Friday evening about 5:30, I witnessed a near collision between a car and bicycle at the intersection of Ninth and Best. The driver of the car obviously failed to perceive the eastbound cyclist traveling without any lights on his bike.

The only white revealed by the cyclist was his face. What is it with the black ninja look? Had an impact occurred, fault would have fallen to the car driver for failing to yield. Would the cyclist have hurt less due to his ignorance or indifference of the "Rules of the Road?"

In the ‘60s, I learned those rules and my teachers reinforced them, especially as Trick or Treating for UNICEF neared. We were cautioned to wear bright clothes and some kind of reflector. Maybe they just wanted to get the pennies we collected. Regardless, we were to take steps to make ourselves seen by motorists.

These days it is typical to see riders, skateboarders and joggers daily in the street and nearly invisible until the last moment. Sometimes they may be justified in their visual assault upon an errant driver as in this instance. Regardless, it would be better to take all prudent measures to ensure that every user of the roadway is as visible as possible.

I tried to impress the importance of teaching Idaho's "Rules of the Road" to the indifferent ears of Vern Newby of Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Committee, SD271, Coeur d'Alene City Council and Mayor Bloem. The booklets are free. The time teaching the rules is not that extensive.

The SROs are already engaged, though in reactive mode to control crime in our schools. Is there a just reason not to be PROACTIVE for once in securing safety for all?

The rider on Friday was dressed in black, no lights and no horn or bell. He was backlit by a setting sun yet blended in with tree trunks and telephone poles.

He violated both "Commonsense" and the "Rules of the Road" as regard to equipment. The driver of the car was turning westbound into significant traffic with few breaks.

Ninth and Best along with the third-fourth couplet at Locust are three of the most horrendous intersections in Coeur d'Alene. It has been seven years since I began requesting signalization at these three intersections. My words fell on deaf ears on traffic issues as well. How many deaths and unnecessary injuries are required before leadership takes responsibility?

DENNIS HINRICHSEN

Coeur d'Alene