Cyclists blocking paramedics while patients lay bleeding, a drunk driver turning a cyclist into a quadriplegic, gun shots.
Those are only a few of the incidents reported in dozens of online comments and reader emails following my column last week documenting that Orange County averages one road cycling death every month.
But in the blood, fear and anger there also are suggestions for de-escalating what has become a growing war between drivers and roadies — as asphalt-loving bicyclists call themselves.
The annual Ride of Silence on Wednesday night was one step toward peace. Hundreds of cyclists in Orange County and thousands around the world simply asked drivers to “share the road.”
Here are other steps as well as a range of thoughts from readers:
Kevin Keim, San Clemente, retired captain, Orange County Fire Authority
We were dispatched to a single car traffic collision. When engine and medic arrived, one patient sat on the curb bleeding profusely from the head and being attended to by two officers. With the engine company lights and siren on, we sat in the traffic lane unable to pull up to the scene because of a large group of bicyclists.
When I leaned out my window to hold out my hands to signal the bikes to stop so we could gain access to the scene, I was flipped off. So we had to sit there for about 30 to 45 seconds waiting for the entire pack to pass.
That may not seem like a long time — unless you are the one bleeding.
Robert Jinkens, Balboa Island, accounting professor
My brother-in-law was hit by a drunken driver over 20 years ago. He was left a quadriplegic for the remainder of his life and just recently died.
While he was alive, his life was very difficult. However, he somehow managed to always be pleasant. What happened to him was entirely the fault of the drunken driver.
Still, cyclists need to show a little intelligence. Smart people do not choose a standoff between a bicycle and a semi-truck.
Jane Lewis, Laguna Niguel, retired teacher
I ride bikes — but never in traffic. I can’t tell how many times I’ve seen a group of cyclists take up the entire lane instead of riding single file. Also, cyclists cut right in front of me to turn right or left. I’ve also seen bikes coming from the right, going in the wrong direction in the bike lane.
Bryan Hutcheson, Coto de Caza, vice president sales
I ride the roads almost daily. I am very concerned about distracted drivers, speed and the fact that many drivers pass much too close. I have considered ending my rides because I sometimes think it is a form of Russian roulette. Last week, I was on my road bike when I heard popping noises. I looked to my left and there was a driver firing a gun at me. I could not determine what type of gun it was, but I did hear rounds hitting leaves and trees.
Cliff Wasson, San Clemente, retired
I cringe when I’m passing riders because I am never sure what they will do. It’s scary.Drivers, too, are a problem. Look out for the young person who is driving too fast with his dog on his lap and dialing his girlfriend while juggling a 20-ounce soda between his legs and a Big-Mac in his hand.
Steve Short, Orange, retired software services director
When I cycle, I always ride single file and try to stay far to the right. When I see bicycle riders riding side-by-side, I figure they don’t deserve a 3-foot buffer. I think the new law should have stipulated that bikers need to ride single file and stay to the right.
Brent Deshotels, Anaheim, Class A truck driver
Being a truck driver for 30 years, I see bikes in the left turn lane for cars. They hold up traffic. I was on Glassell-Kramer going over the 91 freeway when this bicycle rider was taking up the whole right lane like he was riding a motorcycle. He would not move over. Just because these guys dress like they’re in the Tour de France, why do they think they can ride in traffic lanes?
Dennis Brandt, Cypress, retired from Hughes Aircraft/Raytheon Aerospace
This 3-foot rule is a joke with all the texters. They are worse than drunk drivers. I ride the river trails five days a week and rarely, if ever, ride on roads. While bikers may have a right to be on a shared road with autos, as my wife says, they may be dead right.
Rod MacDonald, Newport Beach, builder
I can’t tell you how many times I have come through Corona del Mar and had to change lanes to get away from bike traffic because two or more cyclists are riding two abreast while chatting up a storm, oblivious to motorists.
Wayne Ford, Huntington Beach, retired pool and landscape contractor
I hope we can get bicycle riders to realize they do not own the road. They need to realize that drivers are furious about having to maneuver into the other lane to avoid hitting them as they weave in and out and/or ride side-by-side, on or over the bike lane. There should be a, “Give cars three feet,” rule.
John Keys, La Mirada, retired from Frito Lay
As an occasional bicyclist and a frequent motorcyclist, I have noticed in the last 10 to 15 years a significant increase in distracted driving, always from cell phones. As these devices have become more prevalent, I have learned to be even more aware of my surroundings and be a better defensive rider. Two things need to happen. Motorists get off your cell phones. Bikers don’t be knuckleheads; ride single file and stay in the bike lane.
Pierre Ingardia, Rancho Santa Margarita, accountant
If cities would sweep the bike lane more often, cyclists could ride deeper in the lane instead of hugging the line where there is less debris. I ride a lot of the same streets and see the same glass, nuts, bolts, wires and more for weeks and months.