A letter that I sent to the editor of the Herald last week was printed
in today's Laurels and Hardlys:
<http://www.montereyherald.com/letters/ci_12236292>

Slow down and relax:

To the BMW driver who honked at me Tuesday while I was bicycling on
Garden Road in Monterey: Perhaps it was because you thought I should not
have been riding in the center of the lane. Let me assure you that I was
not trying to annoy you or to make a point. For a short distance there
the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side
by side. Not only does the Vehicle Code specifically allow bicyclists to
ride in the lane in that situation, but it is safer for me there than
riding next to the curb and inviting you to pass me in a narrow lane.

As time goes on, you will encounter more bicyclists and other
low-powered vehicles that cannot keep up with cars like yours, so it
will be necessary to adjust your driving habits and not treat every
street and road as if it were a freeway.

Bob Shanteau
Seaside