Make a statement with your jersey!

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This page is inspired by a horrible woman I met in Ellicott City, Maryland. Pulling into a coffee shop, she made a right turn right in front of me, forcing me to skid on both wheels and one foot, still tapping into her bumper as I came to a stop. When I politely confronted her in the parking lot, she spouted various anti-cycling garbage, such as "you should ride on the sidewalk" and "I hope they make you pay taxes". I couldn't even get it through to her that she nearly landed me in the hospital and herself in jail, so I thought of making this little sheet with some rules and statements on it. Maybe she was angry and rushed at the time, but if I had put this in her hand there's a chance she would have read it later. From now on, I'll bring a couple copies of this in my pocket when I ride, and I'll put it in the hands or under the windshield wiper of motorists who offend or endanger me, when it doesn't look like they're ready to talk to listen. Maybe we'll make another version to leave around in public plates. It works for Jehovah's Witnesses, right?

Dear Motorist,
You have this sheet because you did something in traffic that put a cyclist in danger. We understand it was probably an accident, and we mean no offense, but please take a minute to read these points of laws, etiquette, and common misconceptions, to prevent future issues.
1. When you are preparing to make a right turn, watch for cyclists who may pull up alongside your vehicle. Remember to check your blind spots over your shoulders.
2. When you are about to make a right turn, do not pull up beside a cyclist or in front of them and then turn and cut them off. Just wait the extra couple of seconds for the cyclist to pass, and make your turn when it's clear. This is the biggest cause of bicycle-motor vehicle collisions.
3. When passing a cyclist, go around them like you would any other vehicle. Leave lots of room: at least three feet.
4. A cyclist riding their bicycle is considered by law to be a vehicle. It’s actually illegal for cyclists to ride on the sidewalk, which is reserved for pedestrians.
5. Always check for cyclists before pulling off the curb to avoid a dangerous collision.
6. Cyclists are required to ride as close to the curb as possible. However, they may need to ride further out when they have to steer away from drainage grates, pot holes, debris, loose gravel or sand, wet or slippery surfaces, rutted or grooved pavement and even dogs. Be aware of the roadway conditions that may affect a cyclist. If we are in your way, please understand we’re not slowing you down on purpose. If there was a bike lane or a shoulder, we’d be riding there instead. We do not mean to slow traffic.
7. The law does permit cyclists to ride side-by-side. We do our best to move single-file if we’re holding up traffic. A slight tap on the horn is a reasonable reminder if we don't notice you.
8. Do not sound your horn unnecessarily when you are overtaking a cyclist. It may startle them and cause them to lose control. We get it all day, usually from people who are angry. Even if your motivation is friendly, we can’t tell the difference.
9. Do not follow too close behind cyclists. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they are stopping.
10. When parked at the curb, always check for cyclists before you open your vehicle door. It is the driver's responsibility not to open the vehicle door into traffic.
11. Cyclists do pay taxes, just like you. Most cyclists also have cars, and pay all the appropriate fees, but that road tax is actually only spent on freeways and highways. Local roads where cyclists ride are paid for through local, property, and sales taxes.
12. All cyclists have families and loved ones. Many cyclists are injured or killed every year by motorists, leaving tragedy behind them.
Thanks for reading.

This letter brought to you by SharetheDamnRoad.com, cycling advocacy and apparel.