Members of Critical Mass cycle around Copley Square during their monthly ride through the city.
(David Kamerman/Globe Staff)
I was dismayed to find that your article on monthly Critical Mass bicycle rides ("Achieving Critical Mass," City Weekly, Jan. 6) made no mention of their impact on pedestrians.
I agree that auto drivers in Boston are aggressive and dangerous to bicyclists. I gave up cycling in the city more than 30 years ago for that reason. However, bicyclists treat pedestrians with even more contempt and aggressiveness. Refusing to stop at red lights does not affect only auto drivers. What about pedestrians using the crosswalks at those intersections? Are they not entitled to access to the road as well?
Worse, riding on sidewalks is endemic, although illegal. Even the Boston University bicycle police ride on the sidewalks. At my local bus stop, it is impossible for bus drivers to stop at the curb because two memorial bicycles for Kelly Wallace are blocking access (one chained to the bus stop pole itself, and currently overturned and even more in the way than usual). Too many Boston bicyclists show disrespect for all other forms of transportation, not just toward careless drivers.
Charity Stafford
Allston
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