NOTE: We got this letter in earlier today and thought it was appropriate with all of the talk about transportation. Daniel Tenpas reminds us that we need to be aware of what’s around us.

So, I’m riding my bike to the grocery store down Crestwood Blvd. As I was turning left onto Oporto Way behind 2 cars-the driver of the car in front of me makes eye contact with me in her rearview mirror-then promptly slams on her brakes. And I promptly ran into her passenger side rear fender-with my body and my bike. I go over the handle bars, slide on my back in the middle of the intersection of Crestwood Blvd. and Oporto Madrid. I’m a little shocked as she drives away. Thankfully, the car behind me stopped, waited for me to get up and leave the busy intersection and to make sure I was okay. I was then asked by two other drivers who witnessed the accident if I was okay. Which, I am-barring a couple of scrapes, strains and bruises.

Aside from the fact that the driver in front of me left the scene of an accident-I would just like your readers to be conscious of cyclists on the road. I am a son, a brother and a husband and I don’t want to lose my life in this city or any other because of reckless and careless drivers. Traffic law warrants that cyclists ride on the road (not the sidewalk.) Because of our state’s lack of bike lanes, drivers should use due diligence and share the road. Life is too important and too short. Can we have some respect for our fellow citizens?

BTW – you have a letter or an editorial you want to share? Send it into info@bhamterminal.com.