To the Editor:

With spring and warm weather arriving we are again faced with bicycles and automobiles sharing the road.

Making this year especially hard is the horrible condition the roads are in after a severe winter. I am writing to remind drivers and bikers that there are laws in the state pertaining to how we share the road. Specifically, HB-203 states:

“265:143-a Drivers to Exercise Due Care When Approaching Bicycle. Every driver of a vehicle, when approaching a bicyclist, shall insure the safety and protection of the bicyclist and shall exercise due care by leaving a reasonable and prudent distance between the vehicle and the bicycle. The distance shall be presumed to be reasonable and prudent if it is at least 3 feet when the vehicle is traveling at 30 miles per hour or less, with one additional foot of clearance required for every 10 miles per hour above 30 miles per hour.”

And for the person on the bicycle:

“XI. A person propelling a bicycle upon a way at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time and place shall remain on the right portion of the way as far as practicable except when it is unsafe to do.”

As a frequent bicycle rider, I have to remain vigilant for distracted and rude drivers, and not infrequently do I feel a swoosh of a side view mirror. So I am asking everyone to be courteous to each other. Respect all of our rights to be safely outdoors and work together to make the roads safe for everyone.

Remember drivers, the person on the bike may be you or one of your children. Thank you.

WAYNE GOLDNER

Bedford