Mueller Lake Park Outdoor Amphitheater
Was the Cyclist at Fault?
RECEIVED Thu., Aug. 25, 2005
Dear Editor,
While I was deeply saddened when I heard a cyclist had been killed riding on Sixth Street [“Naked City,” News, Aug. 19], I have to say my initial reaction was to wonder if the cyclist was at fault.
Living downtown, I heard about it quickly and was angered to learn that [alleged] drunken driving had claimed another life. I realize that the cyclist was not responsible for this tragedy. But I'm also surprised that more cyclists aren't dying downtown. Walking regularly around the neighborhood near Sixth and Lamar, it's common to see cyclists without helmets, cyclists riding at night without lights or proper reflectors, cyclists riding the wrong way down busy one-way streets, cyclists riding on sidewalks at high speed and without concern for pedestrians, cyclists running red lights and other such reckless behavior. Just last night I witnessed a near wreck when a cyclist without a helmet and without lights, going the wrong way on Fifth Street, ran through a red light at high speed.
As a cyclist myself I want to remind people that cycles are subject to the same traffic laws, and deserving of the same rights, as motorized traffic. Let's remember that sharing the roads goes both ways. And let's continue the fight for more bicycle lanes and safe routes to encourage people to leave the car at home and cycle (safely and responsibly).
While I was deeply saddened when I heard a cyclist had been killed riding on Sixth Street [“Naked City,” News, Aug. 19], I have to say my initial reaction was to wonder if the cyclist was at fault.
Living downtown, I heard about it quickly and was angered to learn that [alleged] drunken driving had claimed another life. I realize that the cyclist was not responsible for this tragedy. But I'm also surprised that more cyclists aren't dying downtown. Walking regularly around the neighborhood near Sixth and Lamar, it's common to see cyclists without helmets, cyclists riding at night without lights or proper reflectors, cyclists riding the wrong way down busy one-way streets, cyclists riding on sidewalks at high speed and without concern for pedestrians, cyclists running red lights and other such reckless behavior. Just last night I witnessed a near wreck when a cyclist without a helmet and without lights, going the wrong way on Fifth Street, ran through a red light at high speed.
As a cyclist myself I want to remind people that cycles are subject to the same traffic laws, and deserving of the same rights, as motorized traffic. Let's remember that sharing the roads goes both ways. And let's continue the fight for more bicycle lanes and safe routes to encourage people to leave the car at home and cycle (safely and responsibly).
Erik Kuntz
