Bicycle Board Members,
Thanks to Paul, Chet, Hugh, Derek, Don Spencer, Chip and Alice for feedback on the letter.
Attached is a revision that addresses their recommended changes. Chip suggested that I wait until there are more cyclists on the road so I'm going to wait and ask the DP to publish it on March 14.
Thanks again for your work on the Bicycle Board.
Frank
Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles
From: Frank Gmeindl [mailto:frank.gmeindl@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 7:27 AM To: 'Morgantown Bike Board' Subject: Rail Trail Closure Letter to DP
Bicycle Board Members,
What do you think of my sending the attached letter to the Dominion Post? I'm going to ask them to make it a separate column but it might end up just being a letter to the editor.
I'd like to send it before the end of the week so I'd appreciate your earliest reply.
Trail Closure Diverts Bikes to Boulevard
Now that MUB has closed the Rail Trail more bicycles are using Beechurst, Mon Blvd. and Don Knotts Blvd.
The law gives bicyclists the same right to the road as motorists. It also requires us to obey the same rules. If bicyclists drive their bicycles as vehicles and motorists treat cyclists as drivers of vehicles, everyone should fare well.
The law also requires drivers to give safe space when passing: at least 3 feet; more when the motor vehicle is going much faster than the bicycle, for example climbing the hill on Mon Blvd.
The City is negotiating with WVDOH to install a bike climbing lane on the east shoulder of Mon. Blvd. between Eighth St. and Evansdale Dr. but we won't see that for a while.
Please treat bicyclists as drivers of vehicles but remember some may be going a bit slower with the spare tire they picked up over the winter.
Frank Gmeindl
League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor
Chairman, Morgantown Municipal Bicycle Board