Complete Streets policies should be embraced

Complete Streets policies should be embraced

Bicycling has been steadily growing in large part because of the increase in safe paths and trails that connect people to where they want to go. That makes me happy as a bicyclist and advocate for more trails and paths. Calling them bike paths is no more accurate than calling streets car paths.

Bicyclists ride the roads because they have the same rights and obligations as cars. When on sidewalks, bicyclists have the same duties as pedestrians. On streets, it is first come, first served with a hope to share the road with common sense and courtesy. Bicyclists are to yield to pedestrians and horses when on sidewalks and should on paths as well.

When cars pass bicyclists, they are to give three feet clearance, and can even cross double yellow lines to do so when safe. Bicyclists are to ride to the right as practical. On narrow roads and when approaching traffic signals, bicyclists will often ride middle of lane. On paths, bicyclists approaching pedestrians should ring a bell, announce passing on your left. If one is going too fast to say hello, they are going too fast. People are especially at risk where everyone intersects.

Several organizations advocate for and governments adopt Complete Streets policies. Complete Streets are people first. They hope to get people where they want to go as safely as possible as opposed to getting people from point A to B as fast as possible. As individuals we need to commit to not drinking and driving or texting and driving. Use seat belts and wear helmets. Be kind.

Terry Witt

Bartlett