Fred W. Burt: Stacked with riders

As a member of the 12-person bicycle committee mentioned in the Dec. 29 article “NCDOT calls for curbs on bikes,” I would like to mention a couple of points.

I was one of only two members not a bicycle rider. From the beginning, I was under no illusion that any meaningful restrictions would be placed on bicycles using public highways. The photograph on the front page sums up many of the problems motorists have with bicycles. Bicyclists are the only ones who are allowed to use our roads for recreation. Group rides clog up the roads, and traffic backs up causing great frustration to motorists who have the expectation of driving near the posted speed limit. Bicycles should be required to pull over at a safe location and let motorists pass.

I made several suggestions that would enhance bicycle safety and reduce public aggravation, but the pro-bicycle members gave them little thought. The items that would even remotely encumber bicyclists, even if increasing safety, were treated by the bicycle lobby as a voluntary and educational item. I wonder how many speed limits for motorists would be followed if they were voluntary.

The article stated that advocates and study group members criticized DOT’s proposals that countered group suggestions. Remember, 10 of 12 members ride bicycles.

This story was originally published January 9, 2016 at 1:40 PM with the headline "Fred W. Burt: Stacked with riders."