Please don't leave my kids motherless - Bethlehem NY - Town of ...

by Sarah Rain

After a few warm days, the snow has receded off the roads and I only hit ice a couple of times on my bike commute this morning. But please remember that winter weather often means narrower roads and shoulders that are less safe for bicyclists- watch out for us!

I was almost killed today when someone made a right turn from a left turn lane directly in front of me (Delaware and McAlpin). Luckily, 99.9% of car drivers are less willing to risk someone’s life so they can get to work a half-second faster. Thanks to all of you who drive responsibly.

For those of you who feel compelled to blurt out, “But I saw a bicyclist ignore a stop sign once so they all deserve to die!” every time the topic of bicycling comes up, there are debates about that very topic going on here and here on the TU Bike Blog which you may join. Enjoy!

U people that ride bikes on main roads, get ready for the cars.. you are in our lane. I know there are laws for you bikers.. but you know what.. where i came from you drove your bike on your sidewalk or in your driveway.. not out in the road or during the winter months.

Comment by bugabocreek — December 16th, 2009 @ 7:29 pm

You might consider that winter time along with a snow pack is not the safest time to bike on city streets. Used to be bikes were put away for the winter. If your children are rendered motherless, it will because of YOUR choice to bike in unsafe conditions. As a parent you have a responsibility to make good decisions, biking in the winter, in the northeast, on roads not designed for bicycle traffic cannot be considered a smart decision. So it will be you Sarah who makes your children orphans, own it.

Comment by oldladymac — December 16th, 2009 @ 9:56 pm

I bike in Delmar. A lot. I don’t have problems because I realize that should I get hit, the car will win, regardless if he / she was at fault for “turning right in front of me”. I expect this because I understand that it is unusual to spot a biker in winter conditions – especially at an intersection like McAlphin and Delaware ave in Albany.

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