Bicycle etiquette could save lives
To the editor:
A deadly killer stalks the streets of Fort Myers Beach and the surrounding area, one which, for the most part, goes unaddressed.
In 2016, Florida was the deadliest state for cyclists in the United States of America with a fatality rate of 6.7 per million people.
That’s more than double the national rate of 2.6 per million.
The difference between a homicide and a bicycle fatality is that with proper planning and education, the latter can be greatly reduced.
With that being said, it boggles my mind when I see the new-and-improved Estero Boulevard. How anyone could spend millions of dollars building an improved roadway with oversized sidewalks on both sides and not build a bike lane is absurd.
In an area where we have a higher than average percentage of bike riders, and in an area where vehicular traffic is a nightmare, we should be doing everything possible to encourage riders to use their bicycles.
Instead we force them to risk life and limb “taking the lane” or riding on the sidewalk with iPhone-distracted drunk people.
As an avid bike rider, I am blown away by the large amount of novice bicyclists who don’t have a clue on the proper etiquette of riding a bicycle.
For those of you who don’t know, here’s a quick list of basic bike riding techniques.
Stay to the right and pass on the left. Always warn people verbally by shouting “On the left!” when you are going to attempt to pass, and ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
When possible, use hand signals when turning, passing or stopping. When you do stop, get off the bike path or sidewalk.
When you hear someone announce “On the left!”, always move to the right. As a bike rider, it’s always nice to thank people when you pass them for moving over.
Always wear your helmet! Be sure that the helmet is properly fitted and strapped. There should be no more then two fingers distance between your eyebrow and the bottom of your helmet. Other safety items are eye protection, proper Footwear and cycling gloves. If you are properly dressed you will greatly reduce your injuries if you wreck. The last thing you want on your vacation is a nice road rash.
If we all would just follow a few simple rules of the road, everyone could enjoy a safe walk or ride.
Steven Saunders
Fort Myers Beach