Even though he’s had hair brushes and full two-liter pop bottles thrown at him while on his bike, that hasn’t stopped Oxford resident George Spencer from continuing his love of cycling.
‘I must have a big ‘throw something at me? target on my back,? he joked.
An avid rider for four years, Spencer said he began cycling for fitness and to deal with stress, but lately, uneducated drivers have made his daily treks even more stressful.
Spencer said he typically gets up to 18 mph on his bike and chooses to ride on the road instead of the sidewalk because he might hit somebody.
‘What frustrates me the most is when driver’s yell at you for doing something that you’re legally authorized to do,? he said.
According to the state of Michigan’s website, bicycles are allowed to ride in a traffic lane, but must stay as far to the right as practical, obey traffic signals, ride not more than two side-by-side and must follow the direction of traffic.
Spencer has been hit by a car twice in Oxford, one being his fault and the other the driver’s.
He feels new drivers need to be better educated on how non-licensed vehicles, like bikes and even farm equipment, have the same rights as any car or truck when it comes to being on the roads.
‘You have to afford them a lane of traffic and enough space to travel down the road,? he said. ‘Same with the Amish with their horse and buggy.?
‘They don’t have to give us a brake like the construction workers, just give us some space.?
Kyle DeLancey, a mechanic at Main Street Bicycles in Oxford and also a regular cyclist, said he’s had eggs thrown at him even when he’s on the sidewalk.
He thinks some drivers act like a deer in the headlights when they are approached by a person on a bike on the road.
‘I’ll stop and put both my feet on the ground and they still don’t know what to do,? he said. ‘They may be too cautious or just not aware of what’s going on.?
Levi Gealy, a manager at Main Street Bicycles, said he believes the state should paint bike lanes on the roads, like in Flordia, to create a more bike-friendly atmosphere.
But Oxford Village Police Chief Mike Neymanowski said it’s up to both the bicyclists and drivers to do their part to make the roads safer.
He said there have been two accidents involving a car and bicycle in the village so far this year where both individuals were to blame.
‘If you’re going to ride in the street, for your own safety, you should obey all the traffic rules,? he said.

Bike Safety Tips
nIntersections ? Always be alert at intersections for traffic conflicts. Walk your bike across the street.
nParked Cars ? Watch for cars pulling into traffic from a parked position, driveway, or street. Be careful of opening doors and pedestrians getting out of their cars.
nLaws ? Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, traffic signals, one-way streets, etc., as if you were operating a motor vehicle.
nRiding ? Ride to the right side of the road if possible. Don’t show off by stunting or weaving in traffic.
nRight-of-Way ? Rules for right-of-way that apply to motorists also apply to bicyclists. Always give pedestrians the right-of-way.
nVisibility ? Wear bright clothing when riding at dusk or dark and use a white light in front and a red reflector in the rear of your bike. Added reflective material on your clothing and bicycle is recommended when riding after sundown.
nHelmet Use ? Most fatalities and serious injuries to cyclists are the result of head injuries. Always wear a helmet.