As a motorist, Bicyclists and Motorcyclists top my list of Road Nuisances. Of course, of course…they have equal rights as I do on the road. Consider though the numerous distractions that motorists already have to contend with----ubiquitous pedestrians, unenlightened jeepney, bus and truck drivers who think of themselves as “kings of the road” and beyond traffic rules, tricycle and trisikad drivers who appear to be under the mistaken belief that they are invincible, cellphones---- surely, bicyclists are better off the road than on it.
But have you ever look at the road from a biker’s perspective?
From my side of the world, especially my usual Bacolod-Murcia bike route, potholes, sugarcane stalks and loose stones on the road are a common sight.
To a motorist, the most probably that a pothole can do is to cause damage to the shocks or cause a dent to his vehicle. To a biker, however, potholes and fresh sugarcane stalks are nightmares as any abrupt change in the road surface can cause one to lose control and veer right into the path of a car or truck running in the same direction.
The Bacolod-Murcia road is about 10 km. from my place, a great portion of which consists of narrow 2-lane roads. Not only does it not have shoulders (defined as a part of the road where drivers may stop in an emergency) but, more often, the edge of the concrete pavement is notably higher than adjoining soil, making like a 2-step stairs. As you can see, riding too close to the edge is…well…suicidal.
Taking my eyes off the pavement, large cattle, especially carabaos, goats and stray dogs are also common sight. I saw a cyclist crashed directly into dog in a tour de france event. The dog got away unscathed but the impact crumpled the cyclist’s bike frame into a mass of twisted metal. Then on, I see dogs on a different light…as bright yellow fluorescent warning signs.
My most dreaded companions on the road are the buses and the haulers. Can you imagine yourself riding beside these monstrosities?
Especially if they overtake you 3 in a row!!! Its like biking on a hanging tight rope... the slightest mistake could be fatal.
But have you ever look at the road from a biker’s perspective?
From my side of the world, especially my usual Bacolod-Murcia bike route, potholes, sugarcane stalks and loose stones on the road are a common sight.
To a motorist, the most probably that a pothole can do is to cause damage to the shocks or cause a dent to his vehicle. To a biker, however, potholes and fresh sugarcane stalks are nightmares as any abrupt change in the road surface can cause one to lose control and veer right into the path of a car or truck running in the same direction.
The Bacolod-Murcia road is about 10 km. from my place, a great portion of which consists of narrow 2-lane roads. Not only does it not have shoulders (defined as a part of the road where drivers may stop in an emergency) but, more often, the edge of the concrete pavement is notably higher than adjoining soil, making like a 2-step stairs. As you can see, riding too close to the edge is…well…suicidal.
Taking my eyes off the pavement, large cattle, especially carabaos, goats and stray dogs are also common sight. I saw a cyclist crashed directly into dog in a tour de france event. The dog got away unscathed but the impact crumpled the cyclist’s bike frame into a mass of twisted metal. Then on, I see dogs on a different light…as bright yellow fluorescent warning signs.
My most dreaded companions on the road are the buses and the haulers. Can you imagine yourself riding beside these monstrosities?
Especially if they overtake you 3 in a row!!! Its like biking on a hanging tight rope... the slightest mistake could be fatal.
Now, who could argue that even road biking should be categorized as an extreme sport?
1 comment:
hey, you're right, extreme it is! and you better be careful!
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