Q: Quito Road, the continuation of Lawrence Expressway, is a major commuting axis for west San Jose. The Quito-Bucknall intersection’s badly-timed traffic light creates major traffic jams at commute times, and creates delays outside of commute hours.
The light gives too much priority to Bucknall traffic compared to Quito’s much larger volume of traffic. Long lines form on Quito, extending all the way to the busy Quito/Saratoga intersection. Meanwhile, only a few cars ever wait on Bucknall.
Davide Guarisco
A: Colin-the-city-spokesman said the city’s traffic signals team will check detection equipment and signal timing here to make sure it operates as intended. They will also check peak-hour traffic and adjust timing, as necessary.
Q: Your response to cyclist Barry Goldman-Hall’s message about his harrowing experiences while riding safely was anything but supportive. Most avid road cyclists like Barry ride respectfully and attentively, yet rather than recognize that, you instead exonerate irresponsible motorists by pointing to reckless behavior of young bicyclists. What was your message there? That children are examples to justify motorists’ contempt and disregard for bicyclists?
John Gerling, Gilroy
A: Not at all. Barry thanked me for writing about automobiles and bicyclists respectfully sharing streets. As I wrote in that column, the message was for everyone to pay attention, and to help keep themselves and others safe. We share the space we travel in.
Q: One recent evening at about 7:30 p.m., I drove north on El Camino in Menlo Park. A cyclist without reflective clothing, bike lights, and helmet was riding south, and crossed right in front of me. I braked and honked. He gave me the “rude salute.” Had I not been able to stop in time, I could have ended his life and ruined mine.
Carol Zink, Redwood City
A: It is fortunate you saw him and stopped in time.
Q: Your readers have noted that young bicycle riders often haven’t been taught either the rules or the courtesies of the road. We older riders are slow to accept some lessons, as well. I taught my 5-year-old grandson how to ride a bike, patiently encouraging him to be positive: “Come on, Jesse. You can do it. Keep trying. I’ll wait for you.”
We had many good rides together over the years until one day, I realized what he was saying to me. “Come on, Grandpa. You can do it. Keep trying. I’ll wait for you.” I could still ride, but at 81, I realized I wasn’t as stable as I used to be. I climbed down from the saddle one last time and walked off into the sunset.
Norm Smith, Scotts Valley
A: Thanks for sharing your great story.
Look for Gary Richards at facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com.