Making the roadways safe for all

Sunday, November 18, 2007
By BRIAN TOONE
For The Times

Rising gas prices are pushing people to look for alternative means of transportation. I believe more people will consider running errands and commuting to work by bicycle as a means to offset rising fuel costs.

Combined with the continued popularity of recreational cycling, the influx of bicycle commuters will mean more and more people riding their bicycles on Alabama roadways. Because secondary roads in Alabama frequently lack shoulders and rarely have dedicated bike lanes, cyclists and motorists must share the same road.

The Huntsville Times should be applauded for noticing this situation and publishing articles that promote the discussion of the relationship between cyclists and motorists. However, the recent commentary by columnist Ricky Thomason "Free-wheeling cyclists must obey the rules of the road" conveys a different message.

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