[SDCBC] Curb bicyclists? NO! RE: OC Register Fwd: Mr. Dillow comment lett...

[JonIsaacs at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/31/07 5:31:13 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
JimBaross at cox.net writes:

> Jim Krause is certainly entitled to his opinion, but based on my training 
> and experience, his recommendation for a curb to divide the roadway between 
> bicycling and motoring doesn't work for bicycling. 

I have not looked at the OC register but I would like to share some 
thoughts...

It might be useful to turn this around so that rather than being defensive 
about the needs of cyclists, we thank Mr. Krause (or whoever it is) for his 
concern for cyclists and his awareness of the possible dangers to cyclists if 
motorists are inattentive or irresponsible.

Further, it would seem that Mr. Krause is concerned with the possibility that 
he may collide with a cyclist and the result could be that someone was 
injured.  This is honorable but I suggest that rather than trying to separate 
cyclists from motorists, we recommend that  Mr. Krause consider making an effort to 
be as attentive as possible and to make an extra effort to be aware of the 
presence of cyclists on the road.  This is what is needed to further increase the 
safety level of cycling.   He could further his understanding and skill as a 
vehicle operator by taking further education, either if the form of a driver 
education course or better yet, a Ride for Life class where he learned about 
cycling and the inharent problems associated with separating vehicle types.

We should tell him that cycling has proven to be a safe form of 
transportation and that we are comfortable and confident riding along with other vehicles 
whose operators are paying attention.

Jon Isaacs






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