Two encounters in one week have prompted this first-time letter to the editor, and it pertains to the local bicycle community.
I was here before this bicycle phenomenon started. Granted it has put Durango on the map as first in the nation on some level, and for this, and all the accomplishments the cycling community has brought us, I am grateful.
However, on May 24 at noon, as I was pulling away from the curb in front of my church, a hot shot hunk of a guy on his bike came around the corner, making me brake suddenly. I threw up my hands. He, in return, gave me the finger.
I’m a 77-year-old senior, mother of two sons and two grandsons, and I drove home shaking for I could have easily hit this speeding demon.
Earlier that week, while standing on the edge of my road (Animas View Drive), a bicyclist whizzed by nearly clipping me. No shout out. No fear of running over me. He didn’t even try to veer away (I doubt he even saw me). Again I was badly shaken by the near miss.
Perhaps Ed Zink, or whoever is the leader of these guys now, needs to start a lecture series on rules and regulations and on sharing the road.
I’ve often heard from the other side how badly cyclists are treated by automobile drivers. It works both ways, guys. Some of you have become too big for your breeches.
From the horse’s mouth, I got my first bike at age seven and just so happen to still have a bike, and still attempt to ride. But I feel I’m risking my life anymore on my road due to the increase of traffic over the years.
It used to be the perfect evening ride of one mile from my drive to the Iron Horse and back, but now almost a thing of the past for me. Since the rapid growth on this annexed road, why are there still no safe sidewalks or room for a bike trail (City Council, take note)?
Joanna Jennings
Durango
