Editor, Times-Union: First off, I am wondering why those who ride bikes in town or in the county do not have to follow the same driving rules as a person in a car or truck? When I learned to ride a bike, many years ago, I was taught to follow the rules of the road. We used our hands to make turn signals, stop and respect those in cars. The other day I was first at a four-way stop in my car on Buffalo Street next to the Legion. I was heading south. After making my stop and looking all ways, I proceeded to head south. As I did, a middle-aged man on a bicycle came from my right, did not even attempt to stop, turned right in front of me, and just kept right on going. I slammed on my brakes so I would not hit him and he didn’t even act as though I was there. Having come to a stop the second time, an idiot in a car, behind the biker, proceeded to turn in front of me as well. Well, losing my cool, I laid on my horn at him. He looked at me as though it was OK for both of them to turn out to turn ... Well, my concern is, if we have to respect those on bicycles, why do they have the right to not obey the very same laws cars have to? We have to watch out for them, and I do my best to give them the respect on the road. But I do not feel it’s fair that they can run stop signs, putting themselves and others in danger. I have seen some weave through traffic, making those in cars slam on their brakes to avoid them. At this point I feel they need to have laws they have to know, learn or go to class for. If they are going to use the streets cars and trucks use, they need to know that they must obey the very same laws. If I were to hit someone on a bicycle, it would be my fault, no matter what the circumstances are. This is not fair, nor is it right. So, if you ride a bicycle, learn to follow the driving laws and don’t take it upon yourself to act as though there are no laws! Someone will get hurt sooner or later. I hope it is not you. Cathy Lundgren Warsaw
