By Carol Hastings Santa Monica
As an avid bicyclist in Santa Monica, I read (Michael Tittinger’s column) with interest (“Damn the bikes in Santa Monica,” Nov. 21).
I make a conscious effort once or twice a week to do my errands around SM on my bike. It’s light exercise, I enjoy the ride, get my errands done and I feel slightly smug for keeping a car off the busy streets and for saving an ounce or two of fuel.
I realize that Santa Monica could be more biker-friendly, however, we bicyclists can make some safe decisions as to which streets to use instead of expecting the entire city to accommodate our every move. I often take smaller streets that are less traveled, ride in the alleys and sometimes — carefully, respectfully and slowly — ride on sidewalks. This is all to look out for my life. I may have certain “rights,” but a car is bigger and faster and could very easily plow me over by sheer accident. That doesn’t make the driver “right,” but could leave me dead or very hurt.
My rides are pleasant and fun and self-reliant. What’s this about “it’s supposed to be fun and carefree.” Who wrote that rule? Is that the responsibility of every car in Santa Monica, to make sure your rides are fun and carefree? I don’t think so.
When it comes to the beach bike path. It is sometimes frustrating to share it with walkers — that don’t pay attention to bikes or respect that it is a bike path (not a walking path). I’ve nearly hit several people who walk across the path without looking and get very annoyed at those who walk three abreast on the path. It slows the stride of the cyclist to watch out for them and it could be a mangled mess (and surely is sometimes). This is our only opportunity as cyclists to ride unfettered by the dangers and stop-and-go aspects of city streets. It’s too bad the walkers/joggers don’t give us some consideration on that.
Thanks for calling attention to the needs of cyclists, but (Tittinger’s) whining style has a tendency to reduce my sympathy. Start some action and I’m right with ya.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 26, 2007. Read the original PDF.