Dear Editor:
I just read the May 30 article in the North Shore News on the father who was involved in a road rage type of bicycle-meets-auto incident, Near Miss on Duval Rd. Prompts Plea.
I am a retired police officer and over my 28-year career, I have seen my fair share of avoidable motor vehicle incidents. From my experience, most of the riding community are responsible and reasonable people.
Sadly, there is a small number of bicycle riders that have a complete and utter disregard for anyone else, but themselves. These conflicts are avoidable and unnecessary, for most reasonable people.
It appears that (cyclist) Blaine Kyllo either knows nothing about the motor vehicle act rules regarding riding a bike on a highway/roadway or chooses to disregard them. As a father, he should teach and demonstrate the safety rules of the road and applicable laws, to his family.
The motor vehicle act is very clear about bicycle positioning on a highway. Section 183 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act states cyclists must “ride as near as practicable to the right side of the highway,” and “must not ride abreast of another person operating a cycle on the roadway.”
By Mr. Kyllo’s own admission he chose to ride as close to the centre line as possible. This is unsafe, in contravention of the act and shows a disregard for other users on the roadway.
Mr. Kyllo, you are doing a disservice to your kids and placing them at risk. Perhaps a bicycle safety course would better serve your children and yourself. Sharing is caring – please ride safe. Shiny side up!
Paul Bittante
North Vancouver
Editor’s note: “Highway” as defined in the act includes “every road, street, lane or right of way designed or intended for or used by the general public for the passage of vehicles.”
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