I admire dedicated bicyclists, both for their physical stamina and environmental correctness, and I applaud Chicagoland Bicycle Federation`s efforts in promoting biking to work and safe biking. I take issue, however, with the implication that bicycle safety is motorists` responsibility; we need more responsible bicycle riders as well.
An article in the Aug. 10 Tribune refers to bicycles as ”a utilitarian form of transportation.” Absolutely true! Bikes are vehicles and, as such, are subject to the rules and regulations that govern all vehicular traffic.
I am one motorist who is very tired of having to watch out for bicycle riders who ignore stop signs, stop lights and lane configurations, who make right-hand turns from left-hand lanes, who alternate between street and sidewalk as convenience suits them and who, generally, are a hazard to motorists and pedestrians as well as themselves.
I encourage the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and all other bicyclists`
organizations to teach safe cycling to their members, and I urge the state to consider licensing bicycle riders, to be granted only after a stringent written and practical exam.
