GIVE AUDIBLE WARNING, CYCLISTS!

A back operation turned this cyclist into a pedestrian who walks with sticks.  To enjoy the beauty of the river paths, I began walking from the Campbell Center to the Rose Garden. In five walks to the Rose Garden and back, not one cyclist of dozens — NOT ONE— gave me an audible warning. Their reaction when I shouted, “Give warning” was a look of confusion to raising a middle finger towards the sky.  Year by year in the 23 years I have cycled in Eugene, fewer and fewer cyclists give any warning they are passing.  Something must be done to change this! I suggest a modest education program as follows. 

Plaster new yellow signs along the river trails that read, 

 “Cyclists, you are required by common courtesy to issue an audible warning whenever passing another cyclist or pedestrian.” 

I applaud the plan to create a two-way bike lane along High Street.  I and others began proposing that a decade ago as well as what I call “safe connectors” that would link all our bike paths in the Eugene-Springfield area. What I don’t applaud is that it will be at least 2020 before that project is completed.  Why?  Funding that depends on grants, the city says.  It is not a matter of money.  The city has enough money for such a relatively modest project.  It is priorities.  It is past due time this project was begun.