In growing up in Washington DC in the 1960s and riding bicycles there one learns a little bit of common sense sometimes by the school of hard knocks.
As my friend Michael Taylor was “pursuing” me as we played Adam 12 I proceeded down a blind alley into the street not seeing the laundry truck that I T-boned into the side of totaling my bike and my sinuses.
It was a rough lesson in physics and anatomy but for the Grace of God we are able to come away from accidents with a better understanding about life.
I understand that bicyclist have “rights” to the road but that doesn’t mean that “rights” should overrule common sense and the rules of the road.
Just the other week in mid-day traffic what I would say “mature” male adult was riding a “lay down” bike in the middle (yes, in the middle) of 153 at Gadd Rd. tempting fate as people made their way past him. If he were to be struck by a vehicle and lucky enough to have survived I’m sure he would of screamed that he had a right and would of tried to sue the pants off of the driver.
Also as we have the “Tour De Falling Water” on a weekly basis how often is there a total disregard for traffic signs that are not only applicable to vehicles but also bicyclists.
Now I’m not an “anti-cyclist” but courteousness, consideration and common sense runs both ways.
Jay Reed
Falling Water