This letter was written in response to "Ride of Silence: dozens come out to ride in memory of those killed or injured on the road".

I drive for a living. My vehicle is 40 feet long. I have observed cyclists getting in between my vehicle and the curb (about 3 feet of clearance) when they should be (according to traffic rules) behind me. I cross parts of the Burke Gilman Bike Trail and other bike trails several times each day. These trails will have yield or stop signs FOR THE BICYCLE TRAFFIC where the trails cross a road. The number of cyclists who pay attention to these signs is negligible.

Where I work, one of the biggest complaints my co-workers have is bicyclists who pay no attention to road rules. Many do not stop at stop signs, even when hauling small children in carriers. Cyclists are notorious for going against traffic rules for cyclists and riding recklessly in busy areas.

"Many (accidents) could have been prevented," said ride organizer J Steve Mayo. That's right. Most accidents are preventable. Later, Mayo makes an illogical distinction: "These are not accidents. These are collisions and fatalities." Huh?

"Punishments have been trivial". Well, could that be because the cyclist was at fault?

"Same Road. Same Rights. Same Rules". That's right. Rules also apply to cyclists. You are technically a vehicle, NOT a pedestrian, when on a bicycle.

I have a great deal of sympathy for the families of those killed in collisions. However, I have had cyclists almost cause me accidents because of their reckless disregard for rules. Do we need to train and give special licenses to cyclists in order to get them to pay attention more?

Sincerely,

N. VanTyler
1524 NW 52nd St
Seattle, WA 98107