Dear Cyclists of Boston,

After commuting by bike year-round for four years and road riding for the past 15 and counting, I've come to the conclusion that an already overwhelming and steadily growing number of you are inconsiderate, reckless and, by any standards, terrible cyclists.

I'd like to give you all the benefit of the doubt, however, and assume that this is your first season riding with us. The economy shit the bed, gas is expensive, the weather is beautiful, you packed on the pounds from sitting on your duff all winter; whatever the reason, I'll assume that you are all part of the humungous spike in riders we have seen in the past two years. If this is the case, welcome and I'm sorry for initially coming off so harsh. It's not readily apparent in the bike lanes, paths and streets of Boston, but there are rules of the road that cyclists have always abided by. Since there is no Driver's Ed or road exam for riding your bicycle, it is understandable that you may be confused about this exciting new world or transportation into which you have entered. So, to help you out, I would like to briefly touch on four main rules:

1. When passing someone, loudly let them know. If you feel stupid shouting "ON YOUR LEFT," an admittedly goofy exclamation, then get a bell. You have no idea if I am about to swing out into the street to dodge a door or pothole and it is your job to communicate with me as much as it is my job to look.

2. Use hand signals to let other riders know when you are turning or stopping. Not doing this is the equivalent of never using your turn signs while driving - you are being an asshole.

3. Do not race on the streets, bike paths or bike lanes in the city. If you want to race, there is an excellent criterium run by the Boston Road Club every Sunday. If you see two motorists racing down Comm Ave you would think they were idiots. You're being idiots too. You are allowed to ride fast, just not if it requires you to weave through other cyclists.

4. Don't wear headphones while you ride. You can't hear me when you do. If you need to listen to music while commuting, then take the bus. And don't even try the "I listen to music in the car" excuse. When I learn to yell as loud as a car horn then you can listen to music while you ride.

As for the rest of it, I could not care less. Wether you run lights, wear a helmet, lock your bike to a fence, neglect to use blinkies, these are things that affect your safety. Breaking the four rules above affects my safety and I do not appreciate it. Dangerous cycling habits seem to be infectious and they need to stop.

One rider recently told me that he refrained from communicating with other cyclists because they seemed offended when he passed. If you are really getting offended by people passing you then you should consider counseling or at least watch a little professional cycling and get over yourself. You're not fast. None of you. I am not fast. Please stop thinking that you are.

What all of this boils down to is the fact that we are all on the same team and need to start communicating like it. Historically, cyclists have always waved, nodded or otherwise gestured to one another on the roads. We have always talked while riding abreast and at lights, and we have always told each other when we are passing, turning or stopping. Cyclists are a community, not isolated and insular like a motorist. I am not asking you to be my best friend, but please communicate with me for all of our safety. If you want motorists to respect you, stop honking at you and stop calling you asshole, then you can start by respecting your fellow cyclists.

I look forward to seeing all of you out on the roads. If you would like to talk, feel free to email me.

Sincerely,
Ryland

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