Gah! I nearly took out a cyclist today with my car. Not on purpose mind you, but it was close enough for him to swear at me (loudly) and for me to feel like a schmuck.
I'm all for staying fit, reducing your carbon footprint, etc. but I have to wonder if cycling in this area is... um... appropriate.
I work in a corporate business area right off a major highway across from the airport. It's just one company headquarters, after another, after another, after another. The blocks stretch on and on... Kind of a corporate wasteland really without even proper sidewalks (or good coffee within walking distance.)
The speed limit in this area is posted at 50 km/h but the actual speed of most cars is 80 km/h+. Add in the trucking/logistics traffic associated with the airport and you have one pretty sketchy area for driving, let alone cycling. (Which makes me think that cycle commuters just might be a little on the crazy or suicidal side...)
Anyway, I didn't see the cyclist across the three lanes of traffic as I went to turn left. He blended right into the background. Probably because he was wearing all black. So while I should be more aware of cyclists while I'm driving, its up to cyclists to be more visible too. Try wearing bright colors or even better... something reflective... and I'll do my best not to run you down.
