Bicyclists as a class of vehicle operators are, to my observation, second only to motorcyclists as bad drivers. While there are undoubtedly good bicyclists that observe the traffic code out there, the vast majority operate their bicycles in a dangerous manner guaranteed to raise the ire of motorists. For example, my house is at a three-way intersection with stop signs in all directions. In the 45 years I have lived at that address, I have witnessed only three bicyclists (of hundreds) that have stopped at the intersection. On other surface roads bicyclists infrequently stop for traffic signals, do not stay in bicycle lanes — seeming to want to provoke motorists by riding (often in gaggles) into motor vehicle lanes — and do not signal for turns, among other things. No matter how “eco-friendly” bicycling may be, there is an attitude problem on the part of the operators that undermines the advantages.

Tom Davis lives in Chula Vista.


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Dagny Salas

Dagny Salas was web editor at Voice of San Diego from 2010 to 2013. She was an investigative fellow at VOSD from 2009 to 2010.

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