With all that is being said about this tragedy, I have yet to hear anything about personal responsibility? I share the grief of the tragic loss of Mrs. Mapelli. This was a horrible accident and pray it is the first and last of this magnitude on our Cedar River Trail. However, had Mrs. Mapelli looked over her shoulder before she crossed the trail, we would not be discussing this.

This country was founded on personal responsibility and we all need to remember that when we use a shared-use trail. Cyclists must obey the speed limits and voice or ring a bell when passing. Pedestrians must be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you use an iPod or other headphone device, stay to the far right of the trail as you will not hear a bell or voice over your music. Pedestrians must look both ways before they cross the trail and always; always look over their shoulders before changing direction on the trail.

If we do not remember these basic rules we will be here again sooner than later. As my late father used to to say, “All the laws and police on the Earth cannot protect us from ourselves.”

Adam Gossett

Renton