Driver calls for stronger Police action on 'third lane riders'
Bike riders who create a so-called "third lane" to whizz through traffic are considered a perpetual problem on Bermuda's roads.
But one concerned mother is calling for stronger Police action after she struck one of the bikes in her car during morning rush hour.
Schoolteacher Sarah Kim Robinson, 35, admits she hit the bike as it was overtaking around the corner of Harbour Road at the junction with Stowe Hill.
The bike rider should have been charged by Police for riding without due care and attention, she claimed, but was issued a warning instead.
"When are they going to charge them, when the innocent driver actually kills the person on the bike?" she said.
Ms Robinson said she felt compelled to take action after the incident on Wednesday. She claims if something isn't done, like installing cameras to catch offending vehicles, the dangerous habit will continue.
The Bermuda Police Service said it was trying to tackle the issue. A spokesman said: "Police remain vigilant on our roads and continue to put people before the courts for various traffic offences."
And according to Christopher Johnson, chairman of the Road Safety Council, overtaking in the "third lane" is discouraged.
He could not speak on this individual case but said it would be a massive undertaking to get riders to change their behaviour.
Dr. Johnson said: "Many accidents occur as a result of overtaking near blind curves, in conditions of poor visibility, when the overtaking vehicle is making a left-hand turn, or at unsafe speeds.
"All these behaviours contribute to the unacceptable numbers of collisions in Bermuda. Unfortunately, these behaviours are embedded in the bike riding culture of Bermuda and I see any attempts to control it as Herculean.
"There is room for hope. The most recent statistics suggest that the overall trend for collision is down from 2005."
The Bermuda Youth Licence and Project Ride were transforming the way young people approached the Island's roads, said Dr. Johnson.
Legislation has also been passed in the House of Assembly banning cell phones, which distract many drivers, riders and pedestrians on the roads.
Dr. Johnson said: "The most important point is that safety on the roads of Bermuda is a choice. Choosing to overtake is a dangerous risk that can result in injury, death and disability."
Road safety campaigner Melissa D. Looby, 22, said she wasn't initially bothered by bikes riding in the "third lane".
"But [after] watching inexperienced riders hit cars or other bikes, it really is a cause for concern. For drivers, it makes their job that much harder as you literally have to be on guard for yourself and for others on the road."
Ms Looby began advocating for safer roads after losing her friend Shelleé Smith, 18, in a cycle accident in 2005.
Since then she has worked with campaigning group Remembering Our Loved Ones and said the effect of losing her close friend never leaves her.
"Hearing sirens and learning of another road death, it makes all the emotions very fresh," she said.
Ms Looby told The Royal Gazette: "As I'm getting older, I find it increasingly disturbing some of the things I see both older and younger riders and drivers doing on the road.
"It would be fine if they only had their lives in their hands but in an instant they can hurt someone else and that's angering.
"I don't believe its something they realise. A road death triggers outcry from the community, a shooting triggers marches through neighbourhoods and on Parliament. But after a while the problem is simply forgotten. The same thing happens on the roads."