Founder of Please Be Kind to Cyclists
Last Tuesday, Patrick and I interviewed Austinite Alvaro Bastidas. Al is the founder of Please Be Kind to Cyclists. He’s really friendly.
I think with a lot of social propagandists out there, I feel like there’s a lot of zealousness. But he wasn’t like that at all.
There are organizations out there that use scare tactics. But with Al, he is different. He wasn’t trying to scare anyone into doing anything really. He just wants awareness, plain and simple. His mission is increase the harmony between automotive and bicycle traffic on our highways.
I could tell that he was passionate about his work. Really, sharing is caring. He just wanted to share the road and return safely to his family.
These are the photos I took while Patrick was interviewing Al:
Al parks on the side of the road with his signs as a reminder to drivers.
Patrick and Al talk about lighting, the angles, and background noise for the interview.
Al cleans up the memorial, clearing away the weeds and tall grass.
Here's Patrick recording and interviewing Al about Please Be Kind to Cyclists.
4 responses so far ↓
Jmour // December 3, 2008 at 5:12 am
As a person who enjoys cycling, I must say that Cyclists, motorists, even the occasion walker/runner have just as much right on the road as any multi-axle vehicle. It’s great that there are people out there trying to bring awareness to those that are oblivious.
Vi // December 3, 2008 at 5:21 am
I think what Al does is create an awareness without being condensing or making motorists feel ignorant – and that is a good thing.
I often see motorists and cyclists competing for the same roads on 2222/Capitol of Texas highway and it can be frightening. I hope Al continues to spread the awareness so that all Austinites can drive/ride in harmony.
Victor Lin // December 3, 2008 at 5:21 am
“Scare” is a very effective tool, turned my eyes a few once or twice.
Mary // December 3, 2008 at 5:23 am
Yea be nice to the cyclist! I drive by the park almost every day and I make sure I’m extra careful, never know when they’re going to pop out! I’ve seen it happen before and it’s sad!