To the Editor:

First, I want to thank the driver in the pickup truck who thought it was a good idea to pass extremely close to my friend and me while we were riding our bicycles on Barker Road this past Friday afternoon and then thought it would be funny to spray windshield fluid just as they went by.

This letter isn’t just to vent. It’s to remind everyone that cyclists like me are part of this community too, and our safety depends on everyone using the road responsibly. Like many local riders, I have both front and rear cameras on my bike. I captured this incident on video and have shared it with the police. They asked if I wanted to press charges. For now, I’ve said no, but they have the driver’s information, and if another report comes in, there will be two charges, not one.

My friend and I are experienced cyclists. We ride confidently and follow the rules of the road. But not everyone is as comfortable or steady on a bike. A close pass like that or being startled by windshield spray could easily cause someone to lose control, crash, or worse.

Drivers, please remember to be patient when approaching cyclists, especially on blind curves and blind hills. Wait until you are absolutely sure there’s no oncoming traffic before passing. It’s not worth it to put yourself, another driver, or a cyclist in a dangerous position just to save a few seconds.

I’ve lost count of how many times something like this has happened. We log hundreds of miles each season across the North Country, and while most drivers are courteous, a few seem to have an inexplicable hostility toward cyclists. I don’t understand why. We are mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and your neighbors. We are just trying to get some exercise and a bit of peace after a long day at work.

So here’s my plea: please share the road. Slow down when you pass. Give at least three feet of space, it’s not only common sense, it’s the law. Remember that we all have families waiting for us to come home safely.

A little patience and respect go a long way.

Lorraine Harper 

Potsdam