This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Regarding Sharon Wood's comments ("Let cyclists face traffic," Forum, Feb 28), I believe she makes a point. Many of us, as runners, cyclists and motorists, have experienced some confusion.
As a youngster, I would ride my bicycle around the neighborhood streets facing traffic, for the reasons she stated, and I continue to do that as a runner, as do most runners. As an avid cyclist, however, I follow the law which indicates that bicycles are the same as vehicles on the streets, and must travel in the same direction.
I'm sure it would be an arduous task to see a legislative change in this law very soon. However, whenever I ride my bicycle, I always have a rearview mirror attached to my helmet.
Some other serious cyclists view this as "nerdy" and wouldn't think of doing that, but wearing a mirror has saved my life in many situations, seeing an approaching car too close to me, and giving me time to veer off to safety, providing the shoulder of the road permits.
Dennis M. Andrus
Salt Lake City