Says drivers responsible for bike safety
After the recent death of a bicyclist on Smith Road, I am reminded again how seldom I believe drivers are cited for not obeying the law. The law says the cyclist must ride as far right as is safe and the driver must pass at a distance which is safe. I would say if the car hits the bicycle, it is not a safe distance. Drivers normally use the “he swerved in front of me” defense and officers normally take their side. I wasn’t there at the accident but neither was the officer. He or she didn’t see the bike swerve. In almost every instance, I believe if the driver hits a cyclist traveling in the same direction, the driver is at fault. Swerve or no swerve, the driver should leave more room to pass. These senseless deaths can be avoided.
Kerry Tucker
Bellingham
This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Says drivers responsible for bike safety."