I’m a cyclist… and a local… and I’m sorry…
Editor:
I’d like to comment on the recent letters by both Don Laverdure and Pat MacDonald. First off, let me say that I’m a cyclist. I’m also a resident of the area…and I drive a pick-up. If that isn’t an oxymoron, I don’t know what is.
I wholeheartedly agree with both views. I believe the roads are safe with the posted speeds… as long as they are adhered to, which is a rarity both by locals and visitors to our area.
Just today I was passed by a local (whom I know) doing at least 80 km/hr in town. Changing the numbers on a road sign isn’t going to work, especially with police being preoccupied with other relatively more important duties.
The dangers of speeding are not just a cyclist issue, though many would say that it’s they who are the most vocal. The hazards to those on horses and the farmers on the road with their equipment are just as real.
People, quite simply, just need to slow down. And if they don’t, get their licence number and report them to the OPP. If they get enough complaints, they’ll deal with it.
As to the cyclists, I’m embarrassed to say, as one of them I have to agree with some of the comments made. The number of times that I’ve passed large groups of them in my truck riding all over the road and three abreast is excessive. They should know better as most clubs have riding etiquette rules that the riders need to sign as part of their disclaimers. These yahoos are making it tough for cyclists like me who have to put up with the angst by the drivers afterwards. I’ll bet that the number of times Pat has been yelled at with foul language by a group of cyclists equals the number of times I’ve been yelled at or even pushed over by a driverfrom the area. The best way to handle that is to find out which club they belong to (look at the jersey) and contact the club with your complaint. If they won’t do anything call the OPP and register the club with them. Again, if they get enough complaints, they’ll deal with it.
Changing laws to govern how people should act towards each other, like lowering the speed limit, isn’t the answer. Neither is being angry at all cyclists.
All people need to do is learn how to live socially, although I think we’ve forgotten how to do that. Slow down when you come up on someone or something going slower. Group cyclists learn some damn etiquette.
Everyone… flip a wave and a “would you mind” instead of flipping the bird and an “F” word.
Herb Koch,
Glencairn.
