Letter: Steve Rose Responds to Cycling Comments

My March 28 letter regarding bike rider’s rights and responsibilities has generated a lot of interest.  I think it important that I clarify some interpretations of the article that I wrote as a personal opinion and not representing the Culver City Chamber of Commerce.  The following is also my personal opinion. 

First, I strongly encourage bike riding and bike lanes.  I believe bike riding is a great method to reduce crowded streets, give us a greener environment, improve fitness and reduce road wear and tear. 

I am mostly concerned about bike rider safety.  Car drivers and bike riders alike must follow traffic laws designed to protect all users of the road.  When a bike and motor vehicle collide, it is the bike rider that suffers the most damage and therefore it is a necessity that bike riders use extra caution.

My prior comments were meant to identify the extra care bike riders should take in streets that can be less than hospitable. For example, children are required to wear helmets while riding a bike and an adult’s brain is no less important, therefore I encourage all bike riders to wear a helmet.  

Additionally, while the law requires reflectors on bikes, the truth is a cyclist’s best night protection is high intensity front and rear blinking lights that give a fast moving motorist ample notice of the bike rider’s presence. 

Lastly, all users of the road must stop at Stop signs, yield for pedestrians and should show common courtesy.

Bicyclists have the right to be on the road and with that right, there are both legal responsibilities and common sense protections that will allow all users to safely coexist.  

I'm a responsible car driver and I look for the same from bike riders.

Steven J. Rose

President/CEO

Culver City Chamber of Commerce

Editor’s note: Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

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