A Note To The Early Morning Bike Riders on the Black Horse Pike

Listen, I get it. We have to get to where we need to be by any means necessary, right?

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I completely understand that I'm lucky to have a vehicle that can get me from point A to point B. This note is NOT to tell bikers (not on a motorcycle) to stay out of my way. Rather, it's more about pleading with you to stay safe.

My commute to work this morning made me realize that something needs to be addressed with the cyclists I've been increasingly spotting riding down the Black Horse Pike when it's still dark outside. Whether you don't have a vehicle or you're trying to live a healthier lifestyle by getting active, if you're going to be traveling down a major roadway like the pike in the wee hours of the morning when visibility is barely fair on a good day, I'm going to need you to make sure you're making yourself identifiable to motorists.

I passed three cyclists riding east on the Black Horse Pike this morning. One of them cut across the intersection and made my anxiety spike to abnormally high levels for that early in the morning. Good thing that particular intersection is well-lit. If it weren't for that, I'm not sure the car in front of me would have spotted you.

Not that I should need to point out that reflective gear is best for biking at those hours of the morning, but if you don't own anything, is it rude of me to request that you, at the very least, wear light colors? I promise, I'm not asking from a place of privilege, but for BOTH of our safety's sake.

I understand that you and I both need to get where we need to go, but let's make it a group effort to make sure that happens for both of us. Thank you and stay safe!