Lessons from Biking 101

On congested local streets, bicyclists and motorists share the blame for making a bad situation worse.

Charleston and Mount Pleasant police have shown wisdom in recognizing the need to educate citizens about the legal way to share the road rather than to point fingers.

Anyone who drives or bicycles along streets being used by both bicyclists and motorists knows it can be nerve wracking.

Bicyclists blame motorists for squeezing them off the road, intimidating them and even throwing things at them. Motorists blame bicyclists for weaving in and out of traffic, disregarding stop signs and traffic signals and going the wrong way on streets.

A more active role by police is needed, particularly as the number of bicyclists increases. It's clear that at least some motorists and cyclists need to revise their attitudes to each other.

Bicyclists have written letters to the editor admitting that some in their ranks are causing problems. Charleston Moves, a bicycle advocacy group, has offered its assistance to Charleston and Mount Pleasant as they address the problems. And they plan to start by educating bikers about the rules of the road. If that works well, there will be less need later to ticket bicyclists (the next logical step).

Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen says the city will start the awareness efforts at colleges and schools.

Mount Pleasant police may begin stopping bicyclists to issue warnings when they are breaking laws.

Motorists, too, should be warned when they break the law enacted this summer that spells out cyclists' rights. For example, the law requires motorists to keep a safe distance between themselves and bicyclists.

It is to the advantage of cyclists and motorists to learn the rules and obey them.

The next step — making streets and roads safer and more accessible with bike lanes — will take more time and money, but it is a goal worth pursuing.