Road rules are a two-way street

Re: Ottawa is still not safe enough for cyclists, June 30.

In her recent opinion piece, Theresa Wallace laments the fact that cycling in Ottawa is dangerous, as per “eyewitness anecdotal accounts, news stories (and) ghost bikes.” Again, the lion’s share of the blame is squarely placed on the shoulders of the car drivers involved in collisions.

To insinuate that drivers do not recognize cyclists is unfair. Certainly, some do not recognize others, regardless of whether another driver, pedestrian or cyclist. However, for every fatality involving a cyclist, the vehicle driver always seems to be to blame.

As a retired 30-year Ottawa police officer, I can honestly state that as many, if not more, cyclists disobey road rules daily. Cars speed, run red lights/stop signs and other offences. Many cyclists, however, do exactly the same with far more impunity.

Any fatality is truly a tragedy for all involved. However, when a cyclist, who firmly believes they have a right to share the road, blatantly disobeys the rules, I ask what gives them the right to that belief. It is incumbent upon all road users to obey rules, regulations and safety practices. Due to pure physics, the cyclist is always going to lose. Perhaps not fair, but a fact of life. A car, making a legal turn, should not have to pay extra attention to the cyclist who slides up beside them after the fact. The cyclist, seeing that potential action, should wait their turn to approach the intersection. That is the law and common courtesy. Damien Coakeley, Ottawa