Homer Alaska - Letters

Phil Celtic's letter to the editor (Aug. 26) has created a great opportunity for a discussion about bicycle traffic rules and safety. There has been a noticeable increase in the number of people choosing to ride bikes (hurray!) and there is lots of confusion over the rules and safety issues for bicycles and motorists sharing the roadways.

The East End roadway that Phil mentioned is a great example. There was a traffic accident involving a bicyclist and a truck at the end of July that is just one example of confusion. The cyclist was on the bike path, traveling east. The truck driver approached the roadway, and without looking to the left for bicycle or pedestrian traffic chose to enter the roadway, crossing the bike path right when the cyclist was crossing in front of the truck.

Of course it was the cyclist that was injured. Statistically it is safer for a bike rider to use the roadway, which is for bicycles and cars, if they are traveling faster than 12 mph.

Choosing to ride a bicycle as often as possible is beneficial for everyone. It is fun, but also very scary at times. The more people learn about safely sharing the roadway, the sooner we can lessen our dependence on oil and get great exercise in the process.

The next time you slow down to pass a bicycle, think how amazing it is that we have the use of such an efficient form of transportation. If you are riding a bicycle, please wear a helmet and educate yourself about how to safely and legally ride around town.

Jeanne Parker