Mr. Tim Engstrom noted in Tuesday’s Tribune that transportation fatality statistics show a strong bicycle safety record. While the total 698 cyclists deaths in 2007 is well below the tally of 30,401 drivers and passengers who were killed, the cyclist figure is hugely disproportionate to the number of cyclists on the road. Bicycle traffic represents a fraction of a percent of the number of miles traveled by automobiles. Some studies show that bicyclists are 12 times more likely than motorists to be killed per mile traveled.

By most measurements, it is more dangerous to be on a bicycle than it is to ride in a car. But that doesn’t mean that anyone should be afraid to ride a bicycle in the city. With common sense and a few defensive moves, one can confidently cruise the streets on two wheels. Mr. Engstrom stated that bicyclists very rarely violate traffic laws. I would argue that cyclists commit their share of traffic faults and should work alongside motorists to improve cyclist safety. We can all take a few basic steps to make the streets considerably safer.

To cyclists: Use your arms for turn signals, always ride with the traffic, follow traffic signals, use lights at night and generally be predictable. To drivers: Give cyclists eye contact at intersections, check your blind spot when turning, pass cyclists with ample room and keep your eyes open for cyclists.

Mr. Engstrom’s column is wrong to stick the blame squarely on motorists — both cyclists and drivers have to work together on this one. After all, cyclists are motorists and motorists are cyclists. As bicycle ridership grows, drivers are becoming more attuned to the presence of cyclists. Cyclists also share in the responsibility of making the road safer for everyone.

But there more players in this game: City planners should accelerate the construction of bicycle and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Front Street is a great start, but I see no more deserving city stretch than Lakeview Boulevard. Citizens need to step up and ask for bike lanes. To echo Mr. Engstrom’s proclamation from early June, “We are here!”

Ben Matheson

Albert Lea