Example Letter #2

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO READ THIS LETTER

Dear Driver,

My hope is that you will take the time to read my letter to you. Since our encounter took place amid the hubbub of the city streets, I didn’t have the chance to explain myself. There are a few things you might like to know about me--things that could improve how bikes and cars share the road.

My name is Tina Kukielski. I live in Greenpoint, Brooklyn and commute 5 days a week into Manhattan to my job at an art museum on the Upper East Side. I ride to get exercise, to save money, and to see the city from a different vantage point. While I am relatively new to bike-commuting in New York City, when I decided to make this choice to change my ways, I took a class about riding in the city. I already knew that it would be an affordable and environmentally friendly decision, however I didn’t know the rules of the road. I grew up riding a bike in the suburbs, but the city is an entirely different animal. Now I operate my bike just as I would a car. I make turn signals when turning. I have front and back lights to use at night. I wear a helmet and gloves for protection. This also means that I ride in a lane, away from the parked cars and pedestrians on the sidewalk, when there is no separated bike lane available.

You should know that I took a lot of time to understand how to share the roads safely with other drivers. I am sure you perhaps didn’t even realize that your methods could be considered dangerous. I ask that you keep me in mind the next time you share the road with a cyclist.

Please take a moment and let me know your response to receiving this letter. I can be reached at biker [at] deardriver.org. You can learn more about this project by visiting deardriver.org.

Sincerely,

Tina Kukielski

Did you know?

Bicyclists have the right to occupy a whole traffic lane.

New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law

• § 1231 - Bicyclists are granted all rights and subject to all duties applicable to operator of vehicle except where not applicable.

• § 19-176 - Bicycles operation on sidewalks prohibited.

Tips For Drivers From The New York State Department of Transportation:

• Don't assume cyclists should position themselves on the road as far to the right as possible. Smart cyclists plot a line straight down the roadway 3-4 feet from the curb or parked cars. This allows them space to avoid road hazards and to be more visible to motorists and pedestrians.

• Be aware that when a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride safely side-by-side, bicyclists should ride in or near the center of the lane to discourage motorists from trying to pass.

• Allow plenty of space when passing a bike. Just as the wind produced by a passing tractor-trailer can pull a car off course, so too can a passing car cause a cyclist to swerve out of control.

Download a template to make your own Dear driver Letter in Just 5 minutes.