Rules of the road

Aug. 10, 2016

Washington, Iowa

To the Editor:

The editorial ?Was RAGBRAI a success?? by Mary P. Delaney, Aug. 3 issue, brings to mind: ?Under Iowa law, bicycles and motorists must comply with the same rules of the road and be given the same rights. Sharing the road means sharing these rights and responsibilities? (quoted from Driver License Manual). The manual also states that pedestrians (walkers) have responsibility to obey traffic laws. Note that in intersections not manned by police, the signs are the law. Were RAGBRAI riders given instructions, from the fact that many were from out of state and from other nations? Where was the onus?

From a local view, is there a requirement that children riders attend an instruction course on traffic laws given by the schools as with motor vehicles? Does this responsibility rest with the parents, the schools, or with the police? Are we in an age where citizens are prone to rely on government having the onus? Young children are riding every which way around our square, escaping death only by the skill of the motor vehicle drivers? braking! Washington suburbs the same! I submit the basic onus rests with parents, with school instruction.

Consider that rules of the road tests required would educate children, rendering them knowledge for driver licensing at the authorized age. Knowing the rules, they would ace the tests and would then only be facing the actual drivers road check. This would be a positive for the child.

The negative of failing to educate children of the requirements for safe riding is that the fact of hurt or death from accidents is increased. A police person for each and every ignorant rider is impossible. Our competent police cannot be everywhere!

L.D. Oliver