Dear editor,
This letter is in response to Carl Munn's piece in the Aug. 15 edition of the Record.
I am a driver and I am also a cyclist. I know how annoying and even dangerous it can be when cyclists do not exercise adequate safety by failing to wear the proper protective gear or failing to obey the rules of the road. I agree it happens, and all too frequently. And, like you, it bugs me too.
But c'mon Mr. Munn, you’re only looking at half of the picture.
What about motorists? What about you?
I’m not suggesting at all that you have ever transgressed as a driver. I do not doubt your driving record is impeccable. But some might find it hard to believe if you told them you have always come to a complete stop at every stop sign, or have always obeyed the posted speed limit.
Even if you happen to be the perfect driver, it remains a fact that there are lots of drivers out there who do take liberties daily with their safety and the safety of others.
As a driver I find it annoying at times, and downright dangerous at times. As a cyclist it becomes out-and-out life threatening.
While cycling I am constantly fearful of this type of driving behaviour, it is augmented on occasion by a blatant disregard for safety demonstrated by some drivers.
As a result I strictly avoid cycling in town, and limit my riding to rural areas. But it is still not without its risk because of the persistent attitudes of some drivers who have a bee in their bonnet about cyclists. And all it takes is one.
My wife and daughter have both been struck by cars in town while cycling. Each was hit while riding solo within a designated bike lane, while wearing a helmet and brightly coloured clothing in broad daylight; struck by drivers who passed them and immediately made a right turn directly in front of them. ICBC faulted the drivers.
So don't lay all your condemnation on the cyclists. You and I and everybody else have their piece of responsibility in this.
I would like to close by thanking all those drivers and cyclists who do appreciate the importance of safety and who do follow the rules and respect everyone's right to safe passage.
Les Disher,
Comox Valley