Dear editor:

I read Mr. Hayes’ letter last week (“Letter: Why do car drivers control our roads?” The Lake Report), and then headed to the local hardware store on Line 1. I took Line 1 from the Niagara Parkway to the store and returned the same direction.

At the four-way stop at Concession 4 and Line 1, I encountered two other vehicles at the other intersection points and a group of cyclists, eight or nine in number, turning left off Concession 4 and onto Line 1.

Two of the cyclists collided and had to dismount while the other members of the party manoeuvred slowly and unsteadily around the pair. I’m not sure if alcohol was involved, but several members of the group did a Shaw-worthy impression of operating a bike under the influence.

The intersection eventually cleared, no horns were honked, no insults hurled from car windows. I don’t know what the other drivers thought — I just sat there in disbelief.

Most of the line and concession roads are very dangerous, in my view. They are very narrow and have no soft shoulders, paved or otherwise.

Too often I have encountered cyclists riding two or three abreast, chatting and oblivious to what is going on. Electric vehicles are very silent, so these individuals do not know what is approaching.

Intelligent cyclists, of whom there are many, know that in situations where the roads are dangerous and where 80 per cent of the local population is over 75 years old and with failing faculties, care and attention is required when cycling.

Perhaps the town could assist by adding paved shoulders to some of the Line and Concession roads and trying to direct cyclists to these safer routes.

Bike touring companies could assist by promoting safe cycling, i.e. single file, and little or no alcohol and, of course, drivers should stay within speed limits.

Blaming one group, drivers, really isn’t helpful.

John McCallum
NOTL