I was saddened to read about the bicyclist who lost his life on Damon Road. And while the investigation as to the circumstances are still underway, I wanted to share some thoughts.
I’ve been a resident and avid bike rider in this area for the majority of my 68 years. It has been my experience that most of drivers passing me on the roads are careful and considerate. But on any given 20-mile ride, there are always a handful of drivers who will pass me without the four feet of clearance that Massachusetts law requires [Massachusetts Vulnerable Road Users Law].
On many of the narrow back roads in the valley, if you are not crossing the center line to pass a rider, you are closer than four feet. And there are a handful of times every riding season, when a frustrated driver will pass me with inches to spare as they speed up and gun their engine, apparently trying to send me some kind of message.
I know that not all bike riders observe the rules of the road, but most do. I’m a pretty nice guy who has a wife, three kids, and three grandkids who I really love and really love me. So if you’re feeling impatient waiting a few extra seconds to safely pass a cyclist while cars are coming from the opposite way, just imagine it’s your grandfather, father, or son on that bike.
Steve Kelly
Hadley