I hope that my entire letter is shown here.

I am offering an opposing view to this matter of the letter by Legislator Barraga, His letter has now received considerable attention via the internet where he is now seen as an opponent of bicycles and where he has received some very nasty personal comments from around the world.

My view is this. Mr. Barraga was not asked about cycling as exercise, for saving the environment, for ways to have fun, or to build relationships. He was asked about safety from motor vehicles while riding a bicycle in the Babylon area.

I did find his response to be oddly written, yet because he said it is not safe to run, ride a bicycle, or ride a motorcycle on the streets of Suffolk County, I believe his comments on safety were not aimed at cyclists, but at motor vehicles and, by extension, drivers. Motor vehicles in Suffolk County are big, fast, and numerous. Drivers can be rude and dangerous. Newsday points out that nearly 20% of the entire state's cycling fatalities occur in Suffolk.

I agree with Mr. Barraga that we already have plenty of signage on the roads and there are plenty of drivers who choose to ignore those posted signs and laws. More signage will not improve poor driving habits. I would prefer education of drivers during those insurance reduction classes and I believe more severe and consistent penalties, not leniency from judges, might make a difference.

While riding, it does not take long for a cyclist to be safely passed by one or even ten thousand cars with drivers who are courteous, law abiding, and patient. No problem there. I know, and you do too, that it takes just one driver who is distracted by electronics, impaired by alcohol or other drugs, has anger issues, or is merely impatient and then our safety is put in jeopardy. You will recall that last year there was a very experienced cyclist, who was riding in daylight, well into the shoulder portion of the LIE service road in the Huntington area and he was struck and killed by a vehicle.

I have been cut off by drivers who were too impatient to obey the rules of the road or, more plainly, the rules of safety and or simple courtesy. One of out SBRA riders was on a daylight club ride, was riding with bright colors, had a light on the front of her bike and she narrowly escaped injury when cut off by a turning vehicle driven by an impatient driver. A few years ago, another of our SBRA members was struck by a car that went right through a red light. I am sure there are many other examples to illustrate the dangers.

Safety while cycling in Suffolk County is uncertain. As the young man wrote about his mother, you can do everything right and motorists can, and do, make it dangerous. On this point, I agree with the young man and with Legislator Barraga.

Finally, I agree with the suggestion by Jose. I believe an invitation for Mr. Barraga to attend one of our club meetings could lead to an honest dialogue, an exchange of ideas, real solutions, and possibly an ally in the Legislature.

Respectfully submitted.