Dear Editor:  

Bicycle traffic and the safety of cyclist on our local roads seems to be a current topic of concern. I agree it is an issue. What I find interesting is the idea that the onus for keeping cyclist safe seems to fall solely on the automobile driver. What I see, are two distinct types of cyclists who are wreaking havoc on our local roads.  

First, there is the elite hobbyist. This rider is easily discernible via the fact that they wear cycling specific clothing and generally speaking, a crash helmet. This cyclist sends the message, "I am a vehicle on the road and I deserve the respect of other drivers." Unfortunately, in many cases the operator of this human powered vehicle does not extend the same courtesies they expect to be afforded. On an almost daily basis, I witness blatant traffic violations by this type of vehicle operator: Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign; rolling through a red light; failure to signal a lane change;or turning right on red without coming to a complete stop. If I were to operate my automobile in this manner, I would expect to be chided by my fellow drivers and potentially ticketed by the police for unsafe operation of a vehicle.  

The second type of cyclists, the “transportationally” challenged rider, is even more dangerous. The clueless manner in which this driver wields his/her machine should be considered a serious law enforcement issue. Whether it be ignorance or scofflaw, this cyclist creates dangerous traffic situations by riding one handed while talking on the phone; riding with headphones on; riding with shopping bags hanging off the handlebars; hopping on and off sidewalks; going the wrong way on a one way street; riding on the wrong side of a two lane road - and one day a deadly accident will occur.

This is not to disparage the responsible cyclist. The rules of the road need to apply equally to all. Perhaps the organizations providing some of the bicycles take it upon themselves to provide educational material on safe and courteous bicycle operation. 

It is time to crack down on discourteous and dangerous cyclists.  

John Splaine
Former Bicycle Shop Owner  
West Boothbay Harbor