To the Editor:

On Thursday night, Sept. 25, I was driving out of Altamont toward Guilderland Center under the posted 45-miles-per-hour speed limit and came upon the slight downhill grade past Hawes Road near the power station. There was traffic approaching me up the small hill, and at the last minute I see a boy riding a bicycle on the right.

I would say he was about 12 or 14 years old. The only lighting he had were the reflectors on the back of his pedals. I slowed, and then, when I was rather close to him, he swerved out into the driving lane and I almost hit him.

I had to brake hard to avoid him, then noticed he was “texting” or doing something with his cell phone in his hand. I thought I would pull over and have a chat with him that he was lucky I did not hit him, but thought I had better not.

I see this constantly on the road, kids (and grown-ups) not riding bicycles on the right side of the road (with traffic) and walking on the left (against traffic), which is what you are supposed to do. I have mentioned this to some kids and they reply their parents tell them to ride on the left, which is incorrect.

Also, I believe in the town of Guilderland, it is the law that under the age of 15 a helmet is required. That might even be a state law. I think parents and school administrators ought to be sitting our young people down and teaching them these rules.

And, the use of a cell phone while riding (or, riding with ear plugs in) is not only stupid, but also dangerous.

This young man was lucky I was observant, and to tell the truth the car behind me (I drive a pickup) almost hit him also as the driver could not see over my truck and what I was possibly doing slowing down so quickly, and swerving to avoid him.

These factors, and the time of year where it is getting darker much earlier, contribute to some real safety issues. One other point, if I may: If you are going to walk, jog, or ride a bicycle when it is dark or almost dark, wear clothing that is visible, or wear something reflective, or have a light.

And walk on the correct side of the road, the left, facing traffic. Bicycles on the right, with traffic.

Jeff Jones
Rotterdam

Editor’s note: New York State law requires children under the age of 14 to wear helmets when bicycling or riding as passengers on bicycles; the maximum penalty for violating the law is a $50 fine. Guilderland’s law, too, specifies that children under the age of 14 must wear helmets.