I write in response to a photo and caption, “Roads are for everyone in Oxford County” (Sun Journal, May 15).
There is not a more dangerous bicycle route through Oxford County than the Sodom Road. It is one of the most crooked and narrow in the county. It is dangerous for automobiles, to say nothing of adding recreational bicyclists creeping circuitously up and speeding headlong down the hills, and expecting their 3-foot rights on blind corners. Planning a bicycling event on Sodom Road is imprudent and extremely poor planning on the part of any organization.
In one of Shakespeare’s plays, he suggested that “Discretion is the greater part of valor.” It is within bicyclists’ rights to ride where they please, but is it wise to send a group of recreational bicyclists to such a narrow and winding road? Is there some scenic reward to be found there? Is there some good reason to put so many at risk? I think not.
It would be wise to consult with local authorities when planning an event and laying out a route that will accommodate riders with wider travel lanes and suitable shoulders in the event that escape becomes necessary. I am sure that the local police could make suitable suggestions.
Let’s be honest. None of these bicyclists are going anywhere. They are just out playing in the street.
William Kennedy, Otisfield
Editor’s note: According to Brendan Schauffler of Healthy Oxford Hills, “Our bike event offered three routes, including a popular route used by local group bike riders that includes the Sodom Road. We received positive feedback about the event from all of the riders, and none of them reported feeling unsafe. We prepped our riders on what to expect and the sort of safe riding that we expected. With safe, prudent driving, no motorist should have felt unsafe either.”
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