FEATURES

Cyclists Are Human, Too.....

Sunday, 20 March 2016 01:10

By Erin Klegstad (sweetsweatlife.com)

It’s spring – that time of year when Minnesnowtans wake after a long dark winter spent mostly indoors. It’s also that time of year when (more fair weather) cyclists take their bikes off the indoor trainer and onto the road.

Last week on a route I’ve regularly biked the past two summers, cyclist Bryan Joas was hit by a vehicle. He’s critically injured – and, the driver didn’t stick around (WTF) to see if Joas was ok.

That could have been me.

That could have been YOU. ....

This tragedy – one that shouldn’t have happened – is the unfortunate and terrifying reality of riding on the road. Every single time I hop on my bike, or Nick hops on his, it’s in the back of my mind. My worst fear.

I’m not writing this to defend those cyclists who disobey traffic laws. Heck, I’m guilting of yielding at stop signs when I’m biking – provided no cars are coming. But, before you as a driver flip out over a cyclist who does that, take a look at yourself and ask: Did I make a complete stop at that stop sign? Did I floor it when I saw the light turn yellow so I didn’t have to wait through a stoplight cycle?

Or: WAS I TEXTING AND/OR DRIVING DISTRACTED?

Because all it takes is a millisecond to cross that white line and hit a someone from behind who’s out doing an activity they love.

So, this is a reminder to all drivers: Pay attention. Cyclists are humans, too.

Whether you like bikes or not, remember that a REAL LIVE BREATHING HUMAN BEING – a person who has feelings, a family, hobbies, a career, goals in life! – is riding that bike. And, they deserve to ride on that road and get home safe just as much as you do.

Is responding to a text or checking facebook really more important that someone’s LIFE?! Is it worth potentially hitting a cyclist and not only changing their life forever, but yours (and their families’ and your families’ lives) as well?!

Share the road. Put down your phone. Pay attention.

The driver who hit Joas still hasn’t been found. If you have any information about the hit-and-run, please call the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office at 651.438.4700.

Contribute to Joas’ GoFundMe here.

Read his Caring Bridge story here.

ED. Erin's is one of several outstanding tri blogs by a Minnesota multisporter. We recommend that you become a regular visitor (sweetsweatlife.com).