EDMOND —
As a human being, American, Oklahoman and cyclist I am deeply saddened at the death of two fellow cyclists this past weekend. The deaths were within a few miles of each other and around the same time of day. The fatality on Saturday morning was a hit and run accident. On Sunday morning a person driving the vehicle struck a 75-year-old cyclist but did stop and was interviewed by the Oklahoma City police. Both cyclists were seasoned and more than just recreational. They knew the roads and had spent many hours on their bikes.
The roads are meant to be used by all to move freely in our cities under the protection of city and state laws. As a baby boomer I find that cycling the roads in and around Edmond and Oklahoma City is a great way for me to challenge myself and stay fit both physically and emotionally. We live in a nation that has been blessed above measure and yet we continue to become more and more unhealthy and not just physically, but emotionally.
I have been riding on and off for more than 40 years and I can tell you drivers on the road today are much more aggressive. I have been buzzed, cut off, waved through intersections only to be lunged at, yelled at and for what? Doing something healthy? Improving my quality of life? Getting outdoors instead of watching TV?
Cycling has been growing in this part of the country with more new riders every year. Admittedly, there are riders that need to improve their cycling etiquette, but that is the exception and not the rule. The major problem is that drivers need to be educated and relax, take a breath. In most of the cases I mentioned above, I was by myself. Some drivers passed me without moving over 3 feet, on a hill because they couldn’t see over it and apparently couldn’t wait. The irony, it took me 15 seconds to crest the hill. Fifteen seconds! The driver was willing to put my life at risk because their 15 seconds was more important.
Eighty percent of the miles I ride are in the area where this weekend’s accidents took place. Most of my rides are without incident and there are plenty of drivers that are courteous and show me respect as a cyclist.
Cycling is growing in Edmond and Oklahoma City because of its many benefits to the cyclist. The city benefits in an enhanced quality of life environment for its citizens. I trust the local media, government and law enforcement officials appropriately prioritize these two unnecessary deaths and work with the cycling community to make the roads safer. But just as important, I hope that cyclists and drivers alike will remember their responsibilities while enjoying Oklahoma roads. The two men who died this past weekend were innocent, enjoying a weekend morning doing what they loved as Oklahomans, Americans and human beings.
RON M. DECKER is an Oklahoma City resident inside the Edmond Public School District and president and CEO of Innovative Healthcare Systems Inc.
Opinion
Senseless tragedies on our streets
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