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I corrected some spelling and obviously deleted my entire reply! This will be shorter. My comments are in regard to hyper vigilance gravely needed on the part of the cyclist and driver! I am new to Portland as of July; and had a harrowing, for me, ordeal on Willamhette about 2 months ago returning from Fred Meyer. A woman was cruising along, completely outside of the amply wide bike lane, riding in the traffic lane. I slowed way down, waiting for her to turn her head my way, and move to the right a bit; at least into the appointed bike lane; which she did not! Oblivious to me; it was necessary for me to cross the center line at which time; a car had just made a wide right turn onto Willamhette. I then had to swerve my car quickly to avert a head on collision. Needless to say I was shaken, absolutely livid and fuming. I looked over at her, shaking my head, but forcing myself not to roll down the window; and yell something I'd later regret! Is this standard MO? Encountered a similar incident riding with my daughter somewhere else in NE PDX, the gent pompously rode along way outside the bike lane; compelling us to cross the center lane to avoid hitting him! Gave us a dirty look to boot! Stunning arrogance!!! I was taught, as a child, to fear automobiles and to realize that many drivers have more on their mind; than turning the other cheek to rude cyclists! Many are teens, with 3 or 4 other kids in the car, blaring their music and wrecklessly maneuvering down the road; others may be elderly or impaired by drugs or alcohol, or fighting with their spouse or frantically late for work! Lucky for some, I am a mindful, cautious, speed limit abiding driver, ever driving defensively, as I was taught some years ago in St. Louis, a conservative midwesterner! Also of concern are night cyclists failing to be sufficiently illuminated by reflective bike clothing; with nothing but a small headlamp to light up the bike. Hard to see on some of the dark side streets!  I for one, feel there needs to be much more than a painted lane, which some of the cyclists ignore anyway! Why not find some feasible way to separate cyclists and drivers; a guardrail of sorts; or separate roadways. I liked the track that is at Portland State. While the green progress out here is beyond outstanding as the diligent efforts in reducing carbon footprints etc, I do feel that both sides need to reach a common ground; and respect for one another and safety needs to be gravely stressed! 

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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Being a newcomer to Portland as of July; I heartily support and commend this fabulous city in its efforts to celebrate environmental conscienceness and health and fitness by bicycling! I am concerned , however, by the seeming arrogance and brazenness of some cyclists in their disregard for the Fact; that not every driver is as mindful of respect or safety of bicyclists! I am fearful of elderly drivers; or mentally preoccupied teens with a carload of buddies, blaring music, and all of the drivers on cell phones!! I feel that some cyclists are flirting with danger and perhaps loss of life! I believe not too long ago; a young man was hit and killed on Willamet near the University of Portland! I as well; had a near head on collision because a woman on Willamette was not even riding in the bike lane! I had to swerve way over the center lane to avoid hitting her; and as I did; another driver made a right turn onto Willamette, a wide right turn; I had to swerve my Suv; all the while the woman held her head high biking along, oblivious to my effort in avoiding hitting her!! I was stunned!!! Needless to say I was livid, shaken and fuming!! I believe they need to put up some kind of guard rails to separate bikers and drivers!! Bike safety for cyclists needs to be addressed and the pompous attitude of many of the cyclists needs to be examined!! Another danger; night riding w/o illuminated clothing or reflectors!! Only small headlamps on bikes!! WAY dangerous!! So glad this program came on; refrained from calling in; as I feared becoming too angry recalling my harrowing ordeal. Hope this problem is addressed!!

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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