LETTER TO THE EDITOR | Considerate motorists have bicycle riders thanks

Published 3:37 pm Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Editor,

We have been riding our bicycles on South Whidbey almost every day since the beginning of April.

We try to obey traffic laws, try not to take the right-of-way when a vehicle has it, stop for pedestrians, etc.

Our experience is that motorists on the island are very considerate of cyclists. Most importantly, they give us plenty of space, often slowing down until it is safe to pass. Frequently drivers who are coming toward us move to their right to give space for vehicles passing us. Motorists often wave us through even when they have the right of way.

Cyclists come to the island because it is a wonderful place to ride, and they spend money here when they do it, which benefits all of us. And we know there are some riders who are reckless and inconsiderate, but that applies to all people at times. Nobody is always at their best.

But the motorists who are so careful and considerate with us are not doing this to attract money to the island. Instead, they are just being nice people, and we really appreciate it.

We wish we could wave a thank you to the people who are watching out for us, but we can’t. This letter is the best we can do.

Thank you.

DAN and VICKY GRAYBILL

Langley