Share Caledon roads with cyclists

Caledon truly is one of the province’s hotspots for health and active living with all of the conservation areas, trails, fitness clubs and miles and miles of hilly roads.

It is for this last reason that I find myself spending a lot of time in Caledon these days (having spent many of my formative years in Bolton, it’s also coming home of sorts). As an avid cyclist I love to come up to the area on the weekends and ride 100 or more kilometres after work or on the weekend. I’m always amazed at how many other cyclists are out on the road. It’s great to see such an active community.

I am equally impressed with the courtesy extended to the vast, vast majority of motorists. These folks understand that cyclists have the same rights – and responsibilities – as those in cars, trucks, motorcycles, farm equipment, etc. They give a wide berth to us cyclists and don’t try to squeeze by us with minimal clearance. They understand that the average bike weighs 20 pounds and that their car or truck weighs about 2,000 and that we have only a helmet to protect us (no airbags!). They understand that we’re simply trying to have fun and stay fit. On behalf of all cyclists, I thank these motorists and praise their common sense and civility.

Unfortunately, every time I go for a ride up in the beautiful Caledon hills I also come across at least one motorist who feels it makes sense to see just how close they can come to us as they pass by at 80 km-h. I was actually forced into a ditch by one such idiot a few years ago. There’s always one such motorist who decides to open their window and yell at us or – as was the case one recent

night, give us the one-finger salute. Some sit right on our back wheel and honk for no apparent reason. I don’t understand this vocal and aggressive minority.

What drives (pun intended) them to such reckless behaviour? Do you really need to actually hit someone to figure out the implications of your actions? Where are you going in such a rush that you can’t spare an extra 30 seconds to wait for a break in oncoming traffic and pass us safely? Would you act that way if it was your child, sibling or parent on the bike?

Now to be fair and balanced, there are some equally reckless cyclists out there who don’t obey the rules of the road and this, too, is unacceptable.

So to sort this entire mess out, I have a challenge for those who enjoy sitting behind us and honking or yelling at us or passing entirely too close to us: Once you’ve yelled or honked or come close to clipping us, stop at the next intersection, wait for us to catch up and let’s talk about it. Seriously. I’d love to have a discussion – even a lively debate – about why you feel you need to do what you do. I doubt you’ll stop, however. You’re tough in your car and safely ensconced in a ton of steel, but a bit of clear thinking makes you realize you’re in the wrong.

Again, I thank all those who understand that roads are not just for cars (or trucks). I thank those who also appreciate that Caledon is a health lifestyle jewel and wants to set the standard for the rest of the province to follow and I look forward to thousands more miles of cycling on the roads of Caledon.

Darren Karasiuk