Motorists must share the road

I was very grateful to see the exposure The Acorn gave to recent letters received from the community about bicyclists and pedestrians versus automobiles. As an avid road cyclist, and having recently moved back to the area from Georgia, in my experience drivers here are generally more civil and respectful towards cyclists.

However, I applaud all the sane and important comments that were made in reference to the recent accident in Agoura Hills between cyclist and truck. Mr. Wissot (The Acorn, June 21) makes the apparently unknown obvious: "lack of visibility " is not the fault of cyclists. If we are riding in the bike lanes/paths, and crossing intersections with cars, let's have motorists be better trained through public awareness messages to notice cyclists. A "Share the Road" sign does little to make a motorist respect the fact that cyclists do have the same motor vehicle rights as a car, as was pointed out in one of the letters.

How about more commitment by city officials to keep the bike paths clear so cyclists don't have to run an obstacle course that sometimes forces us to enter the vehicle lanes to avoid crashing? Importantly, how about a community meeting with local cyclists and concerned motorists- sometimes one and the same- and the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station to brainstorm ways to reduce this carnage? Cyclists are just trying to stay fit, have fun and enjoy the outdoors. The price we pay is sharing our space with unaware motorists. Bryan Ryles Westlake Village