Letters: Respect the rights of cyclists!
I urge drivers to remember that bicyclists are allowed on signed shared roadways and to treat bicyclists as humans, not objects to speed past. I have been a bike commuter for six years and encountered drivers-even friends who didn’t recognize me on my bike-who ride dangerously close and yell at me to get out of the road. I do not ride on ped/bike paths or sidewalks while commuting for the following reasons:
1) I am legally allowed to ride my bike on roadways designated as signed shared roads such as Beach Drive and Sligo Creek Parkway;
2) I commute twenty miles from work on road and to do so on ped/bike paths means conflict with pedestrians, strollers, joggers, dog walkers, etc.; and
3) I want drivers to see me—maybe I can inspire some to get out of their cars in an effort to minimize congestion and improve air quality. I ride at a good pace but not always as fast as a car can go. Drivers, please slow down, have patience and wait to pass cyclists until there is sufficient room to do so safely, and remember that we have a right to be on the road.
— Katherine Kelly
Takoma Park. MD