An open letter to all drivers, especially truck drivers. We as cyclists are mothers, fathers, brothers, sister, children and most importantly; humans. If you see us, doing our own thing on the road, please pass widely. Even if we are near the yellow line. I don't care if you have been angered be some idiot on a bike on a previous occasion. Ignore your childish voice to; to your amusement, see how near you can pass us. You see, the only difference between shooting someone and a hit and run is the method. You are still a murderer. And if we do survive, we run the risk of being paralyzed or having severe brain damage. Now tell me how you'd feel if that were to happen to you, your spouse or your child. It is not a game to see how many times you can pass closely to us. It is not a game to see how much you can anger us. You are playing with another persons life. I urge you to pay attention to the road, I know how quickly an accident can happen. There is no going back and no sorry will change what happened. As taken, exactly from the website https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/transport-travel-and-motoring/cycling/cyclist-road-rules-and-safety : "Drivers are required to give a minimum of one metre when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60 km/h or less or 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60 km/h. Scan the road for cyclists. Look for cyclists when turning or entering an intersection and give way as you would for any other vehicle. Before opening your car door look behind and check blind spots for cyclists. Do not drive, stop or park in a bicycle lane, you can cross a bicycle lane to turn left, enter private property or park in a parking lane. Cyclists can legally ride two abreast - be patient as you approach and overtake only when safe. Give cyclists plenty of room - a minimum of one metre clearance when overtaking." You can also refer to the following websites for more information: http://www.bicyclecapetown.org/bike-law/rules-of-the-road/ http://www.pedalpower.org.za/news/new-traffic-laws-affect-cyclists/ Don't be the person responsible for taking another persons life. Be patient, share the road and let everyone arrive home safely. Kind regards, A human on two wheels.
