Bicycles on the Roads

2010-09-09 / Letters

TO THE EDITOR: THE NORTHFIELD NEWS THIS MORNING,I noticed several groups of bicyclists in groups of about 20 traveling south on Vermont Route 12 past my home. I lost count at 80 cyclists.

I know they have the right of way but it seems I, as a motorist should have some rights too.

State highway Route 12 is posted at 50 miles per hour for the most part and these cyclists pose a threat to the to the safety of us all.

For all the same reasons, bicyclists are prohibited from the interstate highways. State highways pose the same dangers if not more so because traffic travels in both directions in two lanes.

I think the clubs or tour directors of these groups have a responsibility to their people to patrol their tours more diligently. I hope I’m not the one involved in an accident with one, but truly expect they will be the cause of serious injury in the near future to one of them or to a motorist.

LESLIE A. SKINNER, JR.

Northfield Falls

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You are wrong Mrs Skinner.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 2010-09-14 07:11.

You are wrong Mrs Skinner. But you like everyone else think you have rights or entitlement and only if it benefits your needs.

No, "anonymous," YOU are

Submitted by Cecile (not verified) on Thu, 2010-09-16 10:20.

No, "anonymous," YOU are wrong. I ride (bicycles and motorcycles, as well as walk, snowshoe, kayak, etc.,) and I drive, and I have to say: responsible road use is EVERYONE'S responsibility. I see people on bicycles with no helmets, weaving in and out of traffic, riding two or three abreast with no consideration at all for other vehicles. Stupid? Yes, and risky - other people on the road can't read your mind or see through hills and around curves. Those are the few bad apples who make road use adversarial for everyone. Ride single file in the bike lane (if there is one that won't crack your rims... another rant for another day,) light your bike and wear light and/or reflective clothing, and wear a helmet! And to people in cars - please give riders space if you can. Thanks.