From: wita gardiner <wegardiner@...>

Date: June 14, 2009 3:11:40 PM PDT

To: westways@...

Subject: Bicyclist and motorist

Dear Westways:
Thank you for at least being aware of the need for motorists to THINK more carefully about rules of the road as they pertain to bicyclists.
Your article however seemed to focus on the rules and responsibilities for cyclists, and not enough on motorists, your major readership.

What you need to do is to remind motorists of the extreme vulnerability of cyclists in shared road encounters, and that the reflex response of too many motorists is to INSIST on THEIR right of way to the extreme peril of the bicycle rider that can be fatal to the cyclist, as apposed to, at most, 'ruffling the feathers' of the driver.  Countless numbers of cyclist can recount multiple episodes of being forced off the road or cut off by drivers making a careless turn, who are simply unaware of the danger their feeling of 'superiority and saftey" pose to the bicyclist.  Most bicyclists are alert and considerate  and even overly cautious because of this vulnerability. We need to see more drivers exhibit that type of courteous behavior.
Sincerely, Edwin Gardiner MD (Driver for 56 years, avid bicyclist for >30 years.)