Cyclists are taking unnecessary risks

Since the weather has warmed up enough for bicyclists to hit the streets, I've noticed that some of them seem to have very little regard for their lives or the law.

Three times in the last month I've had "close encounters" while driving in Sandpoint, and my mother was nearly run over while walking downtown … on the sidewalk!

These aren't kids. These are adults who know better. Like the guy the other day who blew the stop sign on Sixth Avenue, cruising along at approximately 25 mph. Or the gal a couple weeks ago who was going the wrong way, on the sidewalk, on Cedar Street, and didn't slow down while crossing Third Avenue — even though you saw me turning onto Third. You thought it was pretty funny that I had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting you. It wouldn't have been so funny if I hadn't have been able to stop for you.

The last thing I want to do is run over someone. Obey the law, go with the flow of traffic and stay off the sidewalks.

B.J. WORLEY

Naples