The third wheel

Feeling like an intruder on our own roads

Kathryn Wickward describes the dangers of cycling in Seattle ["Pedal from the metal," The Reader's View, April 29]. As much as we are told to "embrace bicycle commuting," Wickward points out the real danger we face in trying to comply. As an avid cyclist, I am overly cautious in traffic. I ride in the manner required by law, and I have been "brushed back" in traffic innumerable times.

I suspect reporting aggressive driving would be as fruitful as reporting people driving while talking on cellphones.

Our oft-touted and wonderful Burke-Gilman Trail is overcrowded as cyclists, walkers and skaters try to escape the carnage on our surface streets. I am willing to share multi-use paths with all users inclined to share the rules, but drivers in Seattle view roads and lanes as "theirs."

I would like to bike commute, but I can't justify rush-hour cycling to save a few bucks in gas.

Seattle is not a biker-friendly town, but is perhaps no worse than most. Advice for the Legislature: Give me a gas tax to vote on that dedicates revenue to bike/multi-use upgrades in Seattle. (Tim Eyman and other inept initiative writers need not apply.) In the meantime, Wickward has reminded me that I need to make another donation to the Cascade Bicycle Club to help it advocate safe bicycle use.

Richard Glovers lives in Seattle.