Spandex-clad road hogs?

I've never met Steve Temple - but I know he lives in Montoursville and I know I'm afraid of him (and others of his same ilk).

Steve Temple doesn't like people who ride bicycles on public roads - and he promises not to make any effort to "miss them" when he's in his truck. His aversion to sharing the road came through loud and clear in his letter to the editor published in the Williamsport Sun Gazette this past Sunday. Here's what Steve had to say:

Spring is here. That means the grass is green, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and bicyclist have begun their quest to take over the roads.

I love the nice weather, but for heavens sake, do those spandex clad, road hogs really need to ride on the streets? There's a beautiful bike path in Montoursville. There's another one along the river in Williamsport. There's Indian Park, the Rails to Trials and several other area parks. Why is it that these Spandexers have to ride on the roads? They don't even stay on the berm. They actually get out in the lane!

I'm not going to swerve into oncoming traffic to miss them, so heads up. I wonder what would happen if I drove my truck up and down the bike path all day. They really have a sense of entitlement that I will never understand.

Steve Temple, Montoursville

That sense of entitlement Steve claims he will "never understand" is the law. According to the PA Vehicle Code, Chapter 35, Subchapter A - Operation of Pedalcycles (Bicycles) Section 3501. Every person riding a pedalcycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle...Section 3301 Upon all roadways, any vehicles proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place under the conditions than existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

Each year, drivers kill 600 cyclists on America's roads. These heartbreaking accidents end one life - and change many others forever. I pray Steve changes his attitude before he experiences the magnitude of such a tragedy first-hand.

PennDOT has posted signs along Pennsylvania's highways (including Rt. 87 in Montoursville) with a drawing of a cyclist and the words "Share the Road". Learn to share, Steve - for your sake, and ours.

Barb Jarmoska
Member - Williamsport Bicycle Club
Roommate of Laraine Lagattolla, M.D. who was struck and killed by a pick-up truck while riding her bike across the U.S. in 2006