Twice in the past year I have had to brake in heavy traffic stopped for bicycles on sidewalks. As a juvenile I used the sidewalk as a primary method of maneuvering my ancient Schwinn to football practice.
As a serious cyclist I can see the hidden danger of a bicycle on the sidewalk. Cars have to contend with bicycle traffic on the sidewalk and in the street.
Cars contending with cyclists on the sidewalk are, from my experience a clear and present danger to cyclists on the street. Understandably the Rivergreenway mentality contributes this delinquency by denying the sensibility of placing the cyclist on the road instead of the river. However, any person who drives conscientiously will tell you, cyclists using the streets are placed at risk by those who are just too cheap to take the bus. As one serious cyclist to another, I implore you, ride in the street.
JAMES WOENKER
Fort Wayne