Antone's Nightclub
Bicyclists and Motorists Both Have Responsibilities
RECEIVED Mon., Feb. 23, 2004
Dear Editor,
Regarding the letter from Ilse Rachut that recently appeared in the Chronicle ["Postmarks," Feb. 13]: Bicyclists and motorists both have rights and responsibilities. It sounds as if she might have pulled up on the right side of the car while it was stopped before turning. If this is the case, the car had the right-of-way. I don't mean to imply for a second that she deserves to be injured – it saddens me to see anyone hurt – but when you put yourself into a position such as this, you're setting yourself up for something bad to happen.
Bicyclists: Weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and stop signs, continuing straight from "turn only" lanes, using pedestrian signals for crossing intersections – all of these things are illegal, and put you in danger. Remember – you are operating a vehicle, you're not a pedestrian, and are subject to all applicable laws.
Motorists: You don't own the road, either. When passing a cyclist, you are required to give them the entire lane when you go around them. Crowding them to intimidate them is dangerous as well as highly illegal.
City of Austin: Designated bicycle lanes are great, but "no parking" in them is a must for safety and effectiveness.
APD: Please, please, please enforce the traffic laws more consistently. If a bicyclist or a motorist commits a violation in front of you, do something about it – public safety depends on it.
Finally, to Ms. Rachut: Let me say again that I'm sorry you were injured. If I misread the incident as you related it, I apologize. I hope you make a quick, complete recovery. Be safe – and know that at least some of us are looking out for you.
Regarding the letter from Ilse Rachut that recently appeared in the Chronicle ["Postmarks," Feb. 13]: Bicyclists and motorists both have rights and responsibilities. It sounds as if she might have pulled up on the right side of the car while it was stopped before turning. If this is the case, the car had the right-of-way. I don't mean to imply for a second that she deserves to be injured – it saddens me to see anyone hurt – but when you put yourself into a position such as this, you're setting yourself up for something bad to happen.
Bicyclists: Weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights and stop signs, continuing straight from "turn only" lanes, using pedestrian signals for crossing intersections – all of these things are illegal, and put you in danger. Remember – you are operating a vehicle, you're not a pedestrian, and are subject to all applicable laws.
Motorists: You don't own the road, either. When passing a cyclist, you are required to give them the entire lane when you go around them. Crowding them to intimidate them is dangerous as well as highly illegal.
City of Austin: Designated bicycle lanes are great, but "no parking" in them is a must for safety and effectiveness.
APD: Please, please, please enforce the traffic laws more consistently. If a bicyclist or a motorist commits a violation in front of you, do something about it – public safety depends on it.
Finally, to Ms. Rachut: Let me say again that I'm sorry you were injured. If I misread the incident as you related it, I apologize. I hope you make a quick, complete recovery. Be safe – and know that at least some of us are looking out for you.
Larry Looney