Why I avoid driving
A couple of weeks ago, I had to transport my kid, who couldn't walk because of a bad knee, to get a haircut. I had to park to go in to pay for the haircut, and I approached the lot by turning right onto Bloor Street. I checked the traffic carefully, noted a cyclist some distance away, and several cars in front of me. I turned into the street behind the last car in line, then turned into the parking lot. A pedestrian had stopped on the sidewalk right by the parking lot entrance, and I kept a watch to make sure I did not hit her. Suddenly I heard a series of thumps from the back of my car, then a cyclist knocked on my window and told me I had nearly caused her to lose her balance. I apologised at once, and she took off.
I take the usual lessons away from this: in traffic, particularly in the busy and dark hours of November, even with full attention on the road, motorists (and cyclists) can find the complex streetscape overwhelming. As much as possible, I simply avoid adding another car to the mix by driving only when I need to. When I do make a mistake, I apologize; not only does it usually deflect the anger, it expresses my real feelings.
Finally, if you nearly got knocked off your bike by a white car on Bloor just East of Keele, please know that you got a genuine apology from the driver. I didn't mean to do it, and I did my best to pay attention, and I just failed to drive the way I want to (when I have to drive).
Please stay out of your death machine if you feel you are inadequately equipped to operate it in a safe manner.
obviously, a haircut is an absolutely essential and life-threatening situation, and requires the use of a car (or scissors and a towel in the kitchen). You should refrain from driving for all other non essential activities.
To the poster about the haircut,
please ignore those nasty commenters criticising you, and please realize they do not speak for the biking community as a whole.
I really appreciate your concilliatory attitude and attempt at limiting the use of your car.
I wish all drivers were like you...
Cheers, increase the peace!
Thanks for the feedback...
I do have specific standards for driving; I don't drive when I haven't had enough sleep, or when I have any alcohol in my system. I also take care when I drive; I hope I made it clear that I took care that evening. No matter how carefully I drive (or ride), I have found that a combination of poor visibility and sight lines in a complex traffic situation can lead to a collision.
As for the snark about hair cutting in the kitchen: if you've actually persuaded a teenager to allow their parents, rather than a professional, to cut their hair, let me know your secret. If you haven't, why don't you try and let me know how it goes.
John G. Spragge
Mariner, cyclist, pilot
Hey John, I posted the first response, didn't really mean to offend, I was just joking around. Anyway, I get what you are trying to say, however driving in the city is really not that complicated. I am a daily cycle commuter, but also use my car about 3 or 4 times a week. If you are a confident driver and use your mirrors effectively to always be aware of whats going on around you, there shouldn't be a problem.
From your post, it sounds like you are overwhelmed with driving in the city. Maybe you need some defensive driving lessons to give you more confidence on the road.
@totes, sorry I did not get your sarcasm
Thanks for your post @locutas_of_spragge, i'm not sure why people are so critical. Not even someone who is 100% confident in themselves can avoid %100 of accidents.