Pedal Etiquette

About Pedal Etiquette

My goal is to create a group of like-minded cyclists, drivers and pedestrians that wish to peacefully coexist on our streets and eliminate frustration and hostility among these groups.

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful places to live in the world.  The stunning landscape, eclectic neighbourhoods and diverse people make it a haven for freedom of expression and leisurely enjoyment.  The city is considered one of the most fit and active cities in North America, and cycling is a major part of it.  With the number of cyclists – both recreational and commuter – growing, the city has taken steps to ensuring their safety and mobility.

Recently, an increasing level of tension has developed in our city between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.  Customs and courtesies between driver and pedestrian have normalized over decades of cohabitation – even the errant jaywalker gets little more than a disapproving look from a braking driver.  But bicycles are relatively new on our streets – at least in this abundance – and they pose unique challenges.  And because of this, frustration and antagonism amongst the groups has never been higher.  We are at risk of not only endangering eachother, but sullying all that we have worked for to make this city what it is.

That’s where Pedal Etiquette comes in.  Arising out of the need to unite cyclists, drivers and pedestrians, our members will lead by example on our streets, creating the framework for all others to follow.  We are not Critical Mass and thus will not use demonstrations that only serve to increase tension and hostility between these groups.

This what you can expect from Pedal Etiquette:

• A leader that is accountable and representative of the goals of Pedal Etiquette.  Critical Mass has been criticized for lacking a leader and thus facilitating a ‘mob mentality’ approach to social expression.  Not here.  My name is Ryan McKee and you can contact me anytime
• A Code of Conduct that all our members will abide by.  This will outline the key elements of conduct and etiquette that cyclists, drivers and pedestrians are to exhibit
• Meetings, message boards, a Facebook group and Twitter updates – in short, lots of ways to stay updated and stay connected
• A visual identity.  Imagine driving, biking, busing or walking to work and seeing hundreds of people with the same Pedal Etiquette arm band on, communicating a common message of courtesy and compassion.  Rather than a giant mass of cyclists parading through the city, we will be hundreds and hopefully thousands of people going about their business in the usual way – but with a public display of solidarity.  Cyclists will be wearing the Pedal Etiquette arm band, drivers the window decal and pedestrians can choose both!  I’m still working on the details of the items, but we will be united and we will communicate our vision accordingly.

As you can tell, I’m purposely including drivers and pedestrians in this group.  That’s the point.  We need to work together and share ideas.  It bothers me that drivers get a bad rep in this battle, often because cyclists can take the ‘holier than thou’ stance.  I sympathize with drivers, as not everybody is able to ride to work.  Family considerations, length of commute, physical limitations, workplace hygiene – there are countless reasons why commuting by pedal isn’t practical for many.  Meanwhile, pedestrians feel left out completely, the third sibling that everyone forgets to consider while the other two battle it out for territory.

So that’s what I got.  I’m going to need a lot of help, but I think this could really be powerful.  I encourage you to contact me with your thoughts and ideas.  Thanks for reading.

About Me