CYCLISTS: No surprises, please

Soon Mother Nature will catch up with the calendar, spring will really be here and cyclists will be out in full force on streets, trails and sidewalks. They have legitimate concerns for their safety but I would like to point out that courtesy is a two-way street.

My wife and I walk our dog nearly every day, varying our route mostly along Ramsey Road, Prairie Trail, Dalton Avenue and Blue Grass Park. Last summer, my first full summer in CDA, I was surprised at the infrequency with which cyclists do anything to alert pedestrians whom they are approaching from behind. Maybe 10 - 15% of the time we heard “on your left” or a similar signal. Interestingly, younger riders were much more conscientious than their adult counterparts. Passing pedestrians from behind unannounced is a great way for us — or you — to get hurt.

Please make yourself heard — it’s the easy and prudent thing to do. Safe cycling!

PS — Thanks to the mom Monday on Ramsey who made sure to tell her young children to call out as they approached us from behind--good job!

MIKE HENGGELER

Coeur d’Alene