Bikes, Cars at Intersections: Proceed With Caution

A Sunset Hills-Crestwood Patch user Jim Huber recently submitted this comment, but it applies no matter where you bicycle:

I really need to comment on this. My wife and I cross the Grant's Trail Bike Path on a regular basis on Sappington Road in our cars. It would be nice if bikes and joggers could obey the crossing lights. I've basically started to coming full stop there because of the bikes that run the cross-walk at full speed. I'm an old cyclist and I don't understand this habit. With the police station being there you would think this could be monitored and a few warnings passed out. It's a very unsafe situation.
Thank You

This story reminded me of a scary moment I had in a neighborhood on a recent Sunday.

I drove up in a car to a 4-way stop about the same time a cyclist approached it.

He may have thought he was first at the intersection, I thought the opposite. After stopping, I proceeded cautiously, and it's good I was cautious because he didn't touch his breaks. He sailed right through, and we both had to brake to avoid a collision.

I'd guess he was in his own neighborhood, since he wasn't wearing a shirt or a helmet—maybe that's why he didn't feel the need to obey a stop sign?

When I come to an intersection on a bike, I slow down and make sure there's an understanding between any drivers and me before I cross in front of them. It's common sense, if nothing else.

So that's it. Whether you're driving or biking, obey the law and proceed with caution.

Jim Huber will thank you.

Patch Editor Doug Miner covers Maplewood and Brentwood, and appears to be a healthy cyclist.