Let’s take back our roads
I was deeply saddened by the death of a cyclist on Friday (June 26) and horrified by the response to this tragic event both with the lack of media coverage and by the comments on the Taos News website.
Many readers appeared more concerned that the location was erroneously reported as El Prado instead of Des Montes than by the loss of a life. Others took this opportunity to blame the victim and to vent their frustrations that they must share the road with bicyclists.
I live in Arroyo Seco and traverse the intersection of State Road 230 and Hondo Seco Road almost every day. Unfortunately, there is no shoulder on either road. Is this the cyclist’s fault? This is the same situation for many of our roads.
When there is a shoulder it is often in poor condition and dangerous to ride on. Potholes appear overnight like mushrooms, creating the necessity for the cyclist to swerve at the last moment. If the media had reported more details on the crash, then cyclists and drivers would potentially learn from this sad occurrence. It was mentioned that neither speed nor alcohol was involved, but was the driver texting? Did the cyclist swerve? What happened? Other crashes have these details.
It is surprising that a community that should be eco-friendly and has a climate that enables cycling far longer than other places is unable to support this sport. Using my bicycle for both exercise and as a method of transportation is important to me. Instead of jumping in our cars when we need to go to the post office, the grocery store or the gym, shouldn’t we first consider walking or bicycling there?
It is both the healthier option and better for our environment. In the current COVID crisis when we are encouraged to stay home there should be less reason to blast down the road.
Most cyclists take safety seriously. We wear bright clothes, use helmets, have lights and signal our intentions to drivers. I don’t know any riders that chose to be in the middle of the road if there is a safe shoulder available.
There are cyclists, just like drivers, who are careless. They forget how fragile life is. The majority of drivers are courteous and ensure they pass carefully. Unfortunately, there are others that either misjudge the width of the road or forget they are pulling a trailer. Some are just in a hurry and pass too close and too fast.
Taos is a wonderful place to live and play. It is filled with creative, intelligent and athletic people who revel in the beauty that surrounds us. Unlike many communities we are a year-round playground that has a tourist business and a worldwide reputation. Why then do we have to suffer with abominable roads and intolerant residents?
I beg all of us to take a moment and to think about this and please don’t blame the victim. I hope and pray that the cyclist [Mark McLaughlin] that was killed was having a lovely day and that his last moments were filled with the smell of sage and the chirping of birds. To me this is why I risk my life on the roads of Taos. I love my bike rides.
Anne Silver is a resident of Arroyo Seco.