For me it was exciting to witness the bicycle 7 Hills [ride]. I observed bicycles running red lights, riders three and four side by side blocking vehicle traffic lanes, and crossing in front of moving vehicles in all sorts of random fashion.

Clearly, the Washington State Legislature understands the bicycle issue, as [Gov. Jay] Inslee just signed into law SB5141 which allows bicycles to run red lights. The new law ought to make next year’s 7 Hills [ride] even more exciting for motorists.

After witnessing the 7 Hills [ride] I called my insurance carrier and asked the question, “am I covered if Speedo Bicycle runs into me or my vehicle?” The answer was, as bicycles have no requirement to be licensed, or carry insurance, they do not qualify as an uninsured motorist.

If Speedo Bicycle hits you or your vehicle, you have to pay for the damages until such point as your limit has been hit on comprehension deductible. For many of us motorists that is either $500 or $1,000 deductible.

The Washington State Legislature needs to pass bicycle legislation to require the licensing of bicycles and insurance for those bikes that operate with vehicles on shared roadways. There is a difference between bikes rode on bike trails and on shared highways. Once the bicycle enters the shared roadways they need to be treated as non-motored vehicles. For bicycle riders, that means bicycle insurance, bicycle operator’s license, bicycle front and rear lights, and visible clothing. That means bicycles need to obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicles and receive traffic citations if they don’t.

To bring about these needed bicycle changes motorists must contact their state legislators asking for legislation to define bicycle requirements for those bikes on shared roadways.

In the meantime, the Kirkland City Council should consider closing down the bicycle routes to motor vehicles in these 7 Hills [rides] where bicycles operate. As the law now stands, bicycles can run red lights, they have no required insurance and the pedestrian or motorist is stuck for the medical costs or repair tab if they hit you or your vehicle.

Dave Condon, Kirkland

Editors note: State law requires cyclists to stop for red lights. SB5141 only allow cyclists to go through a red light if a traffic sensor does not pick them up while waiting at a stoplight.