Letters from the Issue of February 14, 2008

Of course it probably is a nice feeling riding your bikes and feeling the fresh breeze and getting lots of exercise also. If I'm not mistaken, and correct me if I'm wrong, but, aren't all bicyclist's that are using the public streets/roadways to ride on, suppose to abide by the same traffic laws and/or rules that licensed motorists have too, and by the way, who also pay for tags, and insurance to use these public streets/roadways to drive on. When you are riding in double, and triple wide in the driving lane, and refuse to move over to the side of the roadway, is this fair to the mototist who gets put in jeopardy due to this failure to ride in single file at the side of the road,(street)and what the feeling is to the motorist and his feelings if he does collide with the cyclist and injures him/her and damages his/her bike. I know I have been yelled at, cursed at, given the finger, etc., from some of these so called law abiding citizens, (not all)for just tooting my horn and/or rolling my window down and asking them to ride where they are suppose too. This happens alot on SW 72 Street, (Sunset Drive). This is one of the most busiest streets in Miami-Dade County. Try riding like this or at all on the Palmetto or Florida Turnpike. It alot worse on many narrow streets and roadways. These riding clubs as well as independent riders, need to be more proactive on stressing these rules so as for it's members/groups are all safe at all times, as well as courteous. I realize that not all are like this, but as always, all it takes is a few, to ruin it for the rest. This is also true for joggers. They too, are suppose too, according to traffic laws, abide by the laws, walk facing oncoming traffic, and also on the side of the public street and roadway. Again, no one wants to injure, or see anyone get injured. Lets all be more proactive in everyones safety.