Dear Editor,
I noticed that drivers in Sylvan Lake are often confused about what to do around cyclists. I can understand why.
When I checked the provincial laws online, the information was scattered and confusing. Some of the rules are dependent on municipal bylaws and details are different from one city to the other.
There is no confusion about the basic law. A cyclist on their bicycle is a vehicle, subject to all vehicle laws. A cyclist walking their bicycle is a pedestrian.
I have frequently been in the position of waiting at a stop sign on my bicycle, when a vehicle with the right of way stops for me and that puts me in an awkward position. Other drivers may not share your sense of caution and it can be dangerous for me to cycle through. If there are young children on bicycles, by all means be cautious but adults are expected to know and follow the law.
On the recreational trails and the boardwalk pedestrians and cyclists have equal right of way. When you hear a bell ding, that means we want to share the path and you should move over.
Colette Bielech,
Sylvan Lake