Hammock Road Bike Path

I have been wanting to write a letter to the newspaper for some time about an ongoing problem here in the Hammock Road area. After reading the article in Monday's Highlands Today about the terrible accident on the Hammock Road bike path, I felt it was very necessary.

I live in the Hammock Highlands subdivision on Hammock Road, across from Golf Hammock. Every day I see lots of people enjoying the bike path; walking, jogging, roller-blading and bicycling. I think it's great that they have such a nice place to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. However, with the exception of Lakewood Road at the YMCA and Jacklin Avenue at the Circle K, where there is high traffic volume, you rarely see bicyclists obey the stop signs at the roads leading into the smaller neighborhoods.

I can't tell you how many times, especially in the mornings, I have had to literally slam on the brake to avoid colliding with bicyclists who fly through the stop sign, not even slowing down or looking both ways. I have had to do this more than once for the same bicyclists.

The view from Lockman Road is obstructed by trees and bushes on both sides of the road, so you cannot see the oncoming bicyclists until they are right at the stop sign in the intersection. Stop signs are the same whether you are in a vehicle or on a bike. If you fail to stop, you are breaking the law. There are more accidents waiting to happen, if people are not more cautious and careful at these intersections.

I wish Ranger Smith a full and quick recovery. I also sympathize with Ms. Conklin, who I am sure is having a difficult time dealing with the fact that Smith was severely injured in the accident, even though she was not at fault.

Kim Corby Walker
Sebring