SUNDERLAND — After a recent hit-and-run collision between a bicyclist and an SUV, local cycling enthusiasts are emphasizing that cycling safety is the responsibility of everyone on the road.
Officer Brenda Tozloski of the Sunderland Police Department said a cyclist was treated by South County EMS about 5 p.m. June 18 for cuts and bleeding after a Mazda CX-5 clipped the handlebars, knocking the rider to the ground and driving off.
The report documents that just before 5 p.m., the cyclist and others were riding side-by-side south on Route 47 toward the center of town when the Mazda swerved in their direction and honked its horn while passing.
At the intersection of Routes 47 and 116, the report says the cyclist slapped the rear taillight of the halted Mazda. When the light changed, the cyclists turned right onto Route 116, toward the Sunderland Bridge. According to the report, the Mazda sideswiped the bicycle in front of the Sunderland Corner Store, while the rider was in the breakdown lane.
State police stopped the driver of the Mazda near Exit 20 on Interstate 91 after another driver who saw the incident called 911.
Jason Stephens, the driver of the Mazda, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident where someone was hurt and property was damaged. Sunderland Police also sent out an “immediate threat” to the Registry of Motor Vehicles to revoke his driver’s license.
Local cycling experts and enthusiasts say this is a good example of the need for both riders and drivers to share the road.
“Courtesy goes both ways,” said Christopher Ethier, owner of Bicycle World in Greenfield. “Nobody is going out there with the intent to hurt anyone.”
Ethier, who is also a cyclist, said when he rides in a group, he tries to make sure everyone keeps to the side of the road in a single-file line, giving motor vehicles ample space to pass.
But, he said, no matter how much space bicyclists give vehicles, many drivers do not understand what it is like to be a cyclist.
“A lot of it is drivers just don’t know what a bike can or can’t do,” he continued, adding that the cyclist never wins after an accident with a motor vehicle.
Massachusetts law allows cyclists to ride on public roads, but they must follow posted traffic laws. The law also says that up to two cyclists can ride side-by-side, in a single lane.
Special exceptions to the law are given during officially sanctioned bicycle races.
Bob Perry, owner of Bicycles Unlimited, also in Greenfield, agreed with Ethier and said that road safety is a two-way street. Cyclists should provide room for motor vehicles to pass, and motorists should slow down and wait patiently for a chance to pass safely.
“Being considerate on the part of the cyclist, and being accommodating on the part of the driver” are of equal importance, Perry said. “I don’t think there is a blameless party — it needs to be a little bit of both.”