When I thought about actually asking people to get on a bike in my community, I immediately dismissed it because some of them were sure to get hit, and either injured or killed. But, I do think there would be no better way to get drivers to understand.

However, as was just said, drivers’ education and testing is inadequate when it comes to cyclists and pedestrians. Driving around bicycles and pedestrians is a necessary skill for any driver. Requiring some skill or knowledge would make them more comfortable doing it. By giving them essentially nothing, a clear message is sent that dealing with bicycles and pedestrians is not a part of driving. So it makes sense that they should be upset when they see you, and that they would do stupid things. Safe bicyle riding is another matter that should be discussed, but the larger danger comes from the tons of steel flying down the road at 60mph, not the guy on a spindly bike, wearing what is basically his underwear and a styrofoam hat.

You could have questions incuded in the regular exam. Put more in the instruction book. Have them play a video game. Anything. Ignoring it isn’t really an option.