Can't we all share the road?

Summer may be quickly slipping away, but there is still plenty of time left for biking. Since temperatures have finally cooled down, I try to bike whenever I can.

I take all the precautions when riding, including wearing a helmet and light-colored clothes, and signaling whenever slowing down or turning.

Unfortunately, these enjoyable experiences are normally ruined by an asinine driver.

Last month when I was traveling down East Fourth Street, a driver at a stop sign did not look both ways or signal and turned right in front of me. I had to quickly react to avoid getting sideswiped.

A similar instance happened last week, again on East Fourth. Even though I signaled far in advance that I would be turning left, an impatient motorist flew around me, cutting me off from my turn.

According to my bike speedometer, I was going about 20 miles per hour when both incidents happened - not exactly struggling in the lowest gear. I also had the right-of-way.

Now, before you tell me that I should be using the bike path, please read below.

The bike path is for slow-moving individuals, usually large groups who clog the entire path or leisurely bicycle rides under 10 miles per hour. It's not for training on a road bike, which easily tops 25 mph. Calls of "on your left" normally just startle the walking groups, and don't make a path for passing.

Then, there are the brazen pedestrians who will step out in front of you, even if they clearly see you coming. Cue a frantic brake squeeze and muttering some not-so-nice words under your breath.

So, for now, my only choice is to stick to the street, and using clips to attach your shoes to the pedals is a dangerous decision when you are forced to suddenly stop over and over.

We all need to share the road. Cyclists should obey all the traffic control devices and ride in a straight line in the same direction as traffic, using the furthest right line that heads to your destination. Motorists should reduce your speed when encountering cyclists, and avoid tailgating. Make sure to be watching for cyclists at all time, giving them their right-of-way. Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists, and look for them when you are opening doors. When passing, wait for safe road conditions before you pass, and leave four feet between you and the cyclist. Then, check over your shoulder before moving back.