Almost Another Statistic

I came close to becoming another statistic over the weekend.

While riding in the bike lane, a county bus came within three feet of me (and the driver blew the bus horn as well to let me know she was there).

This is the third time this year a county bus has nearly side swiped me. I have been hit by cars twice before (including a trip to the hospital). At this point I am fed with drivers who hold no regard for traffic or cyclists lives.

Cyclists in South Florida are getting mad for a reason. Our lives are at risk on the roadways when we ride. People complain about cyclists but we have a right to be on the road according to Florida Statutes.

The Sun Sentinel had a cover story in the local section about the fight over roadway between cyclists and automobiles. Cyclists do have a right to be on the road and must obey the traffic laws as a car. However when you read all of the comments posted you see the hatred between drivers and cyclists.

In my case over the weekend, the bus driver failed to use proper care while passing me. The Florida State Statues states the following about automobiles passing cyclists:

316.083 Overtaking and passing a vehicle.--The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations, exceptions, and special rules hereinafter stated:
(1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall give an appropriate signal as provided for in s. 316.156, shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.

I followed the bus to the next stop, pulled in front, and asked the driver if she realized what she almost did. She proceeded to tell me that I needed to get off the road and I was at fault. Unfortunately this is the prevailing attitude among drivers.

If she would have been more understanding, I would have let it go. Instead I called the Fort Lauderdale Police and filed a traffic complaint against her. (I am calling the bus operations as well.) Officer Alsamawi was very helpful with situation but arrived after the bus left. He recommended the following in situations like this:

1. Get the tag of automobile (camera phone works great)
2. Get a description of the vehicle
3. Call the police with the information and file a complaint

I do agree that there are cyclists on the road who blatantly disobey the traffic as well. We are like a car on the road as well. The police should address them as well. It is both elite and casual cyclists who contribute to the problems.

But the bottom is that South Florida drivers blatantly disobey the driving laws and do care for others. They speed, do not yield the right of way, talk on cell phones, and perform other dangerous maneuvers. Local governments need to enforce the traffic equally for everyone.

Unfortunately the bottom line is that if you are a cyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian - watch out!