As warm weather approaches, motorcycle riders, cyclists and joggers will be taking to the road to practice their chosen sport. And with more people adopting a “green” way of life, many of these sports lovers will be new to their chosen hobby.
Staten Island roads are overcrowded and in poor shape due to the fact that there is one car registered for nearly every Staten Island resident between the ages of 21 and 75. This staggering statistic increases the likelihood that a driver will be involved in an accident with another vehicle, motorcycle rider, cyclist or pedestrian. With this in mind, it is important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and respect the fact that the vehicle they are driving can cause massive damage to those sharing the road without a steel frame protecting them.
Crowded roads create anxiety among drivers who are eager to reach their destination more quickly – after all, that is the reason they choose to drive to wherever they are going rather than choose another means of transport. Conversely, those who choose to travel by means other than a vehicle feel that they are being more responsible choosing a greener form of transportation that will reduce their carbon footprint thereby preserving the environment for everyone.
With both groups believing that the road should be ceded to them, we wonder if it is possible for vehicle drivers, motorcycle riders, cyclists, joggers and pedestrians to safely travel together.
Most big cities have embraced the “green” movement and have begun creating bicycle only lanes to protect cyclists and bus only lanes to provide a clear path for buses to give mass transit riders an edge over those who choose to drive their own vehicle. In theory, this seems to be a good idea. Unfortunately, as in most things, the devil is in the details.
According to study conducted by engineer by Fred Oswald, LCI #947 found on www.labreform.org “Separate bicycle facilities treat cyclists as though they are rolling pedestrians, rather than drivers. This treatment makes them feel they are separate from traffic and encourages them not to follow the rules of the road.” Other studies have shown that when bike lanes are installed, traffic accidents at intersection increase.
Whether you agree or disagree with these findings, one thing is certain – the best way to keep everyone on the road safe is to encourage operator awareness and respect for other travelers.
In the event that you are involved in a traffic accident, Barry’s Auto Body will repair your vehicle using “green” products and practices. Barry’s Auto Body is the only auto repair shop on Staten Island that employs environmentally friendly technology in all the work we do. Whether it is repair work, maintenance or a car wash, we do it green, return it clean and stand behind our work.
Call us today for a free estimate and remember to be alert and respectful while driving