ROAD: Bad news for bicyclists

This past Thursday, while driving into town on East Hayden Lake Road, I came upon a bicyclist down on the road, his damaged bike nearby and a car stopped in the road. I don’t know if the car hit the biker or the biker hit the car. I stopped and asked if I should call 911. Getting an affirmative answer, I called, and while on the phone I also directed cars around the accident site. I left after the biker was able to get moved to the side of the road and the car and bike also moved.

While continuing into town, I met the police and first responders on their way to the scene. I was impressed with the speed of their response.

The reason for this letter is my belief that East Hayden Lake Road is not suitable for bicycle riders and automobiles. Having driven the road for more than 35 years and now seeing increased usage by bicyclists, it is only a matter of time before someone is killed in an accident.

The county commissioners, like me, are probably too old to bike the route around the lake. However, I think they should drive around the lake, especially on a Saturday or Sunday to see how dangerous it is for bikers (and joggers). Unless they can make improvements to lessen the risk of accidents, limiting the use by bikers makes a great deal of sense in my opinion.

DOUGLAS RIVARD

Hayden Lake