The Albany Times Union delivered a frequently heard complaint about the behavior of people on bicycles with respect to “rules of the road” (or, put more simply, using common courtesy and common sense).
In a Letter to the Editor that seems supportive of cyclists’ concerns and of redesigning roads with their safety in mind, the author calls out cyclists for ignoring the traffic law
The next time you are riding in the presence of people in cars or on foot, why not stop for the red lights and stop signs, ride on the right with traffic and the correct direction on one-way streets, and use your bright cloths, lights and hand signals?
If we expect those with no interest in riding a bicycle to be supportive of proper facilities for people on bicycles, we need to be good ambassadors for the cause.
++++++TEXT OF LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ++++++
Cyclists Must Also Obey Traffic Laws
Letters to the editor – September 2, 2015
I’m sorry that Benjamin Wells and his brother “don’t feel safe biking around Albany” (Aug.18 and I can understand the position of the advocates for dedicated bicycle lanes on Madison Avenue. However, I would like to remind bicyclists that they are supposed to follow the rules of the road.
We have seen many bicyclists fail to stop for stop signs and red lights. Others don’t use hand signals and therefore make unexpected turns. Although it is contrary to the law in New York, as we were driving on Sand Creek Road on Aug. 24, a man was riding his bicycle facing traffic, instead of with the flow of traffic.
I hope that if bicycle lanes are constructed on Madison Avenue or elsewhere, bicyclists who are using them understand that they, too, must take responsibility for their personal safety by obeying the traffic laws.
Judy Madnick, Albany
Albany Bicycle Coalition 