Thanks to the Press for the informative article “Rules of the Road: Cyclists and motorists in Harvard.” From my experiences cycling in this area, I believe Harvard motorists are among the most friendly and safe in the country. But this story shows there are things we still need to address. Cyclists need to be more visible and predictable. It pains me to pass a cyclist riding during evening hours with dark clothing and no lights. And the fact that many of our popular roads do not have a center dividing line seems to encourage cyclists to wander into the lane of oncoming traffic—that is just not excusable in any circumstance.
As for motorists, there is a “3-foot law” on the books in 25 states that requires drivers to pass cyclists leaving a minimum of 3 feet between the car and cyclist. This law is in effect in the New England states of New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut, and it would be a good practice to follow here also. And isn’t it wonderful that the town of Harvard is increasingly known for things such as cycling, longboarding, and picking peaches and apples!
Forrest Hodgkins
Park Lane
Editor’s note: When the Press interviewed Harvard Police Chief Edward Denmark, he recommended 6 feet. You never know when a cyclist might be forced to make a sudden move to avoid a storm grate or pothole or other road obstacle, he said.
