Sayre: Supporting more cyclist education

The recent public service announcements aired on Aspen Public Radio concerning bike safety have been much appreciated now that we’re into the season of recreating and commuting on our heavily used Roaring Fork Valley bike paths.

As one who unfortunately has joined the legion of victims of a debilitating hit-and-run bike collision, I’m highly in favor of any efforts toward more cyclist education. And a friend’s incident on the Rio Grande Trail in which an e-bike rider swerved into her on a blind corner and then fled the scene, leaving her with a broken leg, broken hand, and puncture wound, makes us wary of using the trail with other reckless — and in her case, heartless — users.

The town of Basalt’s offer of $500 rebates for e-bike purchases is a commendable effort to get cars off Colorado Highway 82, but it also puts more bikes on the trails. A smart add-on to the program would be a checklist of safe riding practices that those receiving the rebates must agree to and sign. I also hope, too, that the Aspen businesses renting bikes to visitors are providing them with safe riding instructions.

Another welcome measure would be for RFTA and other Rio Grande Trail operators to add signage with safe cycling messages along heavily used trails.

Essentially, we can keep our bike paths safe, fun, and friendly by adhering to 3 commonsense habits: 1) Keep to your own lane, especially around blind corners; 2) Look behind you before merging onto the trail or passing anyone; and 3) Announce yourself before passing others. Adopting these 3 sensible practices means we can all enjoy the cycling season in our gorgeous valley.

Kiki Sayre

Basalt