TRAILS: Ears and bicycle law

Our ears are wonderful organs that serve to catch sound waves. The outer part of our ears points forward and has several curves. This structure helps us determine the direction of a sound. Since this outer ear points forward, we can hear sounds in front of us better than we can hear sounds behind us.

As we age, our ability to hear sounds decreases. Not only do we fail to hear some higher or lower pitches, we also have difficulty distinguishing sounds from background noise.

How does this pertain to bicycle laws? The state of Idaho allows bicycles to operate on sidewalks and trails subject to the following rule:

A person operating a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a highway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, and shall give an AUDIBLE SIGNAL before overtaking and passing a pedestrian or another bicyclist.

Source: Idaho Code Ann. 49-721

For many of us “senior citizens,” having a bicycle speed silently up behind us while we are walking can give us quite a fright, causing us to stumble and perhaps fall. By simple saying “On your left (or right)” or signaling by saying “behind you,” can alleviate the potential for painful accidents.

Idaho has many beautiful trails for bicycles and walkers. Please be respectful to all by adhering to the laws and allowing everyone to enjoy the trails.

KAY LYNN SANDS

Coeur d’Alene