DON’T BE DEAD RIGHT

Pequot Cyclists Newsletter

December 2001

¨       As frightening and aggravating as it is to be harassed by a hostile motorist, resist the urge to confront the motorist. Think about it. Would a reasonable person harass an innocent cyclist? Of course not. Who knows that other irrational acts this jerk might be capable of doing if provoked? Play it safe and try to relax and continue with your ride.

¨       Pretend you’re invisible. When riding in traffic, ride as defensively as you would if you were invisible because I’ve got news for you – you are. Take a pencil and hold it in front of your eyes at arms length. That’s all it takes to completely block out a cyclist from across the intersection. Many motorists don’t expect to see a cyclist on the road so the image doesn’t register on their brain. The moment you assume that a motorist sees you is the moment you become a hood ornament.

¨       Reduce your chances of becoming a victim of “I didn’t see him!” by increasing your visibility with brightly colored clothing. Riding is no place to be shy about color. If you ride at dusk, have lights. Flashing LED lights are even better. Lights, so the motorist can see you and so you can see the road. Dead right is still dead.