As a Philly cyclist, the least concern I have is with our taxis. Philly taxi drivers understand Philly cyclists — we’re both terribly misunderstood and abused, even though we provide the most benefit to Philly streets. Taxis equal less valuable property being taken up with parking garages and cyclists equal less cars. Both positives for the city. But, darn it if everybody doesn’t hate us! Well, a few bad apples do spoil the whole bunch. The city’s official word on cyclists can be found here: http://www.phila.gov/streets/the_bicycle_network.html
Although I am a bicycling advocate, I have often seen bicyclists behaving in ways that make me most ashamed and help me better understand why everyone hates us:
1. Driving between parked cars and moving traffic: I recently witnessed a cyclists moving between parked cars and stopped traffic. The driver opened his side door — the cyclists almost connected, but managed to slip through by a hair, while cursing the motorist. Had that cyclist been hurt, I would have stayed close by as a supporting witness for the driver. This is a no brainer.
2. Behaving like a bike messengers: Unless you have more than 4 tattoos in a single area of space, preferably an exposed calf, you must stop riding in front of stopped traffic. Understand, most bike messengers don’t have breaks and therefore must keep moving in order to hold speed — they work on commission — you don’t!
3. Holding up traffic: Bikes ride slower than cars. If a car is behind you and would like to pass, let them pass. Move to the next lane or simply out of the way, even if it means you have to stop to let them pass. Share the road works both ways.
4. Pretending like motorists know the rules: They don’t. They’ll honk at you, curse you, tell you to get off the road — be cool. If things get too rough, RIDE THE SIDEWALK. Yeah, it’s against the rules, but the Philadelphia Police do it. My bike sticker reads … IF YOU’RE READING THIS FROM THE SIDEWALK, WE NEED MORE BIKE LANES!
5. Messing with taxis: They’re on the clock and they know Philly streets better than you. They respect you. They don’t want any trouble. Be cool.
6. Forgetting about pedestrians/skateboard rats/scooters - These are a very hardy breed. They cross traffic lights. They travel between cars. They believe they have the right-of-way — lets define right-of-way.
