Statesman Journal: Opinion - Drivers a deterrent to cycling

My bicycle is your car. It’s how I get to work each day. I’ve done that for 20 years now. However, living in Salem the past 11 years has been a challenge to that commitment.

It’s not because of the rain, hail, wind, heat, snow, ice or even the dangerous bike paths. The City Council remains on this track of unchecked development and the bike paths become worse with each passing month. If the developers are going to make millions off of Salem, the least they can do is keep the bike paths clear of gravel, wood, rocks, cans and glass. But I digress.

The biggest deterrent to riding in Salem is the treatment of many motorists. I thank those of you who actually give us a nod or wave to acknowledge our turn to cross or turn, even when you’re on a cell phone. The most frightening drivers are those who break the law, nearly hit a cyclist and then proceed to honk, swear at us or give us rude gestures.

Think about it: cleaner air, less traffic, more parking? Thank a bicyclist. And when you break the law and nearly hit us, if you can’t say something nice, please say nothing at all.

– Toby Rhine, Salem