Cyclists, follow laws of the road

As one who has bicycled the streets of Kansas City for more than 25 years, I've had my share of experiences with irate and idiotic motorists. And nice ones, too.

I realize that, were I to have a run-in with a car or truck, I would come out on the losing end. Yet, riding our streets and highways doesn't scare me. If it's my time to go, so be it. One cannot live life in fear.

Having said that, I trust that motorists will be aware of my presence on the road and take appropriate safety measures, such as slowing a bit and moving to the left when possible. In turn, I stay as far to the right as is practical and safe, maintain a straight line of travel, signal my intentions and obey all traffic signs and signals.

Scofflaws give all cyclists a bad reputation and cause much ill will with motorists.

I urge everyone on the roads to pay attention and follow the laws. Stay off the cell phone. Sit up straight, both hands on the wheel, and be alert.

You can avoid senseless tragedy by using your eyes, ears and brains.

Timothy Earl Osburn
Parkville

Comments

[fiestadude]

My ashuredly unpopular comments:

Bicycles do not belong on the road, automobiles belong on the road - If I remember correctly, we built the roads for this very purpose.

If you paid top dollar for a road bike, go to europe and ride it, or purchase a roller.

Share the road? Right.

When the bicyclists begin observing ALL the traffic signals, like stop signs at the bottom of hills, etc.,; I will begin to share the road.

I have a very nice Cannondale. I do not ride it on the streets. I ride it on my bike roller.

Thank you,
Fiestadude

[solomon]

Driving home last night there where three groups of cyclists in their gay colors and pointy hats I encountered. Two were riding on my side coming towards me, one group,(actually just one rider with a carrier attached) was riding in the correct direction.

IMO, the groups riding towards me were putting their lives at stake, whereas I think they felt ignoring the law made them safer.

Recently in NYc I noticed lanes designated for cyclists, and they were marked to go with the flow. Common sense if you ask me.

[dolcemusica1]

I think bicyclists should only be allowed on roads that are residential with no stripe down the middle, bicycle lanes, or shoulders. For any other type of road, they should be allowed to drive on the sidewalk if the speed limit is 30 and above.

I seem to see a lot of letters remarking how vehicle drivers should be considerate to bicyclists. how about the other way around? Driving 20 mph in a 45 mph in rush hour traffic holding up a long line of cars - is that being considerate to the drivers trying to get to work? How about riding a bicycle through a red stop sign - but it's green for pedestrians - which laws are they following - pedestrians or vehicles? It can't be both ways. Definitely isn't for the vehicle.

I've come across too many bicyclists riding during busy times on a busy road for their exercise without any concern to those who are trying to get to work, etc.

Consideration goes both ways - not one way.

[jack]

In the words of Dennis Leary. When seeing a bicyclist, yell:

"Lock and load!"