Cyclists, drivers should show consideration

Cyclists, drivers should show consideration

Dear editor, I am rather sad and upset that we seem to be losing our sense of respect, care and responsibility in this town in regards to cars and bikes. Let's see, a month or so ago we have a lovely young lady hit while on her bike and left without so much as a call to 911 by the person responsible. A friend of mine was out walking her two wee Yorkies and stopped to talk to a neighbour and was run into and pushed to the pavement by a grown adult on a bike "walking" his dogs. He didn't stop to see if she was hurt or needed help nor to apologize. Last week another friend who happens to have a guide dog was walking in Glen Williams and was also hit by a person on a bike. First, it's pretty hard to miss that my friend has a guide dog and I would believe most civilized people know that a dog "in harness" is not just out having a walk with his owner, but working. Second, this "person" for lack of a better name in a public paper did not stop to see that he had injured my friend. Third, if my friend's dog had been hurt this would affect how my friend can get around in his daily life, not to mention vet bills if his dog needed medical help. I call this cyclist a coward. Yes, my friend can't identify you, but some day karma may catch up with you. Fourth, I was walking on a local trail with a friend and the dog she was pet-sitting when a group of young people-- who are of age to know better-- came zooming up behind us at a great speed. We had to yell at them to watch out for us and the poor little dachshund. Yes, you may ride your bikes on a public path, but please be considerate of others. Also I was under the impression that bike tires of a certain diameter are not allowed on the sidewalk. Then why do I see adults on the sidewalks and why do I, as a person walking, have to move aside for them? I can understand tots on the sidewalk, but if you are an adult cyclist stay on the road-- you do fall under the vehicle road laws. And, if you approach a four-way stop, you must stop. The rules of the road are for you as well and other drivers, whether in cars or on bikes, expect you to obey them. So please, to the cowards who run people over, whether on a bike or in a car, stop and say you're sorry and see if you can help. Yes, accidents happen but only cowards don't stop. Debra Hayes, Georgetown