Safe riding, driving needed

It's getting ugly out there.

Between drivers not paying attention and almost hitting bicyclists to bicyclists not paying attention (or wearing a helmet) and darting across the road without looking, it isn't safe to be on the streets of Sandpoint these days — for anyone.

It seems everyone has a story about someone almost getting hit. Sooner or later, someone is going to be seriously hurt or killed if things don't improve.

And the scariest part? We are only in the very early stages of the summer tourism season. Give it another few weeks and the streets will be clogged and school will be out.

More people walking and more kids riding bicycles.

Let's all do each other a favor and look out for "the other guy."

If you are in a car:

? Look for bicycle and respect their right to be on the road.

? Slow down and drive the speed limit.

? Drive defensively — expect that bicyclists will be on the road and be on the lookout for hand signals.

If you are riding a bicycle:

? Wear a helmet.

? Be aware of the traffic around you and ride defensively.

? Check your brakes.

? Ride with traffic.

? Beware of riding too closely to a large truck.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.