Cyclists: Five Strategies In Fixing A PR Problem

As cyclists, we have a public relations problem. We can quibble about whether or not this is fair or entirely earned, but for our part, we need to acknowledge how our conduct on the road contributes to this negative perception.

Cyclists: Five Strategies in Fixing a PR Problem

A little over a year ago, I was out on a bike ride with a newly made acquaintance. It was a beautiful day, and we had been out for several hours. Upon making our way back through the University of Washington on the Burke-Gilman Trail, we came upon an unsuspecting college student in the middle of the path. She was in the way, but it was entirely benign, or so I thought.

After my previously believed to be “nice” new friend had completed the type of hostile, angsty-biker castigation of this perfectly well-meaning stranger, I had a singular thought:

This is why people hate us.

We are the worst. We don’t follow the traffic laws, we wear tight, unflattering clothing made for 140-pound Europeans and we more generally act like entitled jerks whenever the mood suits us. Based upon the interaction described above, and having seen enough of them along the way, it is easy to understand why this viewpoint has become the narrative.

This sentiment is not new, and even in a supposedly “bike friendly” city like Seattle, it is alive and well. It would be fair to say that all cyclists are painted with a broad brush and are too often judged by their worst participants. It is also worth noting that the current transportation infrastructure is woefully inadequate when it comes to supporting the amount of people on the road, and this often strains the relationship between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. However, these statements do little to address the fact that when biking on the road or trails for that matter, we rarely do ourselves any favors when it comes to enhancing our public perception.

As cyclists, we have a public relations problem. We can quibble about whether or not this is fair or entirely earned, but for our part, we need to acknowledge how our conduct on the road contributes to this negative perception.

It is unlikely that we will ever win over everyone, but I have found that sticking to the following guidelines will help keep you safe, as well as make you an excellent spokesperson for cyclists everywhere.

1. Acknowledge that other people exist

This is a tough one, especially in Seattle. We have this adorable little custom of behaving indifferently towards one another, and this can spell disaster on these narrow, hilly streets. The traffic here makes people crazy, and yes, while cyclists do have the right to be on the road, seriously consider what roads you are taking.

I drive to work every day, and invariably traffic will pile up behind a cyclist who elected to ride down the middle of the road. Cyclists can and should take the lane to discourage unsafe passes from cars, but if you look behind you and consistently see a small parade forming, consider whether or not a different route might be in order. Or, at the very least, try to look contrite.

Many situations like these are unnecessary, and contribute to the notion that we are oblivious and entitled when on the road.

2. Whatever you do, do so on purpose

While we can streamline where we ride, all of us have parts of our rides and commutes that are just unavoidable. On a bike, you are incredibly exposed, and during these sections being communicative about one’s intentions is of the utmost importance.

* Make eye contact with other drivers, and more generally, assume they don’t see you.

* When turning, signal. Left-hand out for left turns. Right-hand out for right turns, unless you are confident that the millennials texting in the car behind you know what a raised left-hand means.

* When intending to stop, and hear me out on this one, stop. Put your foot down. I know you don’t want to clip out and lose your momentum, but many drivers misinterpret this, and things turn into a “will they” or “won’t they” dance that is frustrating for everyone involved.

* A lot of drivers get a bit nervous passing cyclists on narrow streets. Show your appreciation for their caution by letting them know when it’s OK to pass. On wider roads, you can do this by making eye contact and moving over further to the right as they approach. In tighter quarters, a hand signal waving them by can do wonders. It indicates: “I know you are there, and I understand that your time matters.”

3. Traffic signals, make it look good

This could, and has been written about in excruciating detail, so I will keep this short. I would say use your best judgment, but apparently that isn’t working.

People in cars need to understand that a lot of the things bikers do when regarding rolling stop signs, and perhaps getting the jump on a light, are often done out of self-preservation and to alleviate traffic buildup. When starting from a dead stop and clipping in, cyclists are in their most vulnerable, wobbly state, and this is not the best time to have a fleet of cars sliding by you. While it may appear that they are openly flouting the laws of both god and men, most of the time they are just trying to get out of your way.

That said, every time a cyclist openly blows through a stop sign or light with cars around, the “Why don’t bikers follow the rules of the road,” talking point is confirmed. No one is saying you need to come to a complete stop if there aren’t cars around, but at least try to make it look good. Slow down a bit. Look left, right and move on.

4. Use your words, tone informs the message

Many people might disagree with this one, but ditch the bell on the trail. First off, it’s not cool, and when wearing spandex, you don’t have a lot of cool to spare.

From a practical standpoint, the bell just doesn’t work very well. Active trail walkers and commuters know what it means, but in the summer the trails get busy, and it just creates confusion. This inevitably leads to the “angry bell” scenario, where the passing cyclist rings the bell loudly multiple times, receives no response and just rides by anyway. To a family, out just trying to enjoy the day, it’s not hard to wonder who appears to be in the wrong in this situation.

Use your words. You can say just about anything, but if you yell it, you’ve already lost.

“Coming up on your left,” said in a friendly way, is a revelation. It’s not necessary every time you pass someone, just when you are a little bit closer than you would like, if they have a dog, or if they aren’t holding a very consistent line.

If they have kids, warn them and slow down, because people usually like their children. Smile, and throw in a “Thanks,” as you go by, and the interactions will quickly become a positive experience rather than a tedious exercise.

5. You are on a bike, but you are still human

The last, and arguably most important thing to remember, is that most people, whether on a bike or off, are doing the best that they can. We all get tired. We all have lapses in judgement that lead to poor decisions.

I know the above advice may seem a bit pedantic and overly self-conscious, but how we communicate matters. Every time I go out riding, I am struck by the sheer volume of human cooperation I see taking place. Some days things go better than others, but on the whole, it’s inspiring. These little actions pay credence to the notion that we are all part of the same community, and that everyone has an equal share. As new residents continue to pour into the Puget Sound, these behaviors will become all the more essential in making getting around the city tolerable.

Things won’t ever be perfect, but the best medicine for anti-bike sentiment is more thoughtful bikers on the road. We are lucky in the sense that we already have a great many. This might be too idealistic, but that is how I feel when I ride my bike. So, to sum up: smile, wave and never yell at strangers. I think we’d all be surprised by how far that gets us.