To the editor:
Re: “City cyclists dodging helmet laws,” Aug. 8.
Given the extraordinary frequency with which many Vancouver cyclists ride on sidewalks (illegal under city bylaws), blast through red lights and stop signs, and hurtle at dangerous speeds through areas thronged with pedestrians of all ages and levels of mobility, it certainly comes as no surprise that they also flout helmet laws. The difference, of course, is that in the latter case they endanger only themselves, instead of those trying to avoid being struck by them.
G.M. Watson,
Vancouver
•••
To the editor,
The cycling movement continues to feel that because of their innate goodness, road laws do not apply to these morally superior members of the community.
When drivers shirk seatbelts because they are uncomfortable or unnecessary because they drive defensively, the police and the public condemn their stupidity at full volume and continue to issue enforceable fines that are collected.
When driving it is easy to spot cyclists who it seems feel their shorter travel time to be more important than other road users, riding through stop signs and failing to yield to pedestrians. While it is predictable who will come out the best in a car-cycle collision, it is often less certain in a cycle-pedestrian encounter.
Why can’t enforcement go back to square one: obey the law or suffer meaningful consequences?
Rick Angus,
Vancouver
