Polite and Right Cycling Advocacy is about fixing something we think is dangerously broken -- the relationship between cyclists and motorists.  We're simultaneously about cycling safety and peace of mind. We believe cycling safety and peace of mind will be lacking until we're confident that motorists are on our side. To get more motorists on our side, we have to give them something.

When I'm able to get out and enjoy the countryside, I don't worry about much of anything -- not flats, mechanical problems, being chased by dogs, a stray rain shower, or running out of snacks or water -- but there is one thing that is a constant concern.  Motorists.

What worries me most about motorists?  I worry a little about becoming the inadvertent target of a distracted or DUI driver, but mostly it's that some rogue driver might "have it out" for cyclists like me.  Not because I'VE done anything wrong, but because a few other cyclists have rubbed them the wrong way and have created a stereotype they don't like.  And I -- well, I just happen to look like one of those cyclists.

Now my problem is, I'm just out for nice recreational ride, following the rules, staying out of motorists way while occupying the pavement I'm entitled to and I still worry.  I hate that and I'd like to start fixing it, but I can't do it alone.

Here's the problem:  The unstoppable force meets the immovable object. Both cyclist and motorist are telling themselves, "that's mine and I'm going to claim my piece, all the time, anytime".  In reality, the law reserves a portion for both.  Of course, motorists mostly believe that "my piece is the whole piece".  Many states have laws allowing cyclists to occupy an entire lane when the lane is too narrow for both the car and cyclist.  A similar law allows riding two-abreast (occupying an entire lane) on a laned road/highway.  Now, while these things are lawful, a campaign to educate more motorists about these cyclist rights -- or an attempt to explain this to a crazed driver that's following behind you is really not the wisest thing to do.  Rather, we need for cyclists to take just what they need, only when they need it and be considerate in doing so.  I mean, do we really want to continue building friction and hostility with people who control two tons of steel and rubber -- versus our 18 pounds of carbon fiber and aluminum?  Makes no sense to be so "right" as a cyclist and perpetuate the stalemate.  Some roads are not worth using, even if we have a right to do so.  There are almost always alternative routes.

Share the Road campaigns are OK, but they don't say enough to either motorists or cyclists. We'll never convince most drivers that the roads don't belong wholly and completely to them, and a cyclist is a sort of alien to be allowed merciful passage (so long as they are nice and stay out of the way).  So, they'll gladly share the road under those terms.  At the other end of the spectrum is the Critical Mass (CM) movement which likes to organize a large groups of cyclists in various cities to periodically and temporarily take a road/route by force, to the dismay, disappointment, and anger of drivers trying to get to their destinations.  While there just might be a few motorists trapped by a CM who say to themselves "This is cool", you can just imagine what the majority think about it.  While CM tries to make the statement that bikes should be given more respect, the method has become destructive to our cause.

So, this is the core of what Polite and Right is about -- granting motorists, at least in their minds, the road DOES belong to them, but a portion of it also belongs to cyclists and we need to sensibly share it under the law.  In return, we expect them to behave respectfully and drive safely in proximity to us.  We need to send the message that we're going to do the right thing, regardless.  As road cyclists (urban and rural), we have to follow the law pertaining to cycling, be respectful (even polite -- or at least appear so) to motorists, and stay out of their way when possible.  If motorists act badly and commit a crime, I'm not suggesting we just take it -- of course not.  There are laws to be enforced on both sides.  Endangerment, assault,  and attempted assault should never go unpunished, but focusing on law enforcement will only mend wounds/mask symptoms but really never addresses the deadly disease.  I think asking drivers to share the road, sort of implies a "pretty please" when the message has to be more complete in order to have any real effect.

I'm saying that Polite and Right is designed to carry an iron-clad pledge to motorists, while also implying a "DON'T mess with me, please".  We'd prefer to just keep the road nice for everyone -- meaning we have to meet halfway.

Finally, I want to say that I understand some cyclists will get hit -- and some will die, because accidents do happen, but if we can do a better job of getting cyclists and motorists on the same team with the same understanding, they can be minimized and we can all find more enjoyment in the road.