Along with previous writers, I am deeply saddened by the death of Velda Mapelli on the Cedar River Trail as a result of an accident involving a bicyclist. I agree with most of the statements made, except one. Banning bicycles from the trail is not the answer. For every fast, inconsiderate cyclist, there are probably an equal number of safe cyclists and bicycling children.
While many cyclists don’t have bells and don’t announce themselves, many do. I am an adult with a bicycle bell. That bell has probably saved my life from cars who pull out of side streets with barely a glance, or rush to make a right turn despite people in the cross walk with the right of way.
Banning bicycles because of one accident and some inconsiderate riders would be like banning cars in normally pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods because of one accident and many, many close calls. It’s not the answer, nor is lumping all cyclists together.
My husband, son and I use the trail both recreationally and as a commute route. We slow down for pedestrians, I ring my bell or we say “passing on your left.” We respect and follow the rules. Please do not lump all cyclists into one big pot of dangerous riders. We, as cyclists, don’t like those inconsiderate and dangerous riders either. It’s not just pedestrians they endanger, it’s us, too.
Ideally, there should be some enforcement, but it’s not about the speed limit. The limit may be 15 mph, but that’s for clear areas. Enforcement of the rule that bicyclist must yield to pedestrians is what needs to be emphasized. Regardless of enforcement, safe cyclists must ban together and educate the others so that we can keep the trail open to multiple uses and keep it safe.
Please, cyclists, slow down, call out or use a bell when passing, and remember one of the most important rules of thumb: dogs, children, people with earbuds, people deep in conversation, people watching birds, and other cyclists are all unpredictable.
Pedestrians, you can help, too. Please share the trail, don’t walk three to five abreast and don’t ignore the polite signal of a cyclist who would like to pass safely.
Please, let’s all work together to keep the trail safe for everyone, and remember, a few bad apples don’t accurately represent the entire bunch.
Lisa Holliday
Renton
