Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

A relative of mine was killed on a bicycle last week. With more and more bikes on the road, I asked my Somerville friends what could be done to make biking safer. Comments are in quotes.

“It’s up to the rider. I don’t wanna to hear anybody who wears earbuds while riding complaining about safety.”

“I know this would be hard but start issuing tickets. My 90 year old active mom almost got hit by a bicyclist in Davis Square last week. This was not the first time.”

“We used to ride against the traffic, so we seen them open a door or turn a corner, the problem is there all racing fast, not paying attention.”

“By adding ‘how to drive safely near bicyclists’ and ‘how to bike safely near moving vehicles’ to driver’s ed?”

“Not by putting them in the bus lane and they should abide by the laws just like everyone else pay bike tax too.”

“Drivers need to slow down and pay attention to what’s happening on the road. Bicyclists need to pay even more attention.”

The death of Uncle Donald was a horrible shock to our family. He was 76 years old and a loving father and grandfather. Let’s all be more vigilant about traffic safety.