Road safety has been a hot topic lately, given the pending Bryant vs. Sheppard trial. What happened resulted in the tragic loss of a human life, and what has resulted is a much-needed public discussion about car drivers and bike riders sharing the roads. This was not the first lost life of a cyclist, nor will it be the last, but the high profile of the driver in this case has raised public awareness to new levels. Media frenzy and water cooler chatter still continue, and will hopefully result in some improvement in the relations of car drivers and bike riders. The key here is we share the road, and both parties must act responsibly. Road rage is not the answer. Respect is.

Some quick improvements could be put in place now. Driver training should include a section on sharing the road with cyclists, and more accessible “driver training” should be offered to cyclists who may not have learned the rules of the road through vehicle driver education. Many cyclists have never driven an automobile, and many never will, but this should not exclude them from knowing and obeying the basic rules put in place to ensure road safety. It’s a simple start to building a positive relationship on the roads.