bikeseattle.org

A friend and I were walking to lunch the other day. Himself a motorcyclist, asked me if I thought being a bicycle rider had made me a better driver.

It didn’t take me long to respond that I thought it did make me a better driver. When you’re behind the handlebars, you’re very aware of what is going on in your surroundings. Similarly, now when I’m behind the wheel I’m more aware of what is going on around me. In more ways than one.

Not only am I more aware of the vehicular motion going on, but I’m also more aware of the non-vehicular motion as well. This includes things like other bikers, skateboarders, mothers and their baby strollers, kids on scooters, delivery truck drivers walking between cars, dogs, cats, etc. The other obvious one is I always lean forward and check my mirror before opening the door so I don’t door someone.

All in all, being more aware of your surroundings does make you a better driver. I’m not saying that non-cyclist drivers aren’t good drivers. I’m just saying that the more observant and aware you are, the better you are.

I’ve also never been one to understand/get/feel road-rage nor have I ever been a super aggressive driver, but I think cycling has definitely given me a deeper tendency for wanting to do what it takes to make things flow smoothly. Non aggressive driving (cutting people off, rushing to the next stoplight), not being in such a hurry, taking it easy behind the wheel, those kinds of things.

This did lead me to a thought though. You know how in some countries, it’s mandatory that you serverin the miliitary for two years right?

Here’s the question.

Do you think there would be a substantial improvement in everyones driving ability if it was required that you had to ride a bike from age 16 to 18 before getting your drivers license?