Advocacy & Safety - Idea for "share the road" signs

My girlfriend and I were talking about bad drivers, specifically the ones who get too close to me when I'm riding. I'm pesimistic and think they are all just morons and not much is going to change that. My girlfriend on the other hand thinks they just don't know you are supposed to give a cyclist 3 feet (or whatever it is in your state). She had the great idea of putting up an extra sign on the "share the road" sign that has a picture of a car and a cyclist with a clear "at least 3 feet" marking indicating the distance between the cyclist and the car. Seems like a good idea because it seems like most of the drivers are just ignorant to the laws. Does this seem like a good idea?

We have Share the Road signs all over here. Not quite what you are suggesting but it does say Share the Road with an image of a cyclist on the sign.

It's been tried before, however, driver education is basically a completely futile exercise. There are only really two ways to make drivers give cyclists enough room. One is for some seriously fascist enforcement of the laws (yes, it is the law in most places, even if it's never enforced). Another is for the cyclist to simply move out and claim the space they want. This is what I do.

I've been thinking along the same lines recently. It may be, as Chris says, a futile exercise. That's not always a good reason not to try.

I don't know what other "share the road" propaganda may exist... this is something I whipped up today -- mostly on a design a buddy suggested.



Of course... it's only any good in non-metric countries.

that's really cool

I've been thinking along the same lines recently. It may be, as Chris says, a futile exercise. That's not always a good reason not to try.

I don't know what other "share the road" propaganda may exist... this is something I whipped up today -- mostly on a design a buddy suggested.


http://www.geocities.com/nualle/3_feet_between.jpg

driver education is basically a completely futile exercise.

I think that it's important to make drivers aware of the law, so that they grudgingly accept our taking the space that we legally take. Signs that say " Bikes Use Road. Not Sidewalk." would be geared towards the same people. The jerks who think that they are good, law abiding folk, will respect us more. The jerks who think that they're jerks, won't.

I think that it's important to make drivers aware of the law, so that they grudgingly accept our taking the space that we legally take.

True, but shouldn't they be made aware of that in the driving test?

Looking at the first run, I thought it looked a bit busy. Adding a color background might help both with visibility and with drawing the message a bit more quickly out of it.

I have this on a couple of T-shirts.

I thought someone might have had this idea before I did. I definately agree with Chris L that they should learn the laws before they get a lisence. Thanks for the sign Ideas. And where can I get that shirt?:beer:

To the "International Symbol" sign Ron H posted above, I would suggest putting in "<-3'->" or "<-1m->", whichever applies, between the car and the bike.

shouldn't they be made aware of that in the driving test?

I think that it's important to keep reminding everyone what the law is, because individuals tend to slowly modify their idea of what reality is, based on their personal situation. I don't even remember this stuff covered in drivers' ed. and bicycling is important to me. Maybe it never was taught in the first place?

I think that it's important to keep reminding everyone what the law is, because individuals tend to slowly modify their idea of what reality is, based on their personal situation.

So make them re-take the driving test.

I think the sign is great!

My suggestion... Around here, the police run pedestrian "stings", where they put a plaincloth officer in the crosswalk and ticket drivers who don't stop. Do the same for cyclists - put a plaincloth officer on a bike, and ticket drivers show pass too close/throw stuff/verbally threaten/etc. And make sure it's well publicized.

Looking at the first run, I thought it looked a bit busy. Adding a color background might help both with visibility and with drawing the message a bit more quickly out of it.

I like that image.....now, who's going to make shirts/jerseys with it?

So make them re-take the driving test.

Drivers have to take tests in your state?

I used to have to take a test each time I renewed my license, but the last time I went in the State said they aren't making renewals takes tests anymore. Michigan - can't afford it. Last one out of the State - please turn off the lights.

they need to make a big patch that'll will permanantly stick to the flap of messenger bags. they need stickers big enough for those of us who carry man sized bags, such as me. :)

I have seen motorist share the road with cyclist, only because the cyclist are cops on Bikes

Drivers have to take tests in your state?

I used to have to take a test each time I renewed my license, but the last time I went in the State said they aren't making renewals takes tests anymore. Michigan - can't afford it. Last one out of the State - please turn off the lights.
In most states I've lived in you can renew by mail. That's one reason you have so many ancient drivers who can't see past the hood ornament on their Buicks still driving. Here in Texas it's not at all unusual to find folks with advanced Alzheimers driving around, literally lost in a fog. They drive until a family member finally takes responsibility and forcibly removes their license and keys - and sometimes that never happens.

Drivers have to take tests in your state?

I used to have to take a test each time I renewed my license, but the last time I went in the State said they aren't making renewals takes tests anymore. Michigan - can't afford it. Last one out of the State - please turn off the lights.

I understand it's the same here in Queensland, in fact, I don't think it's ever been any different.

In most states I've lived in you can renew by mail. That's one reason you have so many ancient drivers who can't see past the hood ornament on their Buicks still driving. Here in Texas it's not at all unusual to find folks with advanced Alzheimers driving around, literally lost in a fog. They drive until a family member finally takes responsibility and forcibly removes their license and keys - and sometimes that never happens.

What a coincidence, I had to move out of my last apartment because (drumroll please) a guy with Alzheimers hit it with a truck. Good thing he hit a light poll first or he would have redecorated my living room. Imagine driving home from your girlfriend's (or boyfriend's) place at 5 in the morning to see about 10 cops outside your house and a car in the side of it. I'm amazed at who still gets on the road.

I think the sign is great!

My suggestion... Around here, the police run pedestrian "stings", where they put a plaincloth officer in the crosswalk and ticket drivers who don't stop. Do the same for cyclists - put a plaincloth officer on a bike, and ticket drivers show pass too close/throw stuff/verbally threaten/etc. And make sure it's well publicized.

Awsome Idea! I should get this started when I get back from my tour to Florida. If there aren't any bike cops I'd be glad to volunteer to get the liscence plates of the bad motorists. All I would need is a cop in a car sitting down the road a mile to catch these jackasses. Fantastic idea.:beer:

What a coincidence, I had to move out of my last apartment because (drumroll please) a guy with Alzheimers hit it with a truck. Good thing he hit a light poll first or he would have redecorated my living room. Imagine driving home from your girlfriend's (or boyfriend's) place at 5 in the morning to see about 10 cops outside your house and a car in the side of it. I'm amazed at who still gets on the road.

A friend of mine had someone try to drive through his house a couple of years back. True story. Would explain why some of the more upmarket places around here are built behind concrete walls.

I like that image.....now, who's going to make shirts/jerseys with it?Thanks. I'm working on it to distribute through CafePress. Having some technical difficulties (having mostly to do with the stupid software I designed it on) but I'll post here if/when I get it ready.

Okay. New shop announced in the Shameless Promotions area (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=56083).

Arizona has a state law that says 'give a bike 3 ft' of space. If cyclist is struck by motorist there is a mandatory fine IF motorist is at fault.
There are also yellow and black bumper stickers out with about the same message.