This is an open letter to our law enforcement - county and local. As a resident and taxpaying member of our area, I would like to know when our law enforcement will take control of an ongoing and increasingly dangerous situation on our roadways.
Although I am sure that our resources are stressed, the continuation of bicycles and more importantly mopeds - not obeying the rules of the road are greatly impacting the safety for all drivers on the road. No one wants to be involved in an accident, but with mopeds using the turn lanes/bicycle lanes/bus lanes as their own private lanes, more accidents are bound to happen. If they wish to ride a motorized vehicle, the law applies to them.
As an operator of a motor vehicle, I know we all have a responsibility to be aware of our surroundings, but with scooters flying by stopped or stalling traffic in lanes that are dedicated for turns and buses, it is just a matter of time when once again someone legitimately turning runs into an illegally driving scooter operator.
I owned a scooter for many years - only operating it in-town with a 25 mph speed limit which was well in the capacity of my vehicle. Due to safety issues, I sold my scooter.
As far as bicycles, again they want to “share the road.” I believe bicycles do have the right to share the road, with the same rules applied.
Stop at stop signs, yielding according to the law (especially in the circle on Rehoboth Avenue), and not picking and choosing which laws to abide by when deciding to use a crosswalk as their private lane when they wish to cross a busy street. If they get off their bicycle and actually walk, they are in full compliance to the law.
I know many people may not agree with my statements; however, laws are designed for the safety of all. We all have an obligation to abide by them.
This missive comes after driving through the Rehoboth circle, having all westbound cars yielding to the circle and a westbound scooter flying past all.
Ken Efinger
Rehoboth Beach
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