To the editor:

Sunday, July 23, around 9:45 a.m., as I stopped at the four-way stop heading north at Douglas County l057 Road or l900 Road and Douglas County 458 Road, there arrived from the east three bicyclists, each one following the other about two car lengths apart. Since I arrived at the four-way stop first I started to move with the intention of turning west to go on 458. However, the lead bicyclist did not stop at the stop sign and continued to turn in front of me heading south. Of course, I stopped immediately. The other two bicyclists continued to follow without stopping at the stop sign.

It has been my understanding that the one who arrives first at a four-way stop has the right of way to proceed in the direction they choose after stopping. If there is more than one vehicle arriving from any direction, they take turns according to their arrival time at the four-way stop, and this applies to any type of vehicle.

If bicyclists are going to travel these narrow country roads, they need to observe and obey the traffic signs and laws of the road.

My concern is not who is right or wrong but safety for all. If we all abide by the same rules, we can work together traveling the roads safely. I hope never to see one of those little crosses at that corner because someone did not observe the rules and caused a fatal accident.

John N. Gutschenritter,

Eudora