BIKES: Please ride right

In the Healthy Lifestyles section of the paper, Wednesday, Feb. 28, is a great article about seniors brains and studying them to determine what keeps some folks sharp and mentally active. However, the picture of Mr. Gurolnick riding his bicycle against the traffic flies in the face of being responsible.

Every state, including Idaho, requires bicyclists to ride on the right side of the road, traveling with the traffic. There are exceptions for turning left, passing another vehicle, avoiding obstructions, etc. Every year bicyclists are killed riding against the traffic, not by the traffic on the road or street, but by cars pulling out of side streets, driveways and parking lots. We, as automobile drivers, are just not conditioned to look to the right for bicyclers, riding against the traffic, when entering a road or street. Riding on the right side of the street, with the traffic, is not only the safest way to ride, it’s the law.

The cities and Kootenai County are working very hard to make bike lanes available for the growing number of bicycle riders who live here and come here for vacations. Using them properly makes riding and driving safer and easier for everyone.

Please Ride Right.

WARREN FISHER

Local bicyclist

Coeur d’Alene