My husband and I ride our bikes on the outskirts of Waterville, Oakland and Fairfield. For the most part, we find drivers to be courteous, giving us plenty of room on curvy, hilly roads that don’t have dedicated bike lanes and where shoulders are often in disrepair. We have rearview mirrors, are always keeping an eye out for traffic and are mindful of our responsibilities on the road as well.

Clearly we are the bane of existence for some folks, who lurk behind us, rev their engines with poor exhaust systems, then leave us in a cloud of foul-smelling, oily smoke when they pass, but at least they are passing appropriately otherwise.

Now that school is back in session, this is a reminder to school bus drivers as to their responsibility as they often come dangerously close. We have witnessed several dangerous close calls just recently when drivers pass on hills, cars coming in the other direction are suddenly faced with traffic in their lane, and vehicles come dangerously close to us trying to get back into their lanes after passing. Rail trails and other paths are often congested with foot traffic and other bikers, making it difficult to navigate at a speed and intensity that gives us the exercise we’re seeking.

There is enough room for all on our roads if people will please be mindful and share them safely. We thank those who do, and we implore those who take risks to please use common sense, patience and caution rather than speed and hope when passing bikers.

Robin Johnson

Waterville