To the editor:

Thanks to the Whidbey Record for the serious coverage of the assault by a motorist upon a cyclist (“Road Rage Lands Freeland Man in Jail,” May 24). The fact that the perpetrator reportedly based his actions on his dislike of the position in the road the cyclist was taking gives cause for concern for motorists and cyclists alike.

Unfortunately many of my fellow motorists are not aware of key elements of traffic laws in our state. These are certainly worthy of review and consideration.

In our state, the Revised Code of Washington confers on the bicycle the status of “vehicle.” The law states that the person operating a bicycle “shall ride” his or her bike “as near to the right side of the right through lane as is safe.” This lane as defined by the state would commonly have a white fogline defining its right-hand edge, and the through lane as part of the roadway, by official definition, would not include the shoulder.

In Washington, as in many other states, state law allows a cyclist to ride legally elsewhere in the through lane under certain conditions: Preparing to make a turn, overtaking another vehicle, avoiding obstacles or other unsafe situations or, importantly, traveling at the speed of “the normal flow of traffic at the particular time or place.”

I’ll emphasize that the above law clearly states that this is where the cyclist “shall” ride. The same section of the law states that cyclists “may” use the shoulder. In its brochure entitled “Washington State Bicycle Traffic Laws,” the Washington Traffic Safety Commission makes very clear that within the limits of the law the choice is up to the cyclist.

In the “Washington Driver Guide” printed by the Washington State Department of Licensing these facts are stated in equally clear fashion. In Washington state the choice where he or she is to ride is clearly up to the cyclist. The choice does not belong to the motorist.

I think I would be accurate in stating that cyclists are strongly concerned for safety both on their bikes and in their cars; the great majority of cyclists are also motorists. When out riding on their

20-pound bikes among one-ton-plus vehicles they really do want to arrive home safely, in one piece. When driving their cars they, too, encounter cyclists, and they act in a manner based on a particularly strong belief in the Washington state mandate to “Share the Road.”

So, thanks again for your coverage of this incident. I’m reminded again that we live in a great place to cycle, blessed with fine roads and largely courteous drivers. May that never change!

Dennis Keough

Clinton