Several days ago my wife and I were walking on the pedestrian-ONLY path in Renton’s Coulon park, bearing to the right-hand side, when we were startled by a bicycle passing us without warning from behind, on our left, at about 20 mph. Had my wife moved only several inches to her left, she would be have been severely injured or worse by the bicyclist. Luck was on our side that day! A heavy-set man, a senior (like us), was riding a large and heavy bike, potentially very destructive. After he turned around and came back toward us, I respectfully stopped him and informed him that bicycles were banned from the path, as the numerous symbolic park signs attested. He mumbled something, and then rode off.

Several years ago we got into modern bicycling, buying cruiser-type bikes with trail-bike features to handle our local conditions safely.

I offer the following which has served us well:

• ALWAYS wear bright-colored clothing for high visibility; summer shade can hide you as surely as a dark night.
• Bicyclists: Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way; when passing slow down and ring your bell from about 30 feet behind; always ride single file; if children or animals are present, be extra alert for sudden movement into your path and either stop or slow to a crawl.
• Pedestrians: bear to the right, leave a clear passing path to your left; have all children and animals under control. Glance over your shoulder occasionally to check for bikes coming from behind.

Enjoy yourselves; the warm weather is just ahead!

Anthony E. Pomata

Maple Valley