Editor:
In response to “Cyclists, give warning” (Letters, July 7). Growing up I was taught to walk against the traffic and cycle with the traffic. According to ICBC Road Safety, “On rural roads without sidewalks, make yourself visible and always walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming drivers and cyclists. On roads with sidewalks, you can walk in either direction.” A cyclist is considered a vehicle and must travel in the same direction and follow the same rules as a motor vehicle. Therefore if a cyclist came up from behind you, one of you is in the wrong place. If you had been walking against the traffic, and the cyclists riding with traffic, you would be able to see the oncoming cyclist and be able to move to the side to create a safe passing situation.
Parents, please teach children the correct rules of the road – walk against the traffic, ride with the traffic and not on sidewalks.
And cyclists remember to also follow the rules of the road – stopping at stop signs and lights, just like vehicles. If we all follow the “rules of the road” then we can all be safe.
Arlene Baird, Gibsons
