I believe I am the Neanderthal referred to in Paul Demers’ column of April 2 (“Attention drivers: Cycling rules”), and while I take exception to the moniker, I make no apologies for my reaction to the behaviour of the cyclists on the road in general and the Squamish Valley Road in particular.
I would be interested in seeing the book that states that is legal for cyclists to ride in the middle of the road and that they can hold up vehicle traffic as they please. I wonder if the fact that this is apparently legal is any consolation to the family of the gentleman who died while avoiding cyclists riding in the middle of the road during a biking event in B.C.? When dodging the numerous potholes on the Squamish Valley Road, it would be much appreciated if they at least did a shoulder check and not just dart out into traffic while assuming that the vehicle behind them will avoid them. Is this how they drive their vehicles?
The bigger issue is cyclists riding two, three and even four abreast on the road. There are numerous signs on the Squamish Valley Road asking cyclists to please ride single file, yet I continue to encounter groups of riders taking up the whole lane and not forming a single line when they see a vehicle coming. That road is in terrible condition right now and logging traffic is about to commence for the season as well, so to throw inconsiderate cyclists into the mix, traveling to and from work or school is becoming increasingly hazardous for the residents of the Squamish Valley. Perhaps a solution for this problem would be that cyclists go to one of the local gyms and ride the stationary bikes so they ride as many abreast as they want?
I am asking politely that cyclists please show vehicles the respect that they themselves demand.
Rene Trudeau
Upper Squamish Valley
