Cyclists: Safe riding is increasingly at risk

Two recent instances of traffic violence have reminded those of us who travel on foot or by bike of our vulnerability to impaired drivers.

On May 6, a driver crashed into Gary Myers while he was cycling along North Vassault Street, causing life-threatening injuries. Then on May 9, a driver struck and killed Thomas Johnson as he cycled along the Bethel Burley Road bike route.

Both collisions occurred along routes that I, and many of my friends, ride regularly. They have lanes reserved for bikes separated from faster, heavier motorized traffic by paint lines.

Until recently, it seemed reasonable to trust that drivers would stay out of our lanes and not hit us with their vehicles.

Cars are incredible inventions, but they become weapons when steered irresponsibly. We have failed at education and public awareness if people still don’t care to consider the damage they can inflict when they drive recklessly.

I hope you will join me in asking our legislators, law enforcement and justice system to treat these offenders harshly and prevent further senseless, heartbreaking destruction of innocent human life.

This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 2:33 PM with the headline "Cyclists: Safe riding is increasingly at risk."