) Lane change — to these I’d add a step 0 of a quick shoulder-check prior to doing the other four — a cyclist is at the mercy of his or her reaction time, and the ability of the driver to hear the horn or voice.
I believe that the speed limit in Richmond is 50 km/hr unless otherwise posted. There have been countless times when I have been travelling at 50 km/hr and have been passed as if I were parked.
The roads on which I have noticed this most are Steveston Highway, No. 2 Road, No. 3 Road and Bridgeport Road. I’m sure there are others (the number would probably equal the number of streets in Richmond).
This rant is not directed at any age, gender, or ethnic group as I have seen this bad behaviour from a complete cross section of drivers. I have spoken with the police on this and have been informed that if the incident is reported relatively quickly, they will send a squad car and start an investigation which could result in a moving violation issued to the driver.
Another option could be that the driver, as well as the witness, could be invited to traffic court. The fines and inconvenience of having to go to court would be minimal if it avoids an accident. So, please, do yourselves (and your pocketbook) a favour and start paying attention.
Paul Tombu
Richmond
