Dear Editor,<\/p>\n
This is in response to the article, \u201cThe Old Coot goes the wrong way\u201d by Merlin Lessler, dated Aug. 24, 2014. I was in disbelief that an adult would advocate for a behavior that would endanger life and limb of your readers. There is wisdom behind the New York State traffic law that outlines the rights and responsibilities of cyclists, and here are some reasons why.<\/p>\n
– Riding to the right and obeying traffic lights and signs is expected in all states in the U.S. and by motor vehicle drivers everywhere.<\/p>\n
– A cyclist turning while going the wrong way does not give a motorist time to avoid a collision.<\/p>\n
– A motor vehicle passing another is looking for another on-coming motor vehicle and often will not notice a bicyclist, and the cyclist will not see the passing vehicle. If the cyclist is traveling in the correct direction he\/she can exit the road if necessary. I have been run off the road by a passing bus, but without injury.<\/p>\n
– If (God forbid) a cyclist is hit from behind, the impact is reduced by the cyclist\u2019s forward speed. Conversely, the impact would increase.<\/p>\n
– If a cyclist traveling the wrong way encounters another cyclist going with traffic, one or the other could be forced into the lane of traffic. Motorists traveling on hilly, winding roads, never expect to see a bicyclist in their lane and may not have time or distance to avoid a collision.<\/p>\n
To protect your head, always wear a helmet. Some 30 years ago I descended a steep hill and struck a dog, somersaulted with the bike. My helmet took the impact and scraping of the road; I had no concussion, though my parka was in shreds.<\/p>\n
A mirror attached to your glasses or helmet allows you to see traffic approaching from behind. Wearing bright clothing, like hunter orange or lime green will catch the attention of drivers.<\/p>\n
As for the Old Coot\u2019s contention that his generation having been taught to ride facing traffic, we were taught 65 years ago to ride with traffic. Sadly, even today, some ill-informed parents, and Old Coots, still teach their kids and readers to ride facing traffic.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
James E. Colegrove<\/p>\n
Pine City, N.Y.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dear Editor, This is in response to the article, \u201cThe Old Coot goes the wrong way\u201d by Merlin Lessler, dated Aug. 24, 2014. I was…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37380","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-letters"],"yoast_head":"\n