Utah State University - » Irresponsible cyclists threaten drivers, Mendon councilman says

Irresponsible cyclists threaten drivers, Mendon councilman says

October 23rd, 2009 Posted in Opinion

By Kade Delis

MENDON–Bicyclists are not following regulations and are becoming a hazard, Councilman Phil Coulter says.

“A bicyclist is most likely not to stop at a sign,” Coulter told the City Council at its Oct. 8 meeting. “They might get into a collision.”

When Mendon has an event, there are over 20-30 bicyclists, which also prevents people from getting out of their driveways, Coulter said.

Mayor Mike Mendon said he would consult with Chief Deputy Sheriff David Bennett.

According to an article published by the Utah Department of Health, in an average year 6 people are killed in a bicycle incident and 850 are injured. Sixty percent are 20 years old or younger. Utah also has no laws requiring bicyclists to wear helmets.

The most recent victim in Mendon was a young girl who ran a stop sign and was accidentally hit.

Coulter, in part, blamed the lack of monitoring on the sheriff’s office and that a deputy should be considered to inspect the town. Mendon has no police department.

“They just fly through intersections,” Coulter explained. “They should need permits.”

Five years ago, the state Legislature passed a law making cars be more respectful of bicyclists, said Coulter. Since then, some cyclists have caused drivers to be more cautious.

“Bicyclists don’t give traffic laws,” Coulter said. “It frustrates me that they show no respect for the road.”

Tags: bicycists, Mendon, traffic laws