EDITORIAL OPINION

By Timothy Cwiek

Phialdelphia Daily News, September 27, 1991
 

Timothy Cwiek is a freelance writer and part-time bicycle messengerfor American Expediting.
 

The recent death of a Center City bicycle messenger was painful forhis family, friends and members of the cycling community.

But while media reports of David "Drew" Ditzen's death stressed theneed for greater care on the part of cyclists, my question was: What aboutmotorists?

Yes, I agree there are reckless cyclists out there, and we've all heardthe horror stories about careening couriers terrorizing pedestrians. Buta 10-ton truck will do a lot more damage than a 40-pound bike, as we sawso tragically recently.

Cars, trucks and buses on our Center City streets pose a much greaterdanger than any cyclist could. Bicyclists should be treated with patienceand respect, but sadly that is often not the case. We know that bikingdoes not cause air or noise pollution. Bike riding does not force creationof ugly parking lots or a dependence on non-renewable fossil fuel. In short,with all modesty, I feel that motorists should practically bow in deferenceto a cyclist, slow down and treat them with the utmost appreciation.

City officials seem to treat us with benign neglect, as an irritantthey hope with just go away. As a part-time bicycle messenger, I can'ttell you how many times I've been hassled by honking horns when I'm doingnothing wrong!

I have a right to be on the road, according to state law, but there'sno arguing with a two-ton car. Motorists yell, "Get that toy off the road,"and pedestrians tell you to get off the sidewalk, understandably.

If I could have a bicycling wish list, these items would be high onthe list:

* The next mayor should establish a city advisory board on bicycling.Philadelphia has no governmental body to formulate a comprehensive bicyclingpolicy in the city. Yet our town is as flat as a pancake and has greatpotential for the cyclist. Other cities, such as Seattle and Washington,D.C. have such a city agency.

* Create bike lanes on key streets in Center City. If there was a bikelane on 8th Street, for instance, Drew Ditzen probably would be alive today.I'm not saying every street should have a bike lane. But if Lombard Street,for example, had a bike lane, I gladly would use it to ride out to WestPhilly, even if it meant going a few blocks out of my way.

* Open Chestnut Street to bicycles. Cars are allowed on the street inthe evening, but bikes remain prohibited, even messengers making deliveries.This irrational ban causes some cyclists to use Sansom Street to traveleast, a hazard for everyone.

* Remove all bicycle-unfriendly signs. For instance, in the river drives,remove the "No Bicycles" signs and replace them with "Bicycles Allowed"signs (except during certain rush hours).

* Force all motorists to ride a bike to work at least once in theirlives. Maybe then they would see what it's like and not be so quick toshake their fist or yell obscenities at a bicyclist. Let them try swervingaround glass and debris, menacing potholes or opened car doors before theyjudge a cyclist.

* Repeal the right-turn-on-red law. This merely gives motorists moreencouragement to ride roughshod on the streets. Many motorists barely stopat red lights before turning, almost killing bikers or pedestrians crossinga street.

Ironically, as I rode around town with my black armband the day afterDrew Ditzen's death, I felt that motorists were treating me with more respect,keeping their distance and giving me space to do my job.

How sad to realize that soon everything will be forgotten, it will bebusiness as usual and once again our lives will be on the line.