Why, when we are so kind in person, are Islanders so rude on our roadways? 

In general, we are caring and concerned and usually express distaste with off-Islander manners. But they are not the only disrespectful folks here. 

I speak of the drivers, walkers, runners and cyclists who are waging a turf war on Island roadways. While we all know the “Rules of the Road,” cited in Chapter 46.61 of Washington State Law, there are parts that are decidedly ambiguous when it comes to some of the stickier situations on Vashon’s country roads. I have experienced many instances where a sense of entitlement trumped safety.

Ours is a beach-bound neighborhood, and we live six degrees of separation everyday. So it is important to treat each other with respect and be concerned for the safety of the community. There is no need to elbow each other out of the way or place someone in danger because one might feel that their personal comfort zone is more important.

For example, what is the safest way to pass a cyclist on a hill or corner? The law states that one must not pass until one can see the roadway ahead, but most cars will pass a bike on a hill or corner, which puts the car into the oncoming lane. Not good. Many drivers want bikes to move over as far as possible, but then the cyclists are in danger of falling from riding in gravel and grass. Scary.

Except for Vashon Highway, there are no bike lanes on Vashon, and the shoulder can be awful narrow in some places. In general, the unwritten Island Road Rule is that cars must give a wide berth to pedestrians and bikes; the state law is three feet. But I have found cars in my lane on hills and corners that are giving bikes and pedestrians a whole lane of space. How safe is that? And I have meet pedestrians who would not step onto the grass on corners or hills, although that is what the law clearly states, to keep themselves and me safe.

I have also been given the Evil Eye by cyclists when I couldn’t give those three feet of space because of a hill or corner; I stayed in my lane for everyone’s safety and drove really, really slow!

In 30 years of communal griping with friends, I have found an interesting fact: Our stories are all the same. It didn’t matter what we were doing — driving, walking, running or biking — we all dealt with incompetence on the roads. 

Not to suggest that Islanders are stupid, only that those Rules of the Road can be subject to interpretation and the situation. It is obvious that we do not see eye to eye in many instances.

I imagine as you are reading this that it is conjuring the times you gave or got the Evil Eye. So I am hoping that this commentary will generate a lively discussion in our community and raise the conscience levels regarding safety on our roadways.

My hope is to inspire my neighbors to be aware of, first, their own safety and, second, the safety of the community. Islanders often talk about rural ideals, but do we have the guts to leave indifferent city ways over town? I would like to see a departure from myopic entitlement to a true sharing of the road topped with a smile and friendly wave. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

And a personal message from me to the safety-conscious drivers, cyclists, runners and walkers: Thank you! I notice, I appreciate, and I am always delighted to be on the road with you!