Op-Ed: LFP residents: Act like civil human beings

Sarah Sue Burich is a bicycle commuter who lives in North Seattle and must pass through Lake Forest Park on the Burke Gilman detour twice a day.  She has found it a frustrating and frightening experience.

To residents of Lake Forest Park,

I am a bike commuter and have to admit, Burke-Gilman construction is obnoxious. It is an inconvenience for everyone. I can understand how awful it is living right across from it. It is an eye sore, noisy, tons of construction dudes hanging out in your front yard. It is an adjustment for all, especially with new bikers on the street, creating additional hazard and stress to drives home. 

It is also stressful for us bikers as well. The new detour is longer, tiring and a lot more interface with traffic. We do not want this bike trail construction going on as much as you do! Unfortunately, it is one of our only options right now.

I make an effort to be a conscientious and safe biker. I can understand how nerve wracking it can be to drive by bikers. I’ve been in your position many times. 

However, I strongly believe that we have just as much right to be on these roads as anyone else. We are very aware of you on the roads. My intention when I get on my bike is for safety and defensive biking. 

It is difficult when there are road-enraged drivers that decide that they need to make a point and swerve at us. 

I was recently driven off the road. 

I cannot understand why bullying and endangering a human life is okay? 

What if you found out your daughter, sister or spouse was victim of such road rage? How would that feel? I want to emphasize that these bikers you see that seem like a nuisance to you are human beings. Scaring them by honking, swerving and harassing them will not only fuel your own anger, but risk hurting someone.

I request adapting to this construction until it passes like civil human beings and acknowledging the other perspective. Thank you for your consideration.