Dear editor:

I appreciate John McCallum’s thoughtful response to my July 16 letter. We agree on more than we disagree (“Why do car drivers control our roads?” July 16; “Rural roads are dangerous — cyclists, please be very careful,” July 23).

Every road user — whether driving, cycling or walking — has a responsibility to obey the law and to treat others with courtesy and respect. Cyclists who ignore stop signs or ride unpredictably deserve criticism. So do pedestrians who cross carelessly.

Road safety isn’t about assigning equal blame; it’s about recognizing unequal consequences.

When a cyclist breaks a rule, they most often put themselves at risk. When the driver of a two-tonne vehicle makes a similar lapse in judgment, the consequences can be catastrophic for someone else. That is why the law places a higher duty of care on drivers.

Mr. McCallum also points out that many rural roads were never designed for today’s traffic. I completely agree. Better road design, paved shoulders where feasible, and improved cycling infrastructure would make our roads safer for everyone.

This should never become an “us versus them” debate. The overwhelming majority of drivers and cyclists are responsible people simply trying to get home safely.

The reality is that every one of us is, at different times, a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian. We all benefit when our roads are safer.

If we can all show a little more patience, courtesy and understanding, we’ll all be better off.

Frank Hayes
NOTL