SHARE THE ROAD
Cyclists too must keep safe practices in mind
I have biked thousands of miles on roads in Virginia, Pennsylvania and Georgia, and have had very few problems with automobile traffic. The May 9 article (“Sharing road a challenge for bikers, drivers,” Living) makes some good points for both sides.
Unfortunately, the picture on page D4 (Living, May 9) shows a bad bike-riding practice that is dangerous for bikers and frustrating to drivers. Several riders in that picture are not riding single file. They cannot fit into a bike lane riding side by side, and if there is no bike lane, they will cover several extra feet of the road — leading to the traffic jam in that picture.
Sharing the road with automobiles requires safe driving by bikers and automobiles. If bikers would follow the normal bike safety rules — one of which is riding single file — there would be far fewer incidents and less frustration on both sides.
CHARLIE FREED, MARIETTA
Let’s have a summit of drivers, bike riders
I am a bicyclist.
In a recent article about the tension between bicyclists and car drivers (“Sharing road a challenge for bikers, drivers,” Living, May 9), one driver was quoted as saying she did not want to “share the road.” What would her kindergarten teacher have said?
Another said he thought bicyclists were “rude” if they couldn’t travel 35 to 50 mph in traffic. Even professional riders average only about 30 mph on roads without traffic. And where else should bicyclists ride than on the road? We’re not supposed to ride on sidewalks; sidewalks are for pedestrians. A comprehensive system of bike lanes might help. We cyclists no more want to contend with cars and trucks than they want to contend with us.
I do agree that bikers often break traffic laws, but I see cars do the same all the time. I always count to “three” before entering an intersection after I have the green.
How about a major powwow among leading representatives of both groups? Bickering creates nothing but more danger.
RICKS CARSON, ATLANTA
BENGHAZI
Politicians use tragedy for selfish purposes
The tragedy at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Benghazi has been made worse by American politicians. Republicans immediately claimed the attack was proof that President Obama’s Middle East foreign policy has failed. The Obama administration tried to block what it considered a cheap shot with a cheap theory that a video about Muhammed was the motive.
The situation provided an opportunity for terrorists to attack Americans in Benghazi — plus a bonus opportunity for American politicians to attack one another here at home. Who will cause the most harm? Our politicians need to focus on ways to protect U.S. diplomats and confront bad guys across the world, not across the aisle.
TONY GARDNER, CUMMING
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