In your front-page story, several cyclists suggested that motorists need a “culture change” before biking is safe on Chicago streets. I agree, in part, but note that a similar culture change must occur among bikers. I need only glance out the window of my morning and evening CTA bus commute to see bicyclists violating traffic laws and generally threatening motorists’, pedestrians’ and their own safety! Many bikers do not stop at stop signs, use crosswalks to traverse intersections at red lights, and ride on sidewalks in disregard of pedestrians. Each action is significant as it degrades roadway safety and is without justification–other than biker convenience.
As a motorist, pedestrian, mass-transit user and, yes, a cyclist, I’m very much in favor of encouraging more biking in Chicago.
Blaming motorists, however, for a lack of safety is only part of the issue.
Put in proper perspective, roadway safety is a shared responsibility.
