Deaf bicyclists
Posted by: MichelleSep 11 2007, 1:43 pm
We're doing lots of outreach as part of the Bike Commute Challenge, and are hearing more and more from people about the issues that arise when people who are hard of hearing ride bikes, or get passed by bikes, on streets and paths.
Often bicyclists don't understand why the rider in front of them isn't responding to their bell ring, and refuses to move over; people who are hard of hearing report being yelled at for not moving over on paths; and deaf pedestrians have the same problem.
Here are some suggestions we've compiled for hearing and non-hearing people alike. But if you have experience with this, you're the real expert – please chime in and share your suggestions with us.
Hearing people:
- Always use audible warning when passing within a few feet of a walker or biker. But if someone doesn't respond, remember that they might be deaf, and just wait patiently for a good time to pass. Remember, we want car drivers to be patient with us; we need to be patient with one another!
- Be especially careful around older people, and always give LOTS of space when you pass.
- This post is about hearing impairment, but consider also how you pass and cross paths with people whose vision is impaired. Use a bell or your voice to warn them, be patient if necessary, and be careful around their canes or dogs.
Deaf and hard of hearing people:
- Always use a mirror so you can see cars and bikes coming up behind you.
- In places like the Hawthorne Bridge, bike a little to the right of the bike symbol (unless there are pedestrians nearby) in case someone needs to pass you and you don't see them. This is actually good advice for everyone, as long as we are moving over for pedestrians.
- Consider putting a little sign on your back or hanging off the bottom of your seat (like a bicycle license plate, or this tag from Cycle Oregon), that says "Hearing Impaired!" That will help people behind you know what to expect.
- Signal your intentions. If someone you can't hear is about to pass you, and you're about to make a left turn, a conflict can be avoided if you use your arm to signal a leftward movement. Also, check in your mirror before turning or changing lanes.
- Use a bell to signal people when you want to pass. Even if you can't hear it, it is valuable to the people you are biking around.
- When walking on paths, walk by default towards the right side, unless there's a reason to do otherwise. Again, this is good general advice for all of us.
Do you have any experience with biking as a hearing impaired person, or know someone who does?
I am hard of hearing and cannot tell what direction sounds comes from. I definitely hear bells, but I cannot tell what people yell. Thanks for the suggestion to put a sign on my bike or bag. I did that in my cube at my former employer, so why not on my bike?
What about voluntary deaf bicyclists with headphones? A long stick?
Michelle, this is an extremely timely subject for me, as I had a couple of encounters with a deaf cyclist Monday evening on my way home, and Tuesday morning on my way to work, on the Springwater on the Willamette.
On Monday, as I was just about to pass him, I noticed a teeny sign taped to the back of his bike that said "Deaf!" It was about the size of a post-it note, and written in fine-pointed pen. Although it was difficult to read from far away (I don't think most people would have seen it), I thought quickly and decided an effective non-audible passing signal would be to wave my arm in front of me, to catch his attention when I came into his peripheral vision. There were no problems.
Tuesday as I approached the north end of the Springwater (by Ross Island Sand and Gravel), I saw what looked to be the same person, with his memorable calves and hiked-up white tube socks. Except I didn't see the "Deaf!" sign, so wasn't sure if it was him.
After witnessing a little incident involving a runner, the man in question, and another cyclist who was not passing very safely, I was patiently waiting for my turn to pass, when the man in question suddenly came to a full and complete stop at the stop sign at the end of the trail. Without signaling. With me right behind him, not expecting that there's someone else in this world who stops properly at that sign. I braked hard to avoid rear-ending his tire.
As I was passing him moments later, I wanted to tell him that I was right behind him, and that he should signal his stops. He pointed to his ears and shook his head to indicate that he was deaf–so it was the same man I had encountered the previous afternoon, but without his sign. Once ahead of him, I attempted to indicate via one-armed sign what I was trying to communicate. Stop signal. Pointing back. It probably didn't come across very well, but I rode on.
In an amazing coincidence, I encountered this man AGAIN about to cross Naito and NW Davis. When I signed "hello" and was trying to think of a way to communicate the signalling thing again (my ASL is poor, but one-armed ASL???), he got an icy brick wall look on his face, and decided to cross the street on the other side.
It was extremely frustrating be be earnestly trying to communicate with someone despite their hearing loss, and have them totally close off like that. Not only was I concerned for his safety, but the safety of myself and others as well–if this guy doesn't know what's going on behind him, shouldn't he be even *more* attentive to communicating his intentions? And perhaps have a more noticeable, and more permanent sign, on the back of his bike?
In the past, whenever I read the phrase "audible warning," it always bothered me in the back of my mind, thinking of deaf and hard of hearing people. But this was the first time I have been aware of encountering one in the field. Is there a recommended visual signal one can use for deaf and hard of hearing bicyclists?
Thank you so much for this blog post.
Hello BTA Posters,
I am new to BTA in fact I don’t even ride a bike. Only due to back problems and balance (inner ear) problems. I my self am deaf and a friend of mine read this posting and asked me what I thought.
Yes it can be frustrating not being able to communicate to deaf cyclists. In years past states have tried to encourage bicyclists and automobiles to post a icon on their bike or car, indicating their are deaf. . This has not helped inform people that their might be some communication issues. But have open up lots of people to take advantage of the situation with crime. Putting visible icons on bikes are like a bulls-eye for a easy target Criminals know the chances of the deaf person yelling for help, it being easy to sneak up behind them, or them calling 911 are pretty slim. Cyclists and drivers have been mugged, victims of road rage, shot, attacked, etc. Being Deaf is often called the invisible disability. Just by looking at someone you may never know, and if they are deaf and can read lips you still may never know.
Just a tid-bit of info for people to ponder.
James A. Rae
My daughter is Deaf and physically handicapped. She has never been able to ride a bike herself, but 3 years ago we bought (wtih the help of many friends) a recumbent Tandem at Coventry. What a blessing, as she can now ride on family outings and feel she is a part of the process. She (generally) loves to ride, and though a bit pensive at times, she loves the physical activity (and it get's me in GREAT shape as she is not that powerful a 'stoker').
Biking is a great thing for her, and Portland is a great town to bike in for her as well.
Thanks for this "consciousness raising" stuff. Very useful even if no easy answers.