To the editor:
It was with great interest when I read the letter from June St. Lawrence, Cyclists Tempt Grim Reaper, regarding the lethal tendencies of many cyclists here in Kelowna.
On any given day, the flagrant violation of basic cycling rules are consistent and with no apparent regard to other people who use our cycling lanes and walkers who cannot use the sidewalks without being forced off by juvenile and selfish cyclists.
The list of offenses are staggering:
• no helmets, warning bells or fluorescent vest at dusk and night
• riding against traffic in cycling lanes
• weaving in and out of traffic lanes disregarding traffic
• no signalling
• crossing intersections when the light is red and along walker's lanes
• riding on sidewalks when adequate cycling lanes are provided
• riding bikes across Highways 97 and 33 in heavy traffic, ignoring proper intersection use.
Only with proper enforcement can we alleviate potential accidents to cyclists, pedestrians and motorists.
We enforce rules of the road for motorists. Why can we not do the same with bicyclists? Fines and the appropriation of these bikes would be a good start.
John O'Brien, Kelowna