Heather Jackson: Cars Do Not Own the Road

To the Editor:

I am a student, single mother and bicycle commuter in Grand Forks. Recently, a driver called the police on me while I was legally bike riding with someone on University Avenue. The driver had to “swerve into the other lane” to pass us, according to the complaint. The police came and explained to the driver that we have the right to be on the road, even if a driver in a car has to go into other lane to pass us. Bicycles have the right to take up a traffic lane. It is up to the drivers whether they would like to pass us or stay behind us.

The driver did not apologize to us. For their part, the police officers suggested to us that we need to move over more to the right in order to let more cars pass by. Honestly, this is not a good idea. I put myself at risk and danger if I am biking in the gutter or in and out of parked vehicles. I ride whatever is safest to me. Cars are far larger than a person on a bicycle and can easily injure or kill someone.

This summer, there have been many confrontations, including motorists passing me by inches while driving really fast, yelling awful things, driving extremely close behind me and honking. Read up on the rules of the road, drivers! Bicycles have a right to be on the street.

The same day that police were called, the same bike rider and I were crossing South Washington Street at 13th Avenue South, legally. Two cars with several passengers started yelling out, “You can’t go 25 miles per hour!” and “Get on the sidewalk.” One car passed us going extremely fast on a 25 mph road. Another car got really close and threw a cup of liquid at me. This easily could have injured me by burning me or making me slip.

This is ridiculous abuse the cyclists deal with on a daily basis. Cars do not own the road. Read the rules of the road. The road is meant for bicyclists, motorcyclists and car commuters. The sidewalk is meant for pedestrians. Please be aware of this so everyone can stay safe.

Heather Jackson
Grand Forks