Bikes in the Blind Spot
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
The tragic death of a cyclist near the church where I volunteer confirms my fears of driving in the District since the bicycle lanes were put in place ["Cyclist, 22, Dies After Being Hit by Truck Near Dupont Circle," Metro, July 9].
Over and over, I have watched vehicles -- including police cars -- breach the solid line of the bike lane when approaching an intersection to turn right.
Although I try to observe the lane markings carefully and check my side mirror before turning right in my minivan, the possibility of failing to notice a bicyclist because of a blind spot is terrifying and ever-present.
It sometimes is difficult to get into the right-turn lane because other drivers have used the bicycle lane to line up for a right turn.
The problem, I think, is partly due to the fact that the placement of the bicycle lane creates a space the width of an automobile that is just too tempting for some drivers to pass up.
JOANNE GARTENMANN
Falls Church
