“Alert and Considerate”: The thankless urban cyclist

Ask any pedestrian in Sydney’s CBD whether they think cyclists are ‘alert and considerate’ and I’m guessing the response will take on tones of sarcasm, coloured with brisk cynical laughter.

But, of the two conflicting parties, I put it that cyclists are the more maligned and, further, deserve greater recognition for their efforts to harmoniously co-exist.

(Full disclosure; The Dadsplainer is a cyclist and views expressed in this rant will display self-confirmation bias.)

I believe urban cyclists deserve the title, “Vigilo et Cogitatus”

Sounds noble, doesn’t it? It’s a dodgy Latin translation, the product of 5 minutes unreliable online research, of “Alert and Considerate”. But I’m aware contention about cyclists’ nobility will undoubtedly emerge.

Not a single day goes by where I do not see the actions of several pedestrians that put themselves and others at considerable risk with an astounding apparent lack of consciousness. All so easily avoidable.

But, as a cyclist, I’m not simply venting an angry response to the actions of those on foot – much as I’m given regular cause to – but looking to explore ways that may enhance harmony and safety.

Not only do I believe cyclists operate on the “Alert and Considerate” principles mentioned but it’s just as bloody well they do.

“Look before you leap”

Fundamental advice – words to live, indeed, survive by. And yet every minute of every day, countless walkers stride out into the path of oncoming traffic without so much as a side glance. How are they still alive? ‘Text zombies’ are prime offenders, in 2018 The Sydney Morning Herald reported “a sharp increase in accidents involving pedestrians using their mobile phones.”

Cyclists go out of their way to get of your way

Alert cyclists, senses honed by years of witnessing this behaviour, can see the danger before it happens, begin evasive action such as braking or swerving and provide warning – a shout or a ringing bell. The responsibility for an errant pedestrian’s safety is taken by the cyclist – I’ve often had to slam on the anchors for unheeding mothers with prams!

(These actions are seldom thanked – indeed often responded to with looks and remarks of indignation, as if the near collision was the cyclist’s fault. This is understandable to a degree – who hasn’t done a patently foolish thing and got angry at the innocent factor? You’re carrying too many things at once to set the table and drop the sauce… the reaction; “bloody sauce!”).

So, while often thankless, it’s this alertness that saves pedestrians everywhere there is a shared environment.

Be safe, be seen…

For instance: Cyclists go to extraordinary lengths to be visible at night – lights, reflectors, flouro vests – they’re mobile Christmas trees

Yet, whenever I cycle down a dark shared two-way path at night, I can’t tell you how often pedestrians are clad head-to-toe in black… Often the only visible part of a jogger in full-length black exercise gear has been the glowing phone strapped to their arm.

I have witnessed a small number of people walking home after work with special lights attached to backpacks. Full marks and here’s to more of these proactive safety precautions!

Change is happening but more needed

More dedicated cycle lanes are separating bikes from cars but this just adds to the need for greater awareness on the part of pedestrians. In many places they now have an additional thoroughfare to cross with more streams of traffic to look out for.

Ideally, all forms of traffic – foot and wheel – would never have to cross paths.

In the meantime, all we can hope for is an across the board evolution towards an increased personal responsibility for safety.

Now, what about the city light rail?….

Footnote: Of course, not all cyclists are angels. In last year’s Operation Pedro, Sydney Police dished out about as many fines to cyclists as pedestrians for traffic offences – but we’re getting better.