Have something to say? Lookout welcomes letters to the editor, within our policies, from readers. Guidelines here.
I wish to comment briefly on your article about Santa Cruz being so dangerous for bicycle riders, ranking sixth in the state.
Important information about the cause of these accidents is missing from the article. According to a Santa Cruz County Active Transportation Plan study in 2022, 50% of bicycle-automobile accidents in unincorporated Santa Cruz County were caused by the bicyclist. And 39% were caused by the automobile driver and 10% were “unknown causes.”
I understand the article dealt with accidents occurring within the city limits, not unincorporated areas, but I’m willing to bet my bicycle helmet and lighting equipment that the accidents within the city follow similar ratios of fault.
I’m sure many of your readers, like me, have witnessed bicyclists riding at night with no lights or safety gear, cutting across lanes, running stop signs or stoplights, and many other unsafe practices. This behavior has almost certainly added to the city’s accident rates. Perhaps the city of Santa Cruz is also in the top sixth ranking for careless or reckless bike riders as well?
Richard Veum
Former Santa Cruz resident and current bike rider
San Luis Obispo
