It’s spring – that time of year when Minnesnowtans wake after a long dark winter spent mostly indoors. It’s also that time of year when (more fair weather) cyclists take their bikes off the indoor trainer and onto the road.
Last week on a route I’ve regularly biked the past two summers, cyclist Bryan Joas was hit by a vehicle. He’s critically injured – and, the driver didn’t stick around (WTF) to see if Joas was ok.
That could have been me.
That could have been YOU.
This tragedy – one that shouldn’t have happened – is the unfortunate and terrifying reality of riding on the road. Every single time I hop on my bike, or Nick hops on his, it’s in the back of my mind. My worst fear.
I’m not writing this to defend those cyclists who disobey traffic laws. Heck, I’m guilty of yielding at stop signs when I’m biking – provided no cars are coming. But, before you as a driver flip out over a cyclist who does that, take a look at yourself and ask: Did I make a complete stop at that stop sign? Did I floor it when I saw the light turn yellow so I didn’t have to wait through a stoplight cycle?
Or: WAS I TEXTING AND/OR DRIVING DISTRACTED?
Because all it takes is a millisecond to cross that white line and hit a someone from behind who’s out doing an activity they love.
So, this is a reminder to all drivers: Pay attention. Cyclists are humans, too.
Whether you like bikes or not, remember that a REAL LIVE BREATHING HUMAN BEING – a person who has feelings, a family, hobbies, a career, goals in life! – is riding that bike. And, they deserve to ride on that road and get home safe just as much as you do.
Is responding to a text or checking facebook really more important that someone’s LIFE?! Is it worth potentially hitting a cyclist and not only changing their life forever, but yours (and their families’ and your families’ lives) as well?!
Share the road. Put down your phone. Pay attention.
The driver who hit Joas still hasn’t been found. If you have any information about the hit-and-run, please call the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office at 651.438.4700.
Contribute to Joas’ GoFundMe here.
Read his Caring Bridge story here.
12 Comments
It is sooo scary to think about!! And it could even happen on our almost deserted roads in Kittson county. Stay safe! 💕
Terrifying. It sure could, Mom! So important to be aware of surroundings, wear neon and wear your RoadID! Stay safe, too!
I have to say, this is one of the very reasons cycling is a weak leg for me. I’m scared of riding on the road by myself. What if something were to happen? I’m so sorry to hear about this fellow cyclist.
As my bf always tells me, you can’t think about it and instead just have to go and enjoy the ride. But, that said, it’s so important to be aware of your surroundings, wear neon, put bright lights on your bike, wear a RoadID (do you have one? best thing ever!) and always tell someone where you’re riding (even better if you can ride with someone). RoadID also has an app where you can enter your activity details, add contact info and notification options. Worth a download!
I do ride indoors on the trainer a LOT, even during the summer. But, long rides are always outside… because I can’t handle five hours on the trainer!
Stay safe out there, Laura!
I need to get a RoadID for sure. And I got outside for some bike time this weekend and smiled the whole time!
This is my biggest fear and what keeps me inside more often than not. I haven’t been out since July (although I was marathon training) and have a race on 4/10. Eek! I don’t run into too much traffic where I am, but there are a few spots where I’m always afraid. Nick has a good point, that you shouldn’t think about it, but it is hard not to.
Unfortunately this is a story that we are hearing way too often. Several weeks ago, here in NC, a group of highly experienced cyclists were hit. I saddens my heart.
I, too, love to be on the open road riding my bike. On a pretty day, it is one of my favorite ways to spend time. I just wish people would realize that, yes, like you said, we are humans too. There is no need to yell at us or blast a horn to try to “make a point”. Just take a few seconds to safely share the road. In the end, it is such a better decision for us all!
Even living in a bike friendly place, there are days when drivers hate sharing the road. Some of our roads have a very narrow shoulder with just a white line and every once in a while a driver will get too close. Is it that difficult to leave the cyclist a little space? The big trucks that drive by me revving their engines also scare me. Why do people have to do that? Whenever I ride alone I like to choose routes with very little traffic or huge shoulders. Thankfully, a lot of the roads around here have 5-6ft shoulders. I’m saddened to hear this about a fellow cyclist. My thoughts go out to him and his family.
I’ve known a few people who have been hit, some really badly, and it definitely makes me very apprehensive about riding on roads. I do what I can to stay safe and I know the vast majority of drivers are cautious as well, but there’s always that concern about the one driver who lets his attention wander for a second…
Hope they find whoever hit this guy. It’s one thing to hit someone, but leaving the scene of the crash is another level of cowardliness that I have no tolerance for.
I’m so sorry to hear about this. I hate that we have to fear riding a bike because of drivers. I am so careful when I’m driving not to look at my phone (except at a red light. Ugh. Still do this.), but I see people every single time I’m out texting with their phones in front of their faces while driving down the road. I wish cycling was safer; it’s one of the reasons I’m so hesitant to think about returning to getting on the bike now that I have Olivia. I’ll be back running as soon as I can get her out in the stroller, but the bike and my safety is so different now that I have someone depending on me. It’s terrible that we have to think this way and hold it in the back of our minds. I’m sorry for your friend. I hope they get information on the person soon.
Thank you for writing this article about my husband! It definitely is the bikers wife’s worst fear.
Of course, Shauna! Bryan and your entire family are in my thoughts often. I can’t even imagine 🙁 Sending healing energy for a full recovery! Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.