Salt Lake Tribune
OK, enough is enough. The almost daily reminders about bicyclists and “sharing the road” seem to overlook some very important points. Everyone agrees that bicyclists have rights to their share of the road, but they also have, or should have, the same responsibilities as other vehicles, including motorcycles.
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As the rider of a motorcycle, I am required by law to have rear-view mirrors, turn signals, brake lights, etc. I've yet to see a bicyclist look into his/her mirror and then signal before abruptly turning left in front of me from the right shoulder of the road. I've been passed in 20 mph school zones by bicyclists exceeding the speed limit. Following a pack of nine bicycles, not in single file, struggling up Emigration Canyon at 12 mph seems like an abuse of the “right to the road,” as well as creating a dangerous situation for themselves and others. It would seem that a modicum of courtesy and common sense is sorely lacking on the part of some bicyclists.
Motorcyclists - or “bikers,” if you prefer - share a deep desire for a safe riding environment on the streets and highways of Utah.
Michelle Roach wrote in the May 30 Public Forum that “cyclists are not just anonymous people riding two-wheeled vehicles.” None of us is. We all have rights and responsibilities whenever we take to the road, be it on two wheels, four wheels, or more.
And, please, “Start Seeing Motor- cycles.”
Ken Marthia
Sandy