Letter: Fewer cyclists would die if all obeyed traffic laws

Editor,

I am not surprised that New Mexico has the dubious honor of being the second deadliest state for bicyclists.

New Mexico’s rate of bicyclist injuries is 50 percent higher than the U.S. average. While both of these facts are troubling, I find that experts and public officials are placing much of the blame in the wrong direction.

Officials state that primary reasons for the appalling number of bicyclist deaths and injuries are New Mexico’s high rate of substance abuse, lack of bike lanes and poor street infrastructure. In addition to the reasons listed, they also state a need to increase motorists’ awareness and understanding of motor vehicle laws pertaining to bicyclists and motorcycles.

Having driven in New Mexico for 34 years, my observation is that a major reason for bicyclist injuries and deaths is “biker error.” By this I mean that I see, on a daily basis, bicyclists ignoring the rules of the road. Bicyclists constantly pass on the right or left side of vehicles in front of them, cross through red lights and worst, of all, run through stop signs.

If we are going to make sure that motorists abide by the motor vehicle laws pertaining to bicycles, we need to also demand that bicyclists abide by those same laws. I have a great deal of admiration for folks who bicycle around town getting exercise, saving gas and money, and “going green.” But, I also have a great deal of contempt for those bicyclists when they abuse the rights of the road.

Every time they run a stop sign, run a red light or pass illegally, they not only endanger themselves, but they endanger me and other motorists. Let’s put some of the blame squarely on their shoulders too.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Paul

Daily Lobo reader