Our long winter of nor’easters is over (we hope). Spring is here. Up pop daffodils. Dandelions. And bicyclists.
Westporters are not always great at sharing roadways. An alert — and upset — “06880” reader writes:
My pet peeve is bicyclists in town and their road manners.
Today a guy headed north on Hillspoint towards the old Positano’s and Elviras. As I approached at a distance I briefly tapped my horn. When I came around him I was completely in the other lane, making sure I was more than 3 feet away.
I made a full stop at the sign. The cyclist blasted by me on the right without any attempt at stopping.
I hit the horn to express my displeasure. He offered a 1-finger salute as he weaved around the pedestrians, and ignored the Cadillac trying to turn into Old Mill. Here’s the video:
Westport Police are aware of the issue. They say: “Westport is here for everyone to enjoy. Let’s share the road and be courteous so cyclists, pedestrians and motorists can make it safely to their destinations.”
They advise bicyclists:
- Ride where you are expected to be seen. Travel in the same direction as traffic. Signal and look over your shoulder before changing lanes or turning.
- Riding more than 2 abreast is against the law, except in designated bike lanes. Those riding 2 abreast cannot impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
- Wear equipment to make you more visible to others, like bright and reflective clothing. Outfit your bicycle with reflectors, a white front light and red rear light.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
- Obey all traffic rules and signs. Always give proper hand signals.
- Always ride with the traffic — as close as possible to the right side of the road.
- Ride in designated bike lanes when present.
- Be sure the roadway is clear before entering.
- Yield right of way to pedestrians.
- Pass pedestrians and other bicyclists with care by first announcing “on your left” or “passing on your left,” or use a bell.
- Slow down and look for cars backing out of driveways or turning.
Westport roads sometimes seem like this.