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May 2, 2003

Bicyclists and SUVs

When riding a bicycle, "monster SUVs" are a very large hazard for us. The average automobile is not near as great a hazard to us. Why? Because on a bicycle I can see over and around almost all automobiles. In addition, other users of the road can see bicyclists over and around most automobiles. That is not the case with "monster SUVs." Not only can the bicyclist not see the traffic conditions ahead of these vehicles, but other vehicles can't see a bicyclist when there is a "monster SUV" in front, along side, or in back of the rider. With the "monster SUV" in the area, bicyclists are nearly invisible to other vehicles.

When I say "monster SUV," I am referring to those "super-sized" or "extra-large" SUVs of the Ford Expedition, Chevy Suburban or Hummer class. A "monster SUV" to me, as a bike rider, is one that is significantly longer, higher and wider than the average automobile.

Many people buy these "monster SUVs" because they get increased visibility of the situation around their vehicle, and as an added benefit, they are more visible to the vehicles around them. What most people do not consider is that this increased visibility comes at the cost of a decreased ability of all other vehicles around them to see what is going on around them. This is especially dangerous for bicyclists.

This is not to say that I think that SUVs are any more of a hazard overall than any other vehicles. All vehicles contribute to traffic safety in both positive and negative ways, including bicycles. Most SUV drivers select these vehicles for reasons of personal safety and convenience. When driven properly, and when other vehicles around them are driven properly, with the awareness of the positive and negative contributions to safety these vehicles create on the road, they can add to the safety of the traffic mix.

My intent with this is to help educate drivers of other vehicles to see the roadway as it appears to me, a bicyclist. I would like to hear from other drivers how the roadway appears to them from their point of view. Only by sharing the diversity of our views can we all see more of the picture than we see from our own viewpoint. Sometimes it is hard to listen to a different viewpoint, especially one that clashes with our own, but listening to each other is the only way to increase our understanding, especially in those areas where we disagree.

--Bart J. Vanden Plas