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How about some ideas for PSAs (Public Service Announcments) aimed at bicyclists?
What do you think PSAs aimed at bicyclists should say?
And please, something other than reminders to wear helmets.
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Just a black screen with white writing that says "Stay out of my way", and then you hear the sound of a vrooming engine.
Ride with traffic.
Right hook.
Most accidents happen at intersections.
If you do ride on the side walk, then check when entering the street.
Don't stare so hard at the hotties that you negelect to watch where you are going.
With a good budget all of these can be very graphic.
how bout the PSA's be directed at all road users, particularily motorists.
Just a black screen with white writing that says "Stay out of my way", and then you hear the sound of a vrooming engine.
How about the same add only with 'Don't Be A Jackass' as the text. Equally applicable to both motorists and cyclists.
I think the PSAs should be aimed at the motorists to make them more aware of the guy on two wheels that has just as much right to the road as the mouthbreather in his over-priced armoured personnel carrier.
How about the same add only with 'Don't Be A Jackass' as the text. Equally applicable to both motorists and cyclists.
Jackass is too overused.
It would need to be a word that could show humor and sarcasm so that people who read it don't get their painties all in a wad.
How about a PSA that says "stop at stop signs"
how about a shot that starts in outerspace, then zooms into a city, and trafficgridlock for miles.... voiceover is discussing growing traffic congestion, pollution, and global climate change. also obesity and the lack of exercise causing virtually epidemic health problems.
as the zooming camera gets closer, brightly colored dots are shown moving between and around the cars, using bike lanes and also filtering thru traffic. as the camera continues to zoom, it shows the dots avoiding traffic congestion are BICYCLISTS. camera angles up at street level, and juxtaposes frustrated, bloated drivers' faces stuck in traffic with a string of bicyclists, all smiling and glowing as they pass traffic in the bike lane.
Voiceover finishes with a James Earl Jones type voice, "Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution. The choice is clear: RIDE YOUR BIKE."
I think the PSAs should be aimed at the motorists to make them more aware of the guy on two wheels that has just as much right to the road as the mouthbreather in his over-priced armoured personnel carrier.
agree with the concept, not the phrasing.
ken.
I think the PSAs should be aimed at the motorists to make them more aware of the guy on two wheels that has just as much right to the road as the mouthbreather in his over-priced armoured personnel carrier.
Yes.
- Bikers are legally considered drivers.
- MN requires three feet between passing vehicles.
- MN does not require bikes to be in the bike lane.
- Bikers don't have to stay right if the lane is too narrow for a car to pass.
Yes, these are aimed at bikers too. If bikers in general exercised their rights consistently, I think there would be a lot more understanding all around.
I got honked at a few times today for exercising an odd combination of the last two. There was a bike lane, but construction cones in the middle of the road led a lot of drivers to slop a wheel into the bike lane. Door zone meant I normally biked on the left side of the bike lane. So I took the lane, at 22mph, for a few hundred feet. Both drivers yelled at me that I belong in the bike lane. Oh, that reminds me.
- What's your hurry? The light up ahead is red anyway.
Bicyclists -
If you refuse to obey traffic laws like stop signs/stop lights then stay off the road.
<3 Bekologist's idea.
Another one could be contrasting a congested ride in a car, boring, in a box, sitting alongside a lot of other boxes, and the open air and vivid experience you get on a bike.
or this on a screen:
Take the lane!
-Helmut
Bicyclists -
If you refuse to obey traffic laws like stop signs/stop lights then stay off the road.
+1
DPN
I know I see more motorists blowing stop signs than bicyclists. maybe the PSA directed to bicyclists :rolleyes: about blowing stops/getting off the road could address motorists.... and obeying the speed limits, not running red lights, passing safely, paying attention to the road and not their PDAs....
"Know your rights, know the law... You may be the only person on the road who does."
extra bonus points for some celebrity biker/hobbyist saying this in front of a video of a bicyclist getting pulled over or SUV taking a bike's lane.
I see no reason a PSA aimed, on the surface, at cyclists can't also be used to get certain ideas across to motorists too. The main problem we have around here, it seems to me, is disregard or ignorance to the fact that cyclists are even allowed to use the road. This simple fact, if accepted by more motorists (and some cyclists), would make things so much smoother.
Don't mention the fact, just make it assumed in your statements. Think psychological warfare rather than direct confrontation :)....maybe even so far as to say something along the lines (but worded better) of "Cyclists, in order to better share the roads with motorists, some simple rules and procedures should be followed". Aimed at cyclists it seems, but putting it in motorist's minds that the cyclist can be there without actually targeting them.
Or; Have it directed obviously at both cyclists and motorists as already mentioned. Point out common problems and proper ways that both sides can help alleviate or eliminate them. This way neither "side" feels attacked specifically, but is still given something to think about. How you go about something is as important as what that something is.
Whether my ideas above would be incorporated or not, and more on-topic, some cyclist-specific areas are;
Riding on sidewalks, especially against traffic while going through intersections. I have seen more (very) close calls and sheer confusion (by all involved) from this than all others issues combined. This issue could be attacked with different solutions, which would likely cause some debate, but it seems 100% worth mentioning.
The other is general observing, obeying and using road signs/lights and hand signals. Even disregarding any increase in safety, these acts alone can and would grant more respect from more drivers if applied by more cyclists more often. When I go into town around more cyclists, I rarely if ever see hand signals (of the polite variety:)) in use. I feel motorists would be more accepting of cyclists if they felt they could forecast their intentions more easily/accurately/often. Much the same as not wanting unleashed dogs (not an insult, just a note for this specific point...and I may regret it) on the street or sidewalk...you don't know what they are going to do...that makes them more of a nuisance. Even if it is just comforting and didn't directly increase safety, I think it would help the overall situation.
There would still be the jackass extremes whether they have engines or pedals, but no PSA is going to have much affect on either. Applied examples from other more moderate types might help them over time though.
An obvious one would be where to ride in the road and under what circumstances. This could easily be targeted towards both sides at the same time. Proper nighttime visibility is another...
Long enough for now...
"Take out those earbuds!"
How about an image of a bike with the text "Use it..." then switch to an image of the earth with the text "...or lose it"?
Preachy, I know, but it's the best I can come up with at the moment.
how bout the PSA's be directed at all road users, particularily motorists.
I think the PSAs should be aimed at the motorists to make them more aware of the guy on two wheels that has just as much right to the road as the mouthbreather in his over-priced armoured personnel carrier.
Interesting how some folks just seem to have a hard time getting their minds to think in terms of what the cyclist can and should do to avoid crashes, and continually seek to blame the motorist and hold the motorist responsible.
This is particularly illuminating in a forum that is read almost exclusively only by cyclists.
How does this accomplish anything? Blatant pro bike propaganda and it will be recognized as such. Bikes and cars use the same roads. If they are clear for bikes they are clear for cars.
But how about 2 neighbors going to the quicky mart?
The driver gets the quick start and gets there first only to wait and wait or perhaps circle the block looking for a parking space.
Variation - stop lights and play tortuous and hare.
One could end with a nasty kicker where the cyclist makes it back in time for the opening kickoff (or after halftime kickoff) which of course gets run back all the way.
Showing advantages to cycling is good, trying to say cycling is all good and cars all bad is foolish.
<3 Bekologist's idea.
Another one could be contrasting a congested ride in a car, boring, in a box, sitting alongside a lot of other boxes, and the open air and vivid experience you get on a bike.
or this on a screen:
Take the lane!
-Helmut
Yes, yes, yes.
A rather obvious application is showing somewhere where 'share the road' means sharing in harmony with happy cars and cyclists and contrasting it to fighting over the road.
Relaative to bad cycling practices you mentioned (and I choped off, my bad, but things were long) One could go with a even good drivers don't always check for ... (Wrong way, flying off the sidewalk...). It can include that most drivers do check for cyclists where they belong, which might point out that drivers who do not are pretty crappy.
I see no reason a PSA aimed, on the surface, at cyclists can't also be used to get certain ideas across to motorists too. The main problem we have around here, it seems to me, is disregard or ignorance to the fact that cyclists are even allowed to use the road. This simple fact, if accepted by more motorists (and some cyclists), would make things so much smoother.
Don't mention the fact, just make it assumed in your statements. Think psychological warfare rather than direct confrontation :)....maybe even so far as to say something along the lines (but worded better) of "Cyclists, in order to better share the roads with motorists, some simple rules and procedures should be followed". Aimed at cyclists it seems, but putting it in motorist's minds that the cyclist can be there without actually targeting them.
....
Interesting how some folks just seem to have a hard time getting their minds to think in terms of what the cyclist can and should do to avoid crashes, and continually seek to blame the motorist and hold the motorist responsible.
THAT is a stretch to say the least! I believe I speak for the bicycling nation when I say that collectively, we want more respect and notice from motorists, head.
Drivers collectively possess a near universal ignorance to bicyclists rights to the road. ERGO, educate the drivers.
what, you didn't like my PSA health and wellness idea of bikes passing traffic jams in the bike lanes and filtering?
I think PSAs directed toward cyclists are a good idea. All I hear of now is 'wear a helmet' and 'ride to the right.'
Perhaps if a city had a number (depending on city size) of portable signs that indicate "Cyclist may use full lane" or "Share the Road" on appropriate roads (which sign depends on lane width) this would be a message to cyclist to use the road/lane and to motorists that cyclists should be. The portability would mean they would not wear their presence and be ignored and also with the sign by being moved/portable does not imply that cyclist may only use full lane in that one location.
Getting more cyclists using the road/lane with destination lane positioning is the best way for cyclists to be noticed and gain respect as driver of vehicles.
Al
How does this accomplish anything? Blatant pro bike propaganda and it will be recognized as such. Bikes and cars use the same roads. If they are clear for bikes they are clear for cars.
But how about 2 neighbors going to the quicky mart?
The driver gets the quick start and gets there first only to wait and wait or perhaps circle the block looking for a parking space.
Variation - stop lights and play tortuous and hare.
One could end with a nasty kicker where the cyclist makes it back in time for the opening kickoff (or after halftime kickoff) which of course gets run back all the way.
Showing advantages to cycling is good, trying to say cycling is all good and cars all bad is foolish.
You realize anything on TV is blatant propaganda if you're not dumb. Thats why people pay for them, thats why they work.
It's just one thing that makes me enjoy riding more than driving, more immersion in the world around you.
I've thought about this type of educational awareness alot during the past few years and I honestly don't think PSA's for cyclists are the answer. In my many many discussions with many many motorists, it is their lack of awareness and knowledge that is in need of addressing. Just recently, I interviewed a motorist who was adamant that helmets were mandatory and he was livid that 50% of the cyclists he sees weren't wearing them until I showed him the HTA (Highway Traffic Act) that clearly states that helmets are required for riders under the age of 18 in Ontario, but that an exemption exists for adults over the age of 18). I asked him why it mattered to him anyway, how it affected their ride, etc. I mean a helmet is a protective measure only, just like ABS brakes or traction control on a car. ABS brakes or air bags are not mandatory on all cars (old ones are exempt) and it neither affects other users of the road nor the way the driver behaves, so why would a cyclist who is observing the rules of the road but not wearing a helmet so rile a driver? He had no answer.
In an Edmonton newspaper just two weeks ago an (alleged) journalist complained, among other ridiculous things, that cyclists weren't dismounting to cross streets. I responded to the (ahem) journalist and advised him that children riding on sidewalks are required to dismount only but cyclists travelling on any road may continue and is not required to stop, dismount and then remount. No adult other than seniors should be on the sidewalk or in crosswalks at all. The journalist further observed that he approached a cyclist who was half-way out in the lane and that he was 'forced' to go all the way into the next lane to pass him and then remarked that another cyclist he saw was behaving legally by riding within inches of the curb. I had to set him straight on both of those issues as well.
In the end, one has to see what demonstrable improvement would be made by educating cyclists as opposed to educating motorists. Considering that cyclists rarely, if ever, kill kotorists and are not the primary cause of collisions, it makes more sense to target motorists.
I believe an effective means of educating motorists is not necessarily PSA's, although they aren't a bad way of reinforcing the messages, but a 5-7 question quiz issued to drivers when they renew their license. If they fail the quiz, they would have to retake the quiz before being allowed to renew their license. This forces drivers to become aware of the responsibilities and rights of both motorists and cyclists.
Interesting how some folks just seem to have a hard time getting their minds to think in terms of what the cyclist can and should do to avoid crashes, and continually seek to blame the motorist and hold the motorist responsible.
THAT is a stretch to say the least! I believe I speak for the bicycling nation when I say that collectively, we want more respect and notice from motorists, head.
Drivers collectively possess a near universal ignorance to bicyclists rights to the road. ERGO, educate the drivers.
Q.E.D.
how about a shot that starts in outerspace, then zooms into a city, and trafficgridlock for miles.... voiceover is discussing growing traffic congestion, pollution, and global climate change. also obesity and the lack of exercise causing virtually epidemic health problems.
as the zooming camera gets closer, brightly colored dots are shown moving between and around the cars, using bike lanes and also filtering thru traffic. as the camera continues to zoom, it shows the dots avoiding traffic congestion are BICYCLISTS. camera angles up at street level, and juxtaposes frustrated, bloated drivers' faces stuck in traffic with a string of bicyclists, all smiling and glowing as they pass traffic in the bike lane.
Voiceover finishes with a James Earl Jones type voice, "Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution. The choice is clear: RIDE YOUR BIKE."
best one so far. :D
I've thought about this type of educational awareness alot during the past few years and I honestly don't think PSA's for cyclists are the answer. In my many many discussions with many many motorists, it is their lack of awareness and knowledge that is in need of addressing. Just recently, I interviewed a motorist who was adamant that helmets were mandatory and he was livid that 50% of the cyclists he sees weren't wearing them until I showed him the HTA (Highway Traffic Act) that clearly states that helmets are required for riders under the age of 18 in Ontario, but that an exemption exists for adults over the age of 18). I asked him why it mattered to him anyway, how it affected their ride, etc. I mean a helmet is a protective measure only, just like ABS brakes or traction control on a car. ABS brakes or air bags are not mandatory on all cars (old ones are exempt) and it neither affects other users of the road nor the way the driver behaves, so why would a cyclist who is observing the rules of the road but not wearing a helmet so rile a driver? He had no answer.
In an Edmonton newspaper just two weeks ago an (alleged) journalist complained, among other ridiculous things, that cyclists weren't dismounting to cross streets. I responded to the (ahem) journalist and advised him that children riding on sidewalks are required to dismount only but cyclists travelling on any road may continue and is not required to stop, dismount and then remount. No adult other than seniors should be on the sidewalk or in crosswalks at all. The journalist further observed that he approached a cyclist who was half-way out in the lane and that he was 'forced' to go all the way into the next lane to pass him and then remarked that another cyclist he saw was behaving legally by riding within inches of the curb. I had to set him straight on both of those issues as well.
In the end, one has to see what demonstrable improvement would be made by educating cyclists as opposed to educating motorists. Considering that cyclists rarely, if ever, kill kotorists and are not the primary cause of collisions, it makes more sense to target motorists.
I believe an effective means of educating motorists is not necessarily PSA's, although they aren't a bad way of reinforcing the messages, but a 5-7 question quiz issued to drivers when they renew their license. If they fail the quiz, they would have to retake the quiz before being allowed to renew their license. This forces drivers to become aware of the responsibilities and rights of both motorists and cyclists.
Regardless of the benefits that PSAs aimed at motorists you believe would bring, there is no message that cyclists would benefit from - no message that might make them be safer and less likely to be involved in a car/bike crash? You can't think of any message that might help with that?
If so, I suggest you consider whether you're honestly thinking about it.
No benefit in warning cyclists about any of the following?
Not quick checking your bike for equipment problems before taking off on every ride.
Riding in heavy/fast traffic before building up skills on smaller streets with lighter traffic.
Riding in door zones
Riding too far right in lanes that are too narrow to be safely shared side-by-side.
Riding on the wrong side of the street.
Blindly following bike lane guidance rather than choosing appropriate roadway positioning based on destination and current conditions.
Keeping too far right for too long prior to a left turn, and then cutting across the entire road.
Not taking care to yield prior to merging, especially in lane/road narrowing situations where most cyclists seem to merely continue tracking a fixed distance from the edge of the road.
Crossing RR tracks, especially when wet, at a bad angle.
Riding too far right through interesections and their approaches (right hook vulnerability).
Riding at night without proper lights/reflectors.
Riding on sidewalks and sidepaths, especially too fast.
Not yielding to traffic when entering from a path.
Not differentiating personal responsibility from legal responsibility.
Not being vigilant.
Watching for left crosses.Do you see no benefit in the kind of information conveyed to bicyclists on bicyclesafe.com and in Street Smarts (http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm)?
regardless.....
educate motorists about bicyclists' rights to the road.
How about this one? A dump truck, a street sweeper, a garbage truck, a gorilla driving a tractor, and a bicyclist are all shown in sequence moving slowly down the center of a lane. Voiceover states
"No minimum speed, all have a right to full use of the lane. When encountering a slow moving vehicle or bicyclist, pass safely when possible. the gorilla driving the tractor could be one of your cousins."
educates motorists, educates drivers, educates bicyclists.
I think your "Q.E.D." anwser to educating motorists leaves a LOT to be desired, head :rolleyes:
did anyone else notice the gorilla?
Regardless of the benefits that PSAs aimed at motorists you believe would bring, there is no message that cyclists would benefit from - no message that might make them be safer and less likely to be involved in a car/bike crash? You can't think of any message that might help with that?
If so, I suggest you consider whether you're honestly thinking about it.
No benefit in warning cyclists about any of the following?
Not quick checking your bike for equipment problems before taking off on every ride.
Riding in heavy/fast traffic before building up skills on smaller streets with lighter traffic.
Riding in door zones
Riding too far right in lanes that are too narrow to be safely shared side-by-side.
Riding on the wrong side of the street.
Blindly following bike lane guidance rather than choosing appropriate roadway positioning based on destination and current conditions.
Keeping too far right for too long prior to a left turn, and then cutting across the entire road.
Not taking care to yield prior to merging, especially in lane/road narrowing situations where most cyclists seem to merely continue tracking a fixed distance from the edge of the road.
Crossing RR tracks, especially when wet, at a bad angle.
Riding too far right through interesections and their approaches (right hook vulnerability).
Riding at night without proper lights/reflectors.
Riding on sidewalks and sidepaths, especially too fast.
Not yielding to traffic when entering from a path.
Not differentiating personal responsibility from legal responsibility.
Not being vigilant.
Watching for left crosses.Do you see no benefit in the kind of information conveyed to bicyclists on bicyclesafe.com and in Street Smarts (http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm)?
My friend, is there any need to question the validity or sincerity of a fellow advocate? Have I replied to you with direspect or questioned your commitment? No. Don't do it with me.
There are many things we COULD educate cyclists about, absolutely. That's what Cycling education is for. But spending money to educate an entire city by broadcasting PSA's on radio, newspaper ads, signage, etc. should really be reserved for vital issues that are aimed at a much larger segment of the public. If where you live doesn't already have a source for bicycle education, consider starting one yourself. Clearly, you're exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable. Here in Toronto, there are programs and many experienced cyclists that can help novices gain the experience they need. PSA's would have little, if any, impact upon them.
But the 2005 Toronto-Motor Vehicle Accident Study proves that almost 90% of all collisions involving the two vehicles were the fault of motorists. In a number of cases, both parties commited one infraction or another, but motorist ignorance of cycling behaviour, rights, safety etc. was clearly evident. Obviously, if we want to reduce collisions and save cyclists from unnecessary trips to the hospital and morgue, it is motorists that need to be targeted with PSA's, not cyclists. Cyclist misbehaviour is not the problem. Motorists' common behaviour is.
My friend, (reference is to Helmet Head) is there any need to question the validity or sincerity of a fellow advocate? Have I replied to you with direspect or questioned your commitment? No. Don't do it with me.
<Snip>
If where you live doesn't already have a source for bicycle education, consider starting one yourself. Clearly, you're exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable. Here in Toronto, there are programs and many experienced cyclists that can help novices gain the experience they need.
Enigmatic,
Puhleeze, do the public a service, and don't suggest or encourage HH to start a bicycle education program based on his unique experience and knowledge credentials.
This is clever:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xiVx3xrctg
It play on UK TV a lot, its aimed at making drivers look out for motorbikes, but it applies equally to bicycles, but most car drivers tend to see bikers as 'proper road users' as they pay road tax, have to be tested and registered etc...
But "think once, think twice, think BIKE" applies to us as well... OT, when i'm VCing and being a vehicle, i'm being a motorbike, not a car :D In the UK, motorbikes are allowed to filter through traffic, where they're not in the US, i believe?
Enigmatic,
Puhleeze, do the public a service, and don't suggest or encourage HH to start a bicycle education program based on his unique experience and knowledge credentials.
Aww, but then it would be like every guy on the road is an extension of HH, which would make me feel a little happiness grow inside when they spill.
Enigmatic,
Puhleeze, do the public a service, and don't suggest or encourage HH to start a bicycle education program based on his unique experience and knowledge credentials.
Might keep him busy and off the forum. :)
"If you are a cyclist, and you think a STOP sign is really a YIELD sign... YIELD for goodness sake!"
"Even NASCAR drivers sometimes slow down. Be patient with slower traffic on the road, like cyclists."
"Some cyclists are faster than others. Please be careful when turning."
"Ride with traffic, and don't cower in the gutter!"
Might keep him busy and off the forum. :)
But think of the children and other simple minds/gullible souls who may not know better!
But think of the children and other simple minds/gullible souls who may not know better!
Yeah, but maybe those simple minded gullible children might talk some sense into him. :)
Yeah, but maybe those simple minded gullible children might talk some sense into him. :)
You may have a point there. Certainly sensible arguments and disagreement from rational adults gets nowhere with the self appointed/self made cycling safety guru.
I think PSAs directed toward cyclists are a good idea. All I hear of now is 'wear a helmet' and 'ride to the right.'
Perhaps if a city had a number (depending on city size) of portable signs that indicate "Cyclist may use full lane" or "Share the Road" on appropriate roads (which sign depends on lane width) this would be a message to cyclist to use the road/lane and to motorists that cyclists should be. The portability would mean they would not wear their presence and be ignored and also with the sign by being moved/portable does not imply that cyclist may only use full lane in that one location.
Getting more cyclists using the road/lane with destination lane positioning is the best way for cyclists to be noticed and gain respect as driver of vehicles.
Al
I agree that this is the most important message for cyclists in my area too. Not just many, but most ride on the sidewalk or the wrong side of the street. I would also want riders to learn that they should ride defensively, meaning to avoid high-risk situations on the road through better awareness and more effective lane positioning.
how about a shot that starts in outerspace, then zooms into a city, and trafficgridlock for miles.... voiceover is discussing growing traffic congestion, pollution, and global climate change. also obesity and the lack of exercise causing virtually epidemic health problems.
as the zooming camera gets closer, brightly colored dots are shown moving between and around the cars, using bike lanes and also filtering thru traffic. as the camera continues to zoom, it shows the dots avoiding traffic congestion are BICYCLISTS. camera angles up at street level, and juxtaposes frustrated, bloated drivers' faces stuck in traffic with a string of bicyclists, all smiling and glowing as they pass traffic in the bike lane.
Voiceover finishes with a James Earl Jones type voice, "Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution. The choice is clear: RIDE YOUR BIKE."
I love this message, and I'd probably donate money to put it out there. However, it really isn't aimed at cyclists but at potential cyclists. What message (if any) would you want to get across to people who are already riding?
"If you are a cyclist, and you think a STOP sign is really a YIELD sign... YIELD for goodness sake!"
"Even NASCAR drivers sometimes slow down. Be patient with slower traffic on the road, like cyclists."
"Some cyclists are faster than others. Please be careful when turning."
"Ride with traffic, and don't cower in the gutter!"
Why not just stop? I come to a complete stop (foot down for good measure) at every stop sign.
Its really not that hard and once your in the habit its actually fun. If anything it just makes you a stronger rider in the long run.
Im car free and ride everywhere, everyday. We might not need PSA's aimed at motorists is even half of bicyclists did that.
My friend, is there any need to question the validity or sincerity of a fellow advocate? Have I replied to you with direspect or questioned your commitment? No. Don't do it with me.
There are many things we COULD educate cyclists about, absolutely. That's what Cycling education is for. But spending money to educate an entire city by broadcasting PSA's on radio, newspaper ads, signage, etc. should really be reserved for vital issues that are aimed at a much larger segment of the public. If where you live doesn't already have a source for bicycle education, consider starting one yourself. Clearly, you're exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable. Here in Toronto, there are programs and many experienced cyclists that can help novices gain the experience they need. PSA's would have little, if any, impact upon them.
But the 2005 Toronto-Motor Vehicle Accident Study proves that almost 90% of all collisions involving the two vehicles were the fault of motorists. In a number of cases, both parties commited one infraction or another, but motorist ignorance of cycling behaviour, rights, safety etc. was clearly evident. Obviously, if we want to reduce collisions and save cyclists from unnecessary trips to the hospital and morgue, it is motorists that need to be targeted with PSA's, not cyclists. Cyclist misbehaviour is not the problem. Motorists' common behaviour is.
I did not mean to question your sincerity. Sorry about that.
You're also taking this exercise more literally than I intended. It was meant as an exercise for forum members to think about what messages cyclists need to learn - the PSA angle was merely to suggest a hypothetical mechanism by which such messages could be conveyed. To dismiss the exercise on the grounds that it would be impractical to do this, because cyclists are such a small segment of the population, is missing the point. Then how about considering messages you would want to convey on posters mounted in bike shops and at bike racks and along bike paths? The point here is to focus on the messages - the messages that, if conveyed effectively to cyclists (by whatever means), would make cycling safer.
"Cagers might be jackasses, but YOU are responsible for your own safety."
"Safety....ride like you mean it."
"Safe street riding--It's not about the bike. It's about the brain on the bike."
I did not mean to question your sincerity. Sorry about that.
You're also taking this exercise more literally than I intended. It was meant as an exercise for forum members to think about what messages cyclists need to learn - the PSA angle was merely to suggest a hypothetical mechanism by which such messages could be conveyed. To dismiss the exercise on the grounds that it would be impractical to do this, because cyclists are such a small segment of the population, is missing the point. Then how about considering messages you would want to convey on posters mounted in bike shops and at bike racks and along bike paths? The point here is to focus on the messages - the messages that, if conveyed effectively to cyclists (by whatever means), would make cycling safer.
Ah, a more directly-targeted approach would be far more effective.
I might suggest something that advises cyclists to make sure they use front and rear lights when they ride at night, avoid wearing headphones, check over their shoulder frequently and never ever ever ride on the wrong side of the road (I just narrowly missed a ninja riding the wrong way on a dark street as I rounded the corner about fifteen minutes ago---and the moron starts weaving to avoid me!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSoMaAMA4vk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSoMaAMA4vk)
An example of a real PSA aimed at cyclists.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSoMaAMA4vk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSoMaAMA4vk)
An example of a real PSA aimed at cyclists.
Of course all they mention is reflectors, not lights, and if you watch it again carefully, you'll see even in this animation why side reflectors are almost, if not totally, worthless. By the time side reflectors are in the "cone" of a car's headlights, the car is probably too close to do anything about slowing in time. If it's far enough back to slow in time, then the cyclists will be across the car's path within that time too.
hmmm PSA for cyclists.....
- lose the attitude
- lose the holier than thou ^%$# you cager mentality
- dont ride on sidewalks
- dont ride in crosswalks
- use lights at night
- dont touch or lean on cars while waiting for the light to change
- dont run stop signs
- come to a FULL stop at red lights and stop signs and put a foot on the ground, as required by law.
- no skid slides or stupid fixie "salutes" (seriously, you look stupid). Brake like the rest of us do, safely and effectively.
you get the idea...
:)
I did not mean to question your sincerity. Sorry about that.
You're also taking this exercise more literally than I intended. It was meant as an exercise for forum members to think about what messages cyclists need to learn - the PSA angle was merely to suggest a hypothetical mechanism by which such messages could be conveyed. To dismiss the exercise on the grounds that it would be impractical to do this, because cyclists are such a small segment of the population, is missing the point. Then how about considering messages you would want to convey on posters mounted in bike shops and at bike racks and along bike paths? The point here is to focus on the messages - the messages that, if conveyed effectively to cyclists (by whatever means), would make cycling safer.
hows about requiring anyone that buys a bike to take a week long course, 8 hours a day, on proper cycling rules, technique, and laws applicable to your area......
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