Editor, News-Register:

Hundreds of bicyclists are killed by cars each year in the U.S. Hundreds more are injured permanently. All the deaths and injuries are preventable. These should not be called accidents. They are caused by negligent drivers.

West Virginia Code §17C-11-2 provides in pertinent part that “… Every person riding a bicycle 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. …” West Virginia Code §17C-11-5 provides in pertinent part that “… Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway … shall ride … as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.” West Virginia Code §17C-7-3(a)(2) provides in pertinent part that “… The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle traveling in the same direction shall pass to the left of the bicycle at a distance of not less than three feet at a careful and reduced speed, and may not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle.” and (b) that “… Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100; upon a second conviction within one year thereafter, shall be fined not more than $200; and upon a third or subsequent conviction, shall be fined not more than $500.”

Bicycles have the same rights to the roads as cars. Actually, bicycles have more rights to the road than cars. Cars must pass bicycles at least 3 feet away from them and at a careful and reduced speed. The roads have numerous potholes. Bicycles swerve to avoid them just like cars do. Slow down and share the road.

Sam Stone

Morgantown