This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
This month, two cyclists traveling in bike lanes up canyon roads have been struck head-on by cars. In both cases, the drivers crossed the center line and the opposite lane to collide with the cyclists near or on the far shoulder ("Utah Judge Anthony Quinn killed in canyon auto-bike accident," Tribune, Oct. 24).
One cyclist, tragically, was killed, and the other remains in critical condition, facing months of painful recovery and lost productivity. Reports of the fatal accident did not indicate if the driver was cited. The other accident that occurred in Emigration Canyon received no coverage in the Tribune.
It's extremely troubling that unless a driver is impaired or leaves the scene, citations are rarely issued. One has only to say "Sorry, I didn't mean to run you over" and it's case closed. Had these incidents involved two cars colliding head-on, there would be swift punishment. There should also be consequences for these incidents.
At the very minimum, if you run over a cyclist or pedestrian, and it is clearly your fault, you should at least get your license suspended for five years. Anyone age 16 and over can receive a driver license; it's time we consider revoking that privilege for those who cannot handle the responsibility.
Andrea White
Salt Lake City