Friday, July 25, 2025, 7:59PM | 
MENU
Advertisement

Cyclists should think more about dangers they pose

Cyclists should think more about dangers they pose

I would like to respond to the letter by Nicholas Dobratz ("Cyclists Have as Much Right to the Roads as Motorists," June 16). I am not a fan of cyclists on the road; in fact, I cringe every time I see one. But my reasoning has nothing to do with fees paid or unpaid. Safety and common sense are my only concerns.

As Mr. Dobratz noted, "Any collision between a car and a bicycle poses almost no risk to the driver and great risk to the cyclist." That's hardly an endorsement for letting cyclists on the road. I have encountered one cyclist in my town who consistently rides at night and in harsh weather. No reflective clothing is worn, and the pitiful flickering light on the back of the seat barely registers visually until an approaching car is almost on top of the cyclist.

Perhaps Mr. Dobratz is willing to risk being hit by a car, but I am unwilling to risk involuntary manslaughter by accidentally hitting him. I am curious if Mr. Dobratz and others trying to "save the planet" would find it quite so reasonable if they were required to ride only on public sidewalks. Having the responsibility for maintaining pedestrian safety might open their eyes to the hazard they present to motorists.

Advertisement

Cycling is a wonderful and relaxing form of exercise. It is not, however, a safe form of transportation on a busy public road. Mr. Dobratz should worry less about his "rights" and more about the danger his choice poses to himself and his fellow travelers.

GARY CAMPBELL
Forest Hills


First Published: June 24, 2013, 4:00 a.m.

Advertisement
RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
An aerial view of Hersheypark.
1
news
9-year-old dies in incident at The Boardwalk in Hersheypark
Gov. Josh Shapiro appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Thursday and talked a lot about Pennsylvania, President Donald Trump, and the arson attack on the governor's residence in Harrisburg in April.
2
news
Gov. Shapiro tells Stephen Colbert that Trump has 'abandoned' Pennsylvanians
David Mielnicki, left, and Debbie and Jerry Santucci, owners of Cafe Notte in Emsworth.
3
life
Cafe Notte sharpens its focus after transformation via a major TV makeover show
The 11 Stanwix building Downtown on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
4
business
Brunner joins office shuffle as more companies leave Downtown for the North Shore
Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith (56) warm up during the NFL football team's training camp in Latrobe, Pa., Thursday, July 24, 2025.
5
sports
Christopher Carter's Steelers chat transcript: 07.25.25
Advertisement
LATEST opinion
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story