Not the Tour | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

I have been interested in the debates regarding bicyclists vs. motorists. As a 62-year-old cyclist and motorist, I would like to throw in my 2 cents.

Unless cars are allowed to drive side by side in a single lane, to facilitate social interaction, then cyclists should shut up and ride single file.

Same goes for talking on a cell phone. Neither cyclists or motorists can drive safely while talking on the phone.

As for debris in the bike lanes, how about the cycling clubs adopting some popular routes for clean-up? If you can manage a 21-speed bike you ought to be able to handle a broom.

I live near Wasatch Boulevard and winter happens up here eight months out of 12. The debris from sanding icy roads isn't just in the bike lanes, it is also on the sidewalks, which can be hazardous to walkers too.

I've seen plenty of debris along the Legacy and Jordan bike paths too. How about organizing a clean-up of these popular routes too.

Unless a road has been closed and a police officer posted on the route, motorists and cyclists should observe all traffic laws, including stop signs. This ain't the Tour de France!

Christine Helfrich

Salt Lake City