Letters - Wednesday

SHARING THE ROAD

Elephant bike ride rocked despite traffic jams

I agree with Sally Pearce that bicyclists who participated in the Elephant Rock rides June 3 should have taken more care to share the road (“Cyclists should learn what ‘single file’ means,” Letters, June 6). As one of the participants, I can say that I, too, was disappointed that some of the riders were not more considerate. With so many cyclists sharing the road, stretches of the 100 miles travelled got rather congested.

As with all roadway traffic, drivers tend to use available lanes. And as with any traffic, there were congestion problems. Twice on my ride I got caught at train crossings and each time there were easily 100-plus cyclists backed up and heading into the next portion of the ride together. It’s a similar situation to automobile traffic jams, only you don’t tend to see this with cyclists as often.

On a more positive note, it was a great opportunity to see other riders. With options of riding either 32, 50, 65, or 100 miles, the Elephant Rock cycling festival provides an opportunity for the entire family to get out and ride. And it was a real inspiration to see people of various ability levels riding together. It was also great promotion for Colorado and the local economy, as there were many riders who travelled from other states to participate.

I’d like to thank the many organizers who took care of everything, from support along the way to the lunch at the end. We had great police support. Officers helped at major road crossings and drove the route to help ensure cyclists and drivers shared the road safely. Scout groups supported rest areas, helped pass out food and water, and many other volunteers worked hard to meet riders’ needs.

Carla Remillard

Colorado Springs

Knowing rules of the road can prevent conflicts

Given the recent legislation Gov. Ritter signed concerning bicycles, the recent “Ride to Work Day” and the numerous letters that have appeared on this subject, I thought it might be time to inform readers about the laws governing the use of bicycles on public streets.

I have worked in law enforcement for over 15 years and am a cyclist, so I am able to see the issue from both sides. I would hope that, armed with a little knowledge, both sides will benefit.

Colorado Revised Statutes have a section (42-4-1412) that concerns the responsibilities and law as it applies to bicycles operated on roadways. Paragraph 1 states that “every person riding a bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle, except as to special regulations in this article...” This means that bicycles have as much right to the roadway as any other vehicle, with some notable exceptions. Two of these numerous exceptions include:

- Riding in the right hand lane. When being overtaken by another vehicle, such person shall ride as close to the right-hand side as practicable. Where a paved shoulder suitable for bicycle riding is present, persons operating bicycles shall ride on the paved shoulder.

- Persons operating bicycles on roadways shall ride single file, (except when riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic).

“Share the road” isn’t a one-way slogan designed for cyclists only. Cyclists should follow the law, and motorists should give them the benefit of the doubt when possible.

G. Mittelstadt

Monument

DOO YOUR DUTY

Pet owners should help keep parks beautiful

I’m really grateful Colorado Springs ranks as a great town for dog-lovers. Now, if only the dog-lovers would pick up the dog doo that litters every hiking trail my family uses.

Amir Safayan

Colorado Springs

Why the double standard for dogs and horses?

I like to run the trails at lower Bear Creek Park. I own neither a dog nor a horse. If dog owners are required to pick up their dog’s manure, why aren’t horse owners required to pick up their horse’s manure?

Anita Lane

Colorado Springs