Chipping away at Cyclists Rights

A local blog named Bike Cobb reports on two cyclists who have been warned about riding two abreast on suburban Atlanta's Columns Drive. They've recently passed an ordinance that restricts cyclists to single file along this popular training route and we're starting to see enforcement upon the request of homeowners along this road.

I could feel my outrage rising as I read this post, but then considered what would be the response of the homeowners if we continued to be confrontational. Will we re-inforce the misconceptions and cast aside an opportunity for further education concerning proper etiquette -- both for motorists and cyclists.

Different things motivate people to action. It's hard for me to draw a line between getting people fired up enough to do something, and maintaining a cool enough head to not make things worse. I'm interested to hear other's opinions.

Letter to Editor - AJC

Columns Drive ... fine the way it is

As a homeowner and cyclist who lives on Columns Drive, I am deeply
saddened by the current controversy regarding cyclists there and want
to clear up some misperceptions ("Cobb cyclists may face 'cruising'
law," Metro, Jan. 24).

My Columns Drive is a road where people pass you saying "Beautiful
day!" —- amazed at the luck of a warm day in January. Nearly every day
waiting for the school bus with my first-grader, the same three
cyclists whiz by yet still yell out "morning." Every week athletes in
wheelchairs ride past my house turning something ordinary into
something extraordinary. People nearly twice my age, ride up next to
me, ask me how's it going, then pass me, leaving a smile on my face.

Sure, you'll occasionally encounter the rude cyclist, runner, dog
walker or motorist; but all in all, Columns Drive is no ordinary
street in an ordinary subdivision, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

BONNIE FISHMAN, Marietta