To the editor:

As a frequent cyclist who prefers the use of Sanibel’s and Captiva’s roads rather than the island’s bike paths, I am the frequent victim of menacing road rage from motorists. I personally make every effort to ride as close to the side of the road as possible so as not to interfere with oncoming traffic. But many drivers might well be unaware that bicycles are legally permitted vehicles on Florida roads.

The reason I avoid the official bike paths is that they are less safe for fast riders like me. Their surface conditions are much less conducive to maintaining good speed, and the possibility for a collision with slower bikers, pedestrians, dog-walkers or strollers poses safety hazards.

Most island motorists, truck-drivers included, are respectful, cooperative and forgiving toward cyclists, but those who are not can ruin one’s day and transform the pleasurable experience of a great island bike ride into an occasion of unnecessary distress or even a threat to personal safety.

Perhaps signage can be installed along roads advising drivers to share the road with cyclists. It might not entirely contain driver anger but would at least uphold cyclists’ legal use of our island roads.

Philip D. Restifo

Sanibel