"That's a wonderful way

From gittin' run over.
Them lights."

Says the dude gittin in the big red pickup truck at the market, with a cowboy hat on and a thick Southern (Illinois) accent.

I figure a great way to not get run over
Is for motorists to pay attention to drivin'
While drivin'

Drive at or below the speed limit
Slow down and move over when passing - give 3 feet of room, or more at higher speeds
Use yer turn signals - it helps communicate to other road users, even cyclists.

And if it's not safe to pass?

Don't pass.


And cyclists?
Wear "chartreuse" (especially if yer a bass fisherman)
Use flashing front and rear lights, even in the daytime. You might be surprised how many motorists will thank you fer havin' 'em - and usin' 'em.
Ride single file, anytime there is a remote chance that it would be appropriate; in terms of safety, in terms of "sharing the road".
Stop away from intersections when "checkin' the map", comparing power numbers, etc. - it is confusing for others if you stop right at the Stop sign with no intention of going through it (as soon as it is clear)
Wear a helmet.

Write yer legislators
Askin' 'em for more cycling infrastructure. It makes cyclists safer - and motorists less irate.
I mean, if we can afford $3 Trillion to remove the threat posed to American cyclists from Saddam - we can afford "more than zero" of our tax dollars being spent making American cyclists safer on the roads - from American motorists.


Thank you.