Editor:
Re: Use bike lanes properly (Letters, Aug. 6)
Ignorance of the law is a dangerous thing.
It is not only illegal, but dangerous to ride a bicycle facing traffic. The law states that bicyclists are to ride on the right, in the same direction as the traffic. Bike/pedestrian lanes have symbols painted on them indicating the direction each are intended to go. Bike symbols are painted going in the direction of the traffic. Pedestrian symbols are painted going against the direction of the traffic. Therefore, if there is only a bike/pedestrian lane on one side of the road it is intended only for bicycles heading in that direction. These bike/pedestrians lanes are for suggested use and are not a replacement for the highway and are not dedicated bike lanes. They benefit most the pedestrian and casual cyclist. They are not evenly surfaced as they include driveways, power poles, parked cars and other such obstacles that are potentially dangerous for serious cyclists travelling at high speeds and are rarely cleared of debris.
If you feel that cyclists are putting you in danger by forcing you to try and get around them when they travel at a safe distance (one metre is recommended) from the edge of the road, then I would suggest that you perhaps should not be driving.
Please, when driving a motor vehicle and approaching a cyclist, slow down and proceed with caution, do not pass until you can do so at a safe distance. Waiting a few seconds or minutes for the right opportunity to pass safely surely won't kill you, but it might kill me.
Guy Bullen
Halfmoon Bay
