Sharing the Road in the SEMissourian

Bob Miller of the Southeast Missourian wrote an excellent article giving the perspective of both bicyclists and motorists about sharing the road. Bob went a step beyond what most journalists do, by actually getting on a tandem with an experienced cyclist (Bob is a novice himself) and going for some rides. He is a sharp enough observer that even with these relatively short experiences he is able to describe very well the cyclist's perspective.

Bob first read the Missouri laws relating to bicycling:

Simple enough, I thought.

Then I began to flip through the yellow manual. Yikes. There were all sorts of scenarios that I'd never thought about.

I learned there are times when it's appropriate, and safer, to ride in the middle of the lane, or at least close to it. . . .

On his ride, Bob "saw plenty of cooperation from cyclists, pedestrians and motorists." But then

I decided to drive out on Route D, one of the area's major biking routes.

As I took mental notes of the rural but busy highway, I was glad Gross didn't take me out here.

I wouldn't ride a bike on Route D. There are no shoulders. The road is narrow, curvy and hilly. I stopped at a few houses and could understand where Route D residents Anne Rees and John Wood were coming from.

"It really is scary for me as a driver," said Rees, who at one point in her life was an avid cyclist. "They have every right. I understand that, and I like seeing people riding bikes because I think it's a clean, healthy activity. But I don't feel I should have to make the choice between putting myself in danger by crossing the middle line or running a cyclist off the road."

There is much more in Bob's article.