Some drivers could use a refresher course in courtesy
Q
Can we please, pretty please, have a review of what is courtesy on the road to start the new year? Courtesy is following the rules of the road.
— Bill Ortendahl, Santa Clara A A great and needed idea. Fire away, and I’ll list the courtesy issues you want to comment on. Q It is not courteous to me when there is no reason to do so. I don’t know what you are thinking. You have a driver’s license. You theoretically have been taught the rules of the road. Why aren’t you following them? Are you setting me up to hit me hoping for an insurance claim? “He pulled out in front of me.”
These are crazy times. Please save your courtesy to allow me to merge in when it’s wall-to-wall traffic. It’s obvious why you are yielding your right of way, and I thank you.
If we all do a better job of following the rules of the road, I know we will get along better. — Bill Ortendahl A
And … Q
An observation after having again traveled to Southern California several times this year on highways 99 and 101 and Interstate 5. Use of turn indicators is not a sign of weakness, but a great method to let others know where you would like to go, for their safety and yours as well. — Lee Fagot, Los Gatos A
This should be a courtesy every day. Now on to bicycle lanes. Q
Please, please, please remind cyclists to ride in the direction of the traffic flow, even in the bike lanes. While right turning out of strip malls or side roads onto divided roads, drivers are very occupied looking to the left for that elusive gap in traffic and not looking for fast-moving bicyclists traveling in the wrong direction from the right. This is an unnecessarily dangerous habit cyclists have been doing lately with the proliferation of new bike lanes in San Jose. — Dave Jenson A
And … Q
When bicycling as a twosome, do not try to ride side by side in the bike lane. It’s not wide enough for side by side biking and that puts the biker next to the auto lane at risk. — Bruce Jamison, Alamo A Bicyclists are advised to “take the lane” for the safety of everyone, so two in a bike lane can be acceptable. Q I want to thank Almaden Fashion Plaza for its animated holiday display on top of the Bed Bath & Beyond and Barnes & Noble building facing Highway 85. It’s been bringing a smile to my face for many years and is much appreciated. It deserves to be mentioned in your column. — Sue Yeager, San Jose A Today, you get a Roadshow tip of the cap.