Editor:
I very much enjoyed reading Cat Flack’s letter to the editor last week. I echo Cat’s concerns and feelings. Some may remember my letter around a similar issue with cyclists in this area (unfortunately composed with black humour which many did not get). The push-back was shocking. Many cyclist were indignant that they should be expected to pull into single file if a vehicle is trying to overtake them, yet they wish to have the same benefits and privileges as motorized vehicles. It wouldn’t take long for me to get into trouble driving my car beside a friend chatting through our windows at each other.
It seems that parents aren’t imparting the rules of the road that were hammered into me as a child. I was taught to walk in single file on the very edge of the road facing the direction of traffic if there were no sidewalks. I was also taught to ride single file at the edge of the road with the direction of traffic when on my bicycle. Not that I’m any great rule follower, but when it comes to self-preservation I cover all the bases. Nevertheless, let’s throw all the rules of the road to the ditch like the beer cans in the photo I have provided.
I don’t ride a $4,000 street bike with skinny tires in this area, I ride my mountain bike with a rear-view mirror, because the weight helps me improve my strength and when I see a vehicle coming I ride off the asphalt onto the shoulder and travel there until the road is clear. I wear a very bright helmet and bright clothing. I assume that every vehicle on the road is being navigated by a partially-drunk, texting moron (refer to the beer can photo again).
If I’m following all the rules and totally in the right none of this matters once I’m bum-sided by a two-ton SUV, because the driver was searching for their favourite SiriusXM station. Please wake up pedestrians, hikers and cyclists. If you think you are special, like me, then act like it. Get over!
Murray Lackie, ditch rider,
Creemore.