LETTER: Take care when sharing the road

Once again, I was saddened to read of the death of a local bicyclist. We must wait for the completion of the investigation to determine fault. However, this brings to mind several issues I have had on my mind concerning the bicycle vs. motor vehicles when it comes to sharing public roads.

First, anytime there is a collision between the two, the bicycle will lose.

Two, I would like to see the requirement, as in many foreign countries, that all bicycles be equipped with reflectors, front and rear lights, bells, and mirrors. And, if one has a special racing bike, then ride in specially sanctioned races with appropriate controls.

Three, if bicyclists believe they have as much right to the public highways/byways as motorists in Aiken County, then they should be required to pay a road maintenance fee the same as Aiken County motor vehicle owners. Then the playing field would be even. It needs to be fair.

I have come upon bicyclists from the rear who have acted in a very negligent manner as if they owned the road, not all of them of course, so I wish to remind one and all, bicyclist and motorist, it is a two-way street. We must all be respectful of each other.

Robert B. Dandridge

Wagener