Bikers be cautious
What wonderful progress has been made in the city with bike paths on the roads. If you're a bicyclist, I'm sure you appreciate them. Sometimes the cars probably wish you would stay on the sidewalks. This has created some controversy on both sides of the fence. In my neighborhood most cars fail to stop for Stop signs, choosing instead to go right through. When I'm out and about with my dogs, I see this all the
time. I also observe people on bikes who don't observe the Stop signs, rolling right through. There were three occasions in the last two days where bikers rolled right on without stopping, one came very close to being struck by a car. When I choose to ride my bike, I'll use the sidewalks when I can. I'm not taking chances being hit, not all cars are looking out for bikers. In this hurry up world we live in, they haven't got time for Stop signs, much less bikers.
Everyone, bikers and cars need to slow down and look before proceeding. After all, the Stop signs are there for a reason. Its time we all pay attention to them.
Chris Pariseau
10:05 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012
I'm trying to develop an interest in cycling because it is something my husband has enjoyed for years and I felt it was time for me to 'get with the program'. I choose my route carefully and also the time of day that I go. If I am in the road, I know that I should follow the same rules as cars. If there are no cars present, I will occasionally roll through a stop sign (side streets only). However, even though there are areas I would never consider riding on and would take a sidewalk option, riding your bike on the sidewalk may not be necessarily safer. I've seen cars almost hit those on bikes because they are not crossing the street as a pedestrian...which is what they should do if they are on a bike. I also feel that many people who ride bikes really do not know or observe the 'rules of the road'. I cringe whenever I see someone riding in the road without a helmet, wearing earbuds or riding against traffic. I have also seen cars deliberately try to intimidate cyclists. If everyone knew AND observed proper road-sharing etiquette, the roads would be a much safer place.
Theresa Nielsen
11:21 pm on Friday, August 24, 2012
Hi, thanks for your comments, if i'm on the sidewalk, I don't move until traffic is clear. It sounds like you are both careful thinkers while bike riding. Most people just need to be more aware. Thanks for reading.