I’m a visitor to Mercer Island and have been doing a lot of walking, utilizing the many shared use trails on the Island. I’m very concerned that the majority of cyclists I’ve shared the trails with think nothing of zooming past pedestrians without any warning.

It is considered a courtesy, if not a requirement, by experienced cyclists to either ring their bell or to call out “on your left” (when passing on the left). Why isn’t this so on Mercer Island? It’s not unthinkable that someone could get seriously hurt (cyclist or pedestrian) if an unaware pedestrian moves unexpectedly just when a cyclist zooms by without sounding a warning.

The ignorant cyclists I’ve encountered have been all ages … is anyone conducting bicycle safety classes for the younger generation of riders?

Elizabeth Ainsworth