Letter: Drivers need to be aware of bicyclists

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 9:45 a.m., I was hit while commuting to work on my bicycle heading south on Glendale Avenue.

I left my apartment on Wilson and took the alley to Colorado. When safe to do so, I merged into the right lane on Colorado. From there I used hand signals and took a left onto Glendale Avenue.

South of Colorado, between Lomita Avenue, the road widens briefly due to there being no street parking. At this part of the route I ride closest to the curb. Approaching Lomita, I hand-signaled that I would resume to take the right lane. I did so and traveled all of 300 feet before being struck.

I was thrown from my bicycle. As I lifted myself from the pavement, I saw no sign of the black Mercedes that had hit me. Someone rushed to me. It was the driver of the Toyota that had been directly behind us. Was I OK? Anything broken? Nothing broken. Just scratched, bruised, my clothes torn and now in need of a ride to work.

Glendale Avenue is one of a few Bicycle Routes in Glendale. The lane has markings on the road and signs designating it be shared with cyclists. State law mandates 3 feet of distance be given to a cyclist for passing. The driver of the black Mercedes left no room between me, their vehicle and a parked car. The law is meant to enforce the consideration that should be shown to the cyclists who share the road. This person was not concerned about that, as evidenced by the fact they left me behind them, laying in the middle of morning traffic. Would they even know if I was dead? I am not the only cyclist I see on my daily commute.

Sean Broadbent

Glendale