While bikelash often ignites a "car vs bike" dialogue, it's not all negative. I define bikelash as follows (and I still have challenges describing what it is):
BIKELASH (n.) attitudes and actions related to disapproval or discomfort toward the existence of a growing bicycling community.
I often talk about the unpleasant consequences of passive aggression toward bicyclists (e.g. misleading, biased or unbalanced media coverage, aggressive driving behavior in the presence of bicyclists, and threats made in the form of comments and tweets), but the up side of bikelash is the opportunity to start conversations with people who have concerns coming from different places.
Advocates and bicyclists are presented with teachable moments and opportunities to build relationships and grow through productive discussions-- if we choose to approach bikelash with solutions rather than hatred and frustration.
One solution to bikelash perpetuated by the media is to collaboratively create a style guide and offer trainings to make suggestions and set standards for reporting. This project will involve educational institutions, advocacy organizations, professional journalists, and community members. This style guide project is currently a work in progress by Pedal Love (Women on Bikes California). Let's work toward language justice and promoting equity of bicyclists as a way to transform negative attitudes about those whose lives are most vulnerable on the road.
