MetroWestDailyNews – Letters: Respect bicyclists on the road – 6 October, 2006

In response to a letter published in the Oct. 3, 2006, edition of the MetroWest Daily News, it is true that it is against the law in Massachusetts for bicyclists to ride two abreast.Mr. Malcolm MacNeill’s characterization of sharing the road reflects an unfortunately common misconception among motorists that bicyclists should give way to motorists. Such an interpretation of “share the road” turns the concept on its head.

While share the road is about mutual respect among all road users, that does not mean that bicycles and other slower-moving traffic must give way to motorists. It’s primarily about bicycle safety – informing motorists to give bicyclists the respect to which they are legally entitled under Massachusetts law.

Bicyclists are entitled to the full use of the roadway; this means that if the lane is too narrow for a car to safely pass a bicycle, the car must wait until it is safe to pass. It is unsafe for bicyclists to squeeze close to the curb or parked cars, or to weave in and out of driveways or intersections to make room for cars to pass.

All vehicles, including bicycles, are most predictable when they drive straight and stay in the lane, and predictability is a major factor in traffic safety. Motorists should not expect bicyclists to get out of their way or endanger themselves so that people ensconced in multi-ton cars can get where they are going a little faster. We’re all just trying to get from one place to another, safely.

DAVID WATSON,
Executive Director,
MassBike Boston

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MetroWestDailyNews – Letters: Bicyclists must share the road – 3 October, 2006

A few thoughts for North Framingham bicycle riders — I think it’s great that your wife bought you that bright yellow bicycling costume, but please bear in mind:

My Volvo station wagon weighs quite a bit more than your no-doubt-very- expensive bicycle. I realize and recognize that you have a right to ride on my streets, but how much is that going to mean to you as you lie on a slab in the morgue with a tag on your toe The streets of North Framingham are winding and narrow and charming. We like them that way. While automobiles have to respect you, please have some common sense.

Do not ride two abreast and expect to live. Let the cars pass you, and do not try to compete with internal combustion engines. I think it’s great that you have made such a commitment to fitness, but your commitment will only pay off if you manage to stay clear of the cars with which you must share the road.

MALCOLM MACNEILL,
Framingham