Nowadays, the situation of cyclists and car drivers going on the same road leads to various problems. Some noticeable matters related to both will be discussed, along with their practical solutions.
When sharing the same road, cyclists might face dangerous situations due to the size gap and speed. For instance, there were many accidents involving cyclists when they rode into the blind spot which car drivers could not notice. Not only cyclists but also car users also face a threatening scenario when bicyclers weave through and make them brake abruptly, causing many consequences such as accidents or even arguments. Moreover, by running on the same road, this can cause traffic jams since bicycles and cars leave no space for vehicles to move. This could be seen in Hanoi, especially around rush hour, high number of vehicles on one road affect other roads nearby, disturbing the traffic flow.
To avoid these uncomfortable experiences for both cyclists and drivers, education and government actions are definitely necessary. When taking a driving lesson, educational institutions should include safety and traffic laws in their curriculum or even make it a part of the test. Some training centers are using simulation programs, giving the learners a real experience when they enter the traffic with other vehicles in congestion or the result if they disobey the rule. Additionally, the government should develop the infrastructure of roads and streets by building more lanes or using traffic lights in the right place. For example, in Vietnam, some roads in crowded cities, such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, were being expanded to 3 or 4 lanes for specific vehicles like bicycles or cars, which has a positive improvement.
In conclusion, cyclists and car drivers obviously will have their own difficulties when sharing the same road. With those issues still appearing, we are now looking for solutions, such as from education or government, that can significantly solve the problems and enhance vehicle users’ awareness.