By Edward S. Reisman Santa Monica
(Re: “Cyclists also play a role in safety,” Nov. 26) While I am grateful that Carol Hastings rides her bicycle on the sidewalks “carefully, respectfully, and slowly,” one could only wish that her example might be followed by other cyclists.
Like many pedestrians in Santa Monica, I have experienced the sheer terror of having a bicyclist coming straight at me going 20-plus miles per hour on the sidewalk as the rider weaves through the unsuspecting crowds of people.
After 11 years of living in Santa Monica, I can also count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I have seen a bicyclist stop at a stop sign — even when pedestrians are crossing. As (reader) M.L. Duncan put it (“Carefree days on a bike are long gone,” Nov. 26), “get off the kick that bicyclists are special, entitled.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 29, 2007. Read the original PDF.