To the editor:

I’ve been driving for over 40 years and I have never known bicyclists to follow traffic laws. You must assume bicyclists are not going to respect the traffic laws and give them special attention. This is something I have learned to live with.

I work in Lawrence and drive throughout the city. I find most drivers who make turns onto double-lane roads make illegal wide turns. I see drivers constantly using the turn lane located in the middle of Sixth, Iowa and 23rd streets as a “pull out into traffic lane.” At the intersection of 23rd and Iowa streets the last few drivers turning left onto 23rd Street from Iowa Street always turn after the green arrow has changed to red. This happens at almost every light change.

Now that many people use their cell phones while driving, you can see that special attention must be given to the motorists of Lawrence.

So, the next time you see a bicyclist not abiding by the traffic laws, remember that most drivers in Lawrence do not abide by traffic laws.

This is something I have learned to live with.

Fred Schneider,

Oskaloosa