Stop signs govern cyclists, too

To the Community:

At dusk on Sunday, two bicyclists went through the stop sign (failed to stop; didn’t even slow down) at the intersection of Wellesley Road and Swarthmore Avenue. They were going at a fairly high speed, traveling downhill towards town. They didn’t seem to realize that there was a stop sign, or that traffic makes turns from Wellesley onto Swarthmore Avenue. This is a three-way intersection, all-way stop.

Bicyclists are required by the state to obey traffic laws. This is a dangerous intersection, which is why there’s a crossing guard in the afternoon. I’m hoping these cyclists read this letter and it gives them pause. They were lucky this time. This intersection is also notorious for cars doing quick roll-throughs and for not stopping at all, especially at rush hour. The police do monitor the intersection, but they can’t be there 24/7. Maybe we need more obvious signage — something that flashes. Cars and cyclists: Stop at the stop signs!

Beth Fletcher
Swarthmore