Danger to cyclists

Share the road

Pam Richardson (9/16, Letters) suggested that “the only way to stop cyclists from being killed is to get them off the road.” While it’s obvious that a car will fare better in an encounter with a cyclist, her suggestion is senseless (and could be taken as a threat).

Pam, I ride my bike to work half of the week. I do this for many reasons. If I am not supposed to ride on the road, then where do I ride?

Roads are for transportation. Cars, bicycles and pedestrians all use them to get around. Bicycles have as much right to space on a road as a car. This may mean a car may have to slow down at times to accommodate them. Being enclosed in steel and glass does not give them more rights than a bicycle.

Please be patient and accommodating when passing and pay attention.

I offer this as a young, smart cyclist, who plans to live to old age as you suggest, but by sharing the road.

Jeff Denny
Kansas City

The law is clear

Pam Richardson asserts that cyclists should “bike elsewhere.” Richardson should re-read her Kansas DMV manual. Page 24 states, “As a motorist you should realize that the bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as you … Motorists in Kansas should expect to encounter bicyclists on all state and local roadways… Expect bicyclists to be two feet from the right edge of the roadway or curb. When passing a bicyclist, use extreme caution and pass four feet to the left of the bicyclist.” Pages 61-62 of the Missouri manual say essentially the same thing.

Ms. Richardson, I have the same rights as you to use the roads and the same responsibilities to share them safely. If you endanger my life by making poor driving decisions and not abiding by state law, I will (as I have previously) take the tag number, call the police and file a complaint.

George Ferguson
Blue Springs

Roads belong to all

Pam Richardson says that cycling is dangerous. We agree, and one of the factors that increases the risk is motorists like Richardson who apparently do not understand the law. One more time: Cyclists have the same rights (and responsibilities) as motorists. Richardson suggests that we get off the road. Where, exactly, would she decree that we ride? And, where exactly, considering our taxes build the roads?

Scott and Waynell Gregory
Roeland Park

Comments

[jack]

Sammy, you are a biker? I never would have thunk it! How lefty of you!

[jack]

I agree with Dennis Leary, "When it comes to those people on their cute little bicycles, wearing their cute little helmuts and their cute little pants. All I have to say is 'Lock and Load'".

[Sammy]

I didn't get the sense that Pam was attempting to be hostile to cyclists. I think she was pointing out that some people choose to ride on paved trails if available.

As a cyclist, I well understand the risks of riding on the road. As a driver, I also realize that I have similar risks in simply driving to work.