Dear Editor,
Re: “Cyclists and motorists need to co-exist,” Letters, Nov. 16.
As mentioned by George Muenz, we need to share the road among cyclists and motorists. As he pointed out, there are many aggressive and careless motorists. The same point could be made for cyclists…there are a handful of cyclists not stopping at stop signs, riding on sidewalk/crosswalks, running red lights, not riding in a single file, not using lights/reflectors when riding after sunset, the list goes on.
A local TV station even had a segment showing cyclists refusing to move over for motorists on the same stretch of River Road.
First, we need a better system...both educational and enforcement. Cyclists should be required to purchase insurance like any other vehicle owner who uses the public road.
Part of the insurance cost pays for infrastructure.
Motorists get tested before being granted the privilege to drive on the road. So, cyclists need to be educated and licensed for the privilege of riding on public roads, as well.
If all cyclists are held to the same standard as other road users and follow rules, the mutual respect could be established.
D. Pena
Richmond
