Promote bike safety

OK, the city of Pittsburgh gets a nod for being bicycle-friendly (May 1 story), but would it get that for bicycle safety? See the picture of the little girl riding her bike? Now don't picture what would happen if a motorist didn't see her.

I have talked to Stephen Patchan, the city bicycle/pedestrian coordinator, about this issue. I've asked him to talk to City Council. Please! Someone do something about bicycle visibility!

It is dangerous not to see bicycles coming forward toward you and dangerous not to see them traveling in front of you while you are rounding a curve, especially on the campuses and in Schenley Park.

Will you wait until there is a serious accident? Why not issue free reflective or day-glo large stickers or placards for front and backs of bicycles and make it an ordinance?

For a person to be riding a bicycle at night without any bright clothing or illumination is careless to the safety rules of the road. Think about it. Police officers wouldn't even have to stop their police cars. They could just toggle their alarms and remind cyclists to illuminate themselves or their bicycles.

MAX SESTIL JR.
Oakland