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Thoughts on bicycle rules of the road

August 10, 2020

After reading the article about bicycle safety concerns last week I felt compelled to write.  I am an avid cyclist.  I ride over 100 miles a week on our trails and really enjoy this wonderful resource we are fortunate to have.   I take full responsibility for my safety and the safety of others.  Sadly, there are more than a few who do not.

I understand that cyclists can treat a stop sign as a yield sign. This means you have to yield the right of way to any and all traffic.  It is not permission to play chicken with vehicles, pedestrians or other cyclists. 

Crosswalks give pedestrians the right of way, not bicycles, and even cyclists are supposed to yield to pedestrians.  Vehicles are not required to stop for cyclists in a crosswalk.  I also know that Delaware law prohibits cyclists from wearing headphones and earbuds. 

A big part of safety is situational awareness.  Hearing what is going on around you is a big part of that awareness. Too many people ignore this rule.

For those cyclists, walkers and joggers who choose to wear headphones, it’s not my fault you can’t hear me call out “on your left” when I am passing you on the trails.  I know there is no law requiring adults to wear helmets, but just a little common sense should prevail.

I especially like to see the great example some parents set by making their children wear helmets while they ride without. 

There was an incident mentioned in the article about two cyclists being injured due to a collision. Some riders feel like the trail is their personal race track. 

We need to realize there are many recreational riders, a lot of whom are children, and be more respectful of others.  There is nothing DelDOT can do to fix people who are ignorant or defiant of the law. 

What I think we need is more attention to making people aware of the rules and make helmets mandatory for all.

John Amann
Lewes
  • Cape Gazette commentaries are written by readers whose occupations, education, community positions or demonstrated focus in particular areas offer an opportunity to expand our readership's understanding or awareness of issues of interest.

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