Ann Arbor needs to cultivate culture of respect between bicyclists and motorists

The uneasy mixing of bikes and cars has been obvious in heated conversation since a driver of a minivan struck and killed a bicyclist on Maple Road this summer. Nicholas Wahl, 20, of Clinton has been charged with negligent homicide in the incident. He told police the accident occurred when he looked away from the road to change the radio station he was listening to.

This has been an incalculably sad story on both sides. A 45-year-old father of two is dead, and a young man faces the realization that a single moment of carelessness resulted in the loss of life, which is a horrible burden to carry.

Such tragedy need not be repeated, if both motorists and bicycle riders use it as a solemn reminder of how important it is to know and obey all traffic rules - as well as to practice common sense and courtesy.

On the AnnArbor.com Web site, this has been one of the most commented-on topics, and the discussion has been unsettling in what it has revealed about the lack of tolerance between those who travel on four wheels and those who travel on two.

Given that Ann Arbor plans to add another 26 miles of on-road bicycle lanes over five years, along with other efforts to encourage more bike use, it is essential that we as a community improve our level of bicycle and automobile safety.

If you ride a bike, you need to know the rules of the road, and obey them. The failure to stop at traffic lights or signal before you turn is not only unsafe, but results in ill will by motorists toward all cyclists.

As a cyclist, you also have to understand that whether you are in the right or in the wrong, in a collision with a car you will always be the loser. You need to take extra precautions accordingly. Wear a helmet. Use reflectors and blinking lights on your bike, even during the day. And learn the safest practices. For instance, studies show you’re actually safer riding in the street than on the sidewalk.

As for motorists, you must accept that bike riders have the same right to be on the road that you do, and give them consideration.

Most important, you must understand that when you get behind the wheel of a car, you are driving a potentially lethal instrument, and that your first and only responsibility is to pay attention to the road. Distracted driving is a common source of accidents, be it talking on a cell phone, applying makeup or fiddling with your GPS system or your CD changer. As for texting while you drive, don’t even think about it. That’s an absolute no-no.

As has been so tragically demonstrated, even a moment of distraction can have fatal consequences. Your remorse won’t bring a life back or spare you from legal action.

Earlier this year, when the League of American Bicyclists gave Ann Arbor a prestigious silver-level award for Bicycle Friendly Communities, that was a proud moment for the city.

We’d love to see Ann Arbor continue to move up to the gold and platinum level, not just for public policies that encourage biking, but also for a culture where bicyclists are welcome on our streets, and return that respect and courtesy to motorists.

(This editorial was published in today's newspaper and reflects the opinion of the editorial board of AnnArbor.com.)

Here are some links to bicycle safety information:

How not to get hit by cars, from BicycleSafe.com

Brochures you can download on bicycle safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Learn the "Rules of the Road'' from the League of American Bicyclists

What motorists should know about sharing the road, from bicycledriving.org