Local bicyclists don't obey the law of the road

Contrary to Mr. Fury's concerns, bicyclists in the greater Sandpoint area are a hazard to themselves and the public at large. On any given day from spring through fall, one can observe bicyclists traveling the wrong way on one-way streets, riding against traffic on two-way streets, ignoring traffic lights and stop signs, riding on sidewalks and in crosswalks and cutting in and out of moving traffic. In addition, most of the riders are in their late teens or older and seem to ignore the benefits to be derived from wearing cycling helmets.

Most jurisdictions within the United States require the bicyclist to obey the same laws that apply to motor vehicles. They must stop at stop signs, yield at yield signs, travel with the traffic one one-way streets and travel in the right lane(s) on two-way streets. They must dismount and become a pedestrian if they want to use the sidewalks and crosswalks. These laws are intended to protect the rider and the public at large. If the implementation of the statute that Sen. Joyce Broadsword is proposing interferes with Mr. Fury's ability to maintain momentum, so be it. Better a loss of momentum as opposed to a loss of life, a permanent disabling injury or a vehicle accident that results when a driver takes evasive action to avoid hitting a scofflaw bicyclist.

RICHARD F. CREED

Sagle