Lets have courtesy for each other
To the editor:
It’s been quite a while since I wrote a note to the editor regarding cyclists and vehicles sharing the road but it’s time again as I had another experience while doing my 25 mile ride this morning. This time it was with a rather large crew cab truck whose driver is either totally unaware of the laws and the rights of cyclists, or a class five moron. I’ll assume the first since he, (probably), qualified for a driver’s license. There are areas on the roads of Pine Island where there is no bike path or space defined by a white line at the edge of the road, one of which is at the south end of the island beyond St. James Auto where the apron ends. This morning when I was on that stretch I was almost hit by this driver who didn’t have the courtesy or patience to just slow down for a split second to allow a car in the other lane to pass before he went around me, I felt the wind from his mirror, (a foot or so away), on the side of my head. That area is at the end of a run from Tropical point where we (team member riders), build up our speed over the 4 mile run to 25 mph or so and try hard to get over 30 by the end. My heart rate was already in the high 170s and I was going about 23 when the guy went so close, and then turned right across my path on a side street. When I yelled at him to give me a break he cursed at me. Let me say it again, “Give me a break! you’ll get there a few seconds later and won’t kill me!”
It’s hard to get a license number, much less remember it long enough to write it down or call the sheriff with it but that’s what should happen, and tickets should be written for this offense. No courtesy, or brains are evident with that sort of driving and I don’t get it. People should be encouraged to ride not threatened by inconsiderate jerks who somehow see a rider as an insignificant obstacle. I ride the same 25 miles at least four times a week unless the weather prevents it and have had many close calls in the past four years. I’d gladly risk my life in overhead surf instead to get my workouts if we were somewhere that had waves. Florida, and Lee County in particular have a particularly bad record for pedestrian and cyclist deathswonder why that is, anyone have a guess? Maybe it’s that the laws aren’t being enforced regarding our least protected users of the roads and walkways near them. If you’re a cyclist don’t be afraid to get that license number and call it in to the Sheriff’s station. Maybe a warning will save a life.
Same thing if you’re walking or riding on the bike path and a driver doesn’t stop at the path but goes through it and then does a rolling stop at the edge of Stringfellow before making his turn. Those are careless and dangerous drivers. The real message here is let’s have courtesy for each other and have safety as our first concern for all our residents, children and adults alike, some people just need a serious reminder. Thanks for listening.
J. R. Bredin
St. James City