Thanks to Ty Burr for his delightful piece, “Why I bike” (G section, Oct. 9). I, too, love to tool around Boston on my bike as a healthy, free mode of travel and as a way to keep an eye on what’s going on in the city.
I write to put out a plea to all bike riders to help create a culture of safety on the roads and bike paths by announcing themselves as they pass other pedalers and pedestrians (especially those with unpredictable children). A simple “On your left” makes for a safer time on our streets.
Comments
It is important to note that simply yelling out and then plowing through the pedestrians is not the intent of the warning. You can call out, but then you have to slow down and allow people to react to you. The need for this is lessened if you stay off the sidewalk. Also, pedestrians have theright of way, so you can not plow through them when they are crossing because you don't want to stop for a red light.