To the Editor:
I would like to respond to Ernie Sochin’s piece on the hazards of bicycling in our community, presented in your Dec. 20, 2016-Jan. 2, 2017 issue.
First of all, I do not disagree with the tenets of his article for motorists need to be mindful and more careful around the bicyclists in our community. And I feel for Mr. Sochin’s recent mishap and thank God this longtime servant of our community is alive and well with his family. Be careful out there, Ernie!!
However, this is where I wish to present another side to this issue and again, I am not disagreeing with the points in Mr. Sochin’s article.
However, plain and simple, bicyclists need to “Share The Road” also and follow your own mantra. Many cyclists, in my opinion, have become a little arrogant with an opinion that they alone own the road.
First in point, on roadways where there are dedicated bike paths, for example Old Cutler Road and the South Miami-Dade Busway, rarely do I ever see cyclists utilizing these bike paths but rather they continue to use the main road. In fact, on the Busway, buses have even had to swerve around cyclists on a road that is only supposed to have official vehicles utilizing them, and the cyclists are not official nor are their bicycles vehicles. There are clearly marked signs for the bike path but they continue to ride on the main transitway. And the police never seem to be there enforcing the rules for the Busway, even for non-official-looking vehicles.
Second, when on the regular roads, cyclists need to be more considerate and I am well aware you are not supposed to use the sidewalk.
Often when there are groups of cyclists, sometimes they are riding two, three often four abreast, rather than single file, making it more difficult and dangerous for motorists to pass them. Maybe this is done for safety reasons but three or four cyclists are not going to provide any more protection than a single lane biker for they are no match for a two-ton vehicle, no matter how many bikes are present. However it is still very inconsiderate for motorists have to pass more dangerously into the oncoming lane when two-plus cyclists are riding abreast instead of the more reasonable one in a single file line.
Third and last is this to all cyclists: For the most part you are there for recreational and/or fitness reasons and indeed it is a great physical workout as Mr. Sochin correctly states. (And I also do realize many ride their bikes to work or to a bus stop to continue their journey by bus and possibly Metrorail.)
However, your form of recreation inconveniences people who are not on their leisure or down time. Go to a gym then or, better yet, a park.
People have to get somewhere and many times they are rushing to keep doctors appointments, drop off or pick up kids from school, trying to get to that important job interview, etc. while dealing with the worst traffic mess we have ever seen in this town.
Or what about emergency vehicles? Your recreation causes issues such as these, unlike people who go to a gym (where they have all types of stationary bicycles like this writer uses), or do running or exercise walking who for the most part utilize sidewalks or parks.
So to all cyclists, please remember you have a duty to Share The Road also. And while you are at it, stop at stop signs and red lights because many a time cyclists breezes right through these. If you are going to monopolize our streets, then follow the rules of the road. And to our local police, enforce these rules, including mandating they use the dedicated bike paths where available.
And remember, cyclists, if anything, be responsible unto yourselves for your own safety because, again, an arrogant and inconsiderate cyclist is no match for an annoyed or rushed and stressed-out motorist driving a one-plus-ton vehicle if something unfortunate occurs.
Thank God it was not worse for Mr. Sochin! But you are not going to win that one.
Paul E. Czekanski
Cutler Bay
