Letter of the Day: Safe roads for all

Safe roads for all

EDITOR: I read a letter in Tuesday's paper ("Careless riders") and wanted to toss in my thoughts regarding bicycles and cars. A few rule-breaking cyclists should never detract from the need for drivers to always be attentive and wary of their surroundings. They are operating the ultimate power tool, easily able to alter a life in an instant.

This means driving responsibly, carefully maneuvering around slower vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians (i.e., slowing down and giving ample room) and always looking both ways at stop signs before proceeding.

I can personally attest to the latter, as I was slammed from the side on my bicycle in the bike lane by a driver who simply failed to look to his left.

I believe all accidents (and the exponentially larger number of dangerously close calls) are due to either oblivious or arrogant drivers. The best way to combat these potentially deadly syndromes would be to enact and enforce laws with serious consequences (e.g., fines, loss of privileges or car impounds) when driving too close or too fast by any pedestrian or cyclist.

Happy and safe riding and driving to all.

BRAD BRYON

Penngrove