Alamo Drafthouse Lakeline
Beef With Cyclists
RECEIVED Mon., Oct. 27, 2003
Re: "Rules of the Road" letter ["Postmarks, Oct. 24].
I have a similar beef with cyclists. I myself am one on occasion, just for the exercise. Still, I have never understood this town's obsession with riding bikes on major roads. When I ride, I intentionally seek out the less-traveled road so that I don't breathe in all the car exhaust. I am filled with revulsion when I do have to ride the road more traveled and breathe the fumes. I can't help thinking that these people are more interested in being seen.
And then there's the safety factor. This attitude that you come first as a cyclist is dangerous. There is no magic shield protecting you just because you should have the right of way. Stupid, distracted people are on the roads, and a car weighs more that you. Mistakes happen. Your haughty attitude that you are more important than the cars won't help you one bit if you are accidentally struck by a 3,000-pound vehicle. Get some perspective already.
I know that some ride as a means for transportation, and that a major road is the most logical choice. But those cyclists are usually the ones with brains.
ps: And don't get me started on the glamor boys at AMD who stupidly jog on East Oltorf though there is a sidewalk. Look at me! Look at me!
I have a similar beef with cyclists. I myself am one on occasion, just for the exercise. Still, I have never understood this town's obsession with riding bikes on major roads. When I ride, I intentionally seek out the less-traveled road so that I don't breathe in all the car exhaust. I am filled with revulsion when I do have to ride the road more traveled and breathe the fumes. I can't help thinking that these people are more interested in being seen.
And then there's the safety factor. This attitude that you come first as a cyclist is dangerous. There is no magic shield protecting you just because you should have the right of way. Stupid, distracted people are on the roads, and a car weighs more that you. Mistakes happen. Your haughty attitude that you are more important than the cars won't help you one bit if you are accidentally struck by a 3,000-pound vehicle. Get some perspective already.
I know that some ride as a means for transportation, and that a major road is the most logical choice. But those cyclists are usually the ones with brains.
ps: And don't get me started on the glamor boys at AMD who stupidly jog on East Oltorf though there is a sidewalk. Look at me! Look at me!
Lance Wechsler
