Share the road

We, the Peninsula Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition, are resolved to bring about a change in how dangerous driving is perceived and prosecuted. We have recently posted a bicycle pedestrian incident report page on our Web site at www.PenBiPed.org to try to identify reckless drivers before a serious incident occurs.

At the state level, the California Bicycle Coalition, www.calbike.org, has recently been exploring the concept of a strict liability law. Strict liability would ensure that if a motorist hits a bicyclist or pedestrian, unless it is grossly negligent, then the driver would be automatically liable for any actual, not punitive, damages.

It is not true that "this could happen to anyone." If you see cyclists on the road, slow down. Pass with at least a three foot space and if there's not enough room, yield!

Finally, the true danger is not being outside the car. It's being inside the car. Every year, according to the surgeon general, over 300,000 people die of inactivity-related illnesses. The convenience of driving is a seduction that is killing vast number of people and contributing to our staggering health care costs.

Dani Weber

President, Peninsula Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition<