Remember when AAA had school crossing guards and the local police departments came to our schools to drill into us the rules of the road? Do we remember that, when bicycling, we were required to follow the same rules that cars do? 

Bicyclists are (or were) required to stop for red lights and stop signs. Bicycles do not (or did not) enjoy crosswalk privileges when mounted. The bike must be dismounted and walked in the crosswalk to enjoy its protection. Then there are the pedestrians. Crosswalks are there for them. 

Too many pedestrians are too lazy to walk 10 or 15 feet to a crosswalk. Granted, the crosswalk does not guarantee that they won’t get hit, but if walkers stand in the crosswalk and make eye contact with the drivers, their chances of a safe crossing are greatly increased.

Then there are the controlled crossing points. You know, the ones with a “walk,” “don’t walk” light. How many times have we seen someone press the button, wait 15 nano seconds and proceed to cross? Then the crossing light comes on and there is nobody there.

How about educating the public and enforcing the laws? Bicyclist are given free rein to disregard the laws. Pedestrians are also being given a hall pass to cross wherever they want. Then there are the e-bikes.  If people haven’t witnessed an e-bike rider doing a slalom through traffic, they’re part of the problem too. Situational awareness is key for all to employ.

Richard Foley
Gorham