As the number of bicyclists in Denton increases, it makes good sense to consider traffic ordinances that would help protect the cyclists on our city streets. But such a law should go hand-in-hand with a concentrated effort to educate cyclists about safety measures they should be taking, and perhaps an ordinance governing their behavior as well as that of motorists.

City Council member Dalton Gregory has suggested a “safe passing” ordinance that would require motorists to give cyclists, pedestrians and children ample leeway when passing them on city streets. A San Antonio ordinance requires that automobile drivers to pass cyclists no closer than three feet. Larger trucks must give six feet of leeway.

We are not sure of those numbers are ideal, or even desirable, for Denton streets, but the general idea is a sound one, and worth studying seriously.

At the same time, the council should take a look at how Denton cyclists are behaving on the city’s streets. Perhaps there are already enough laws on the books governing the conduct of cyclists. If there are, then the city should begin an information program about them at the same time as it enacts a new law concerning motorists. If there aren’t enough regulations concerning the safe and legal ways to ride a bicycle on the public streets, the council should look into passing one along with any new laws for motorists.

Any new law, or group of laws, should shade on the side of the cyclists. They, like pedestrians, are the more vulnerable in any potential confrontation, and they deserve more protection. Moreover, the corps of cyclists on Denton’s streets includes children as well as adults. They are naturally less aware of the dangers they face and are less attentive than most of their adult counterparts. When a child on a bicycle is hit by a car, it is no consolation to the driver to know the law was on his side.

But cyclists, too, have a responsibility to obey both the written rules of the road and the common-sense rules of safety.

Even children should have these official and unofficial rules drummed into their heads if they are to be allowed on the public streets.

Gregory has a good idea, and it could be a springboard to an even better one: a comprehensive look at bicycle traffic patterns and bicyclists’ behavior on city streets, and a set of ordinances for both cyclists and drivers to better ensure the safety of both.

Erratum

On Friday, Feb. 19, a letter to the editor on this page contained an error in the signature block because of a transcription error by the editor. The letter, which endorsed Justice of the Peace Joe Holland for re-election, was sent by George and Betty Jane Morrison.