Cyclists’ Safety

* Re “Death of a Cyclist,” letters, April 24: I am an experienced cyclist and live in the Palisades Highlands. This was a needless, tragic accident. I feel confident that Debra Goldsmith was a very competent biker who obeyed the rules of the road. Certainly all bikers must obey the proper traffic laws, and most do, the same as most drivers do. But I have seen very few cyclists talking on their cell phones or feeding cookies to their kids as they cycle up or down Palisades Drive far, far in excess of the 45-mph speed limit.

A bicycle has only about a quarter-inch of rubber touching the road, and the bike rarely weighs over 40 pounds. Compare that to a car. A car is a killing weapon if not used properly. How many more deaths have to occur on our hill before drivers take heed, traffic laws are enforced and proper speed deterrents are put in place?

EDWARD LUX

Pacific Palisades

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* I commute by bike about three to four times a week and it’s getting worse instead of better. I follow all the same rules of the road as cars, but I have a near-collision every single time. After getting hit a couple of times, I’ve learned to watch for the other guy. Even being careful doesn’t help. I’m always getting buzzed by cars or yelled to in an apparent attempt to make me crash, and of course there are the cell phone users who have no idea I’m even there.

I’m not asking for much--just that 18 inches of street closest to the curb where all the glass and debris pile up. Also, on left turns, remember, waiting three to five seconds for a bike to get through the intersection won’t kill you, but not waiting will kill the biker.

PABLO GARCIA

La Puente