Letter: Fremont Needs an Effective Bike Lane System

Submitted by Gabriella Stange

Over 700 lives are taken in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes in the US every year. This number is horrifying.

After hearing about the hit and run case in Fremont where John Vigdal was hit on his bike around 5:45 am on my birthday, I found myself having trouble enjoying my day. Being an avid cyclist, my heart hurt to learn that this gentleman remained in critical condition after being struck by a selfish and reckless driver on his morning ride.

Safety needs to improve for cyclist all over the city as do laws that protect us riders. San Jose has taken the necessary steps to improve the safety between bike riders and vehicles in recent years. The city reduced their wide three-lane busy streets, to a two-lane road, with a protected bike lane that allows cyclist to feel comfortable while riding. Imagine a city where people commute to work in a healthy and economically smart way. Fewer cars, less traffic, a decrease in pollution, more smiles.

By implementing a safe and effective bike lane system in Fremont, as well as cracking down on those who break the laws meant to protect cyclist, less accidents like Mr. Vigdal’s will happen which has the potential to encourage more people to ride bikes to work rather than drive. 

Sincerely,
Gabriella Stange