Letter to the Editor - Bicycles on the roadway

Editor,

Spring has sprung, so all kinds of road users are out there competing for space on our highways. From farm equipment to bicyclists, folks are on the road who need extra attention from every motorist.

As a bicyclist myself, I know I’ll lose in an impact with a motor vehicle. Given the potential danger, there are certain suggestions and legal requirements I’d like to share with both my bicycling friends and my fellow motorists.

Bicyclists, we must follow the same laws that motor vehicles do. Please stop at stop lights, ride with traffic, be courteous, ride defensively, be predictable and always wear a helmet.

Motorists, us folks on bicycles have the same legal right to the road that motorists do. Please give us lots of room when passing, leaving us the whole lane is preferred. Pay extra attention when bikes are on the roadway. Many bicyclists are youthful or unskilled riders who don’t know the law and can be unpredictable. Please stay off your phone when driving.

In Montana, we pride ourselves for being neighborly. Let’s all be courteous of each other on our streets and highways.

Thank you in advance for sparing my life.

John Juras, Great Falls, Bike Walk Montana Board member