An avid Northwoods bicyclist says education is key for anyone using the road to understand and respect the rights of all when on the road. This week five bicyclists were killed, four others injured in Kalamazoo, Michigan when a pickup truck slammed into a group of riders. A driver has been taken into custody.
Mark Nienstaedt of Rhinelander says motorists and bicyclists respect the rights each has...
"....a lot of people ride bicycles. They understand we're on the road and they respect that we ride. We respect that a car is a potentially dangerous encounter for a bicyclist...."
He says the majority of his time on the road has been positive, with a few minor incidents including having a beer bottle thrown at him. Nienstaedt says bike paths and trails the best options for riders, but if a bicyclist should need to use the road, he says education about being safe is key...
"....I think public education and awareness is always key. We need for drivers to understand what the law is, what our responsiblities are, and what theirs are..."
Nienstaedt says bicyclists can help safety by making themselves as visible as possible. He says he doesn't ride a bicycle at night any more. Wisconsin has a law requiring motorists to give at least three feet to a bicyclist when passing.
