While we all have observed cyclists running stop signs and lights, the percentage of bicycle-injury accidents resulting from such behavior is low. The Kahn/Carlson bill (HF4245) is a good idea.
Cyclists usually travel at much slower speeds than cars and are more aware of their environment. Under this bill, the burden would be on the cyclist to ensure that no traffic or pedestrian will be affected by his or her actions at an intersection.
Most of us take turns playing the role of motorist, pedestrian and, sometimes, cyclist. Given the way we all complain about each other, we must be doing a pretty poor job, and we could all improve.
BOB HAIN, MINNEAPOLIS
Drive and ride legally
Drivers get emotional about bicycles (letters, June 2). A moment's reflection on Photo Cop reminds us cars run red lights and violators were quick to dodge responsibility. After reading Minnesota's definition of a "stop," count vehicles running any stop sign. Cars will outnumber bikes, hands down.
We already have a bike/narrow-street law: A rider may move to the lane center to prevent cars from dangerously squeezing by, and a compromise of putting 25-mph riders onto a 10-mph path makes no sense.
Motorists often make up laws and complain that riders violate them... like being pedestrian or a vehicle. Both are legal, and for that to be possible, a rider must be able to switch. Sometimes turning myself into a pedestrian is the only way I can turn left at a signal that ignores me.
Some cities put signal request buttons in easy reach of cyclists. Not here. Imagine the outrage if drivers, to get a green light, had to hop out of their cars and run to a button on the other side of the sidewalk. We don't even place buttons conveniently along bike/pedestrian paths and sidewalks.
