How to make the roads safer for cars and bikes

Cars and bikes can be a dangerous mix,

Your view, Aug.29

Has the time come that the rules of the road should be considered for a change as they relate to bicycles? Pedestrians are to walk on the left side of the road toward traffic where there are no sidewalks. Have you ever thought if this would be safer for a cyclist?

Today traffic is moving much faster and more quietly than many years ago. You do not hear the traffic coming from behind and the speed is ridiculous.

Although I have stopped riding for this reason, I have found by riding toward the traffic to be easier as you can see what is coming toward you and the type of driver you are facing.

This can also work in reverse. The driver sees you approaching and if paying any attention at all, can determine obstacles that the rider is approaching. A cyclist can also see if a door is going to be opened as they approach a parked car or if the driver is on the cellphone or doing some other ridiculous thing.

There are many variables that must be considered and I would like to open the subject for a good discussion. May I suggest that on a side street where there is not a heavy traffic situation to give it a try.

W. Ralph Brown, Bowmanville

It makes me very angry that we continue to bemoan the dangers and assign blame to either cyclists or drivers when the answer seems so obvious.

Enact a law that bikes (inline skates,etc.) travel against the flow of traffic.

It used to be that anyone who grew up in the country knew they should walk or ride facing oncoming traffic.

What has happened to common sense?

Doris Power, Toronto

Canadian clunkers

program is a `sick joke'

Canadian clunker cash plan laugh- able, Lorraine Sommerfeld, Aug. 29

Lorraine Sommerfeld's article should have called the plan pathetic, not laughable.

I recently tried to use the program thinking it was the "right thing to do" with my old vehicle.

This program is nothing but a sick joke.

It is almost impossible to get someone on the phone. If you want information, it is only available in the inadequate FAQ section on their website.

After expressing frustration in an email, I did receive a phone call back. The gentleman told me they only have two people working the phones.

I would be required to send in my original ownership (not a copy) and then wait. How long? Maybe six weeks to find out if my vehicle met their requirements.

I would have to store it, not drive it, send the title in and not know if or when my vehicle might be picked up. I would only get this information a day or so before pickup. They also would not tell me on the phone where I might drop the vehicle off. This would only be done once my ownership was mailed in and a decision was made.

Not wanting to wait for the unknown, I sold the vehicle and it is still on the road. I think this program is designed to keep clunkers on the road.

Tim Pirie, Orangeville

Motorbike review brings back happy memories

Thunderbird truly is a triumph,

Steve Bond, Aug.29

I was so pleased to read your article on the new Triumph. It took me back in time to 1954 when I owned a 1954 Triumph Tiger 110 650 cc twin. At that time, Triumph was the bike to own.

I can see a lot of similarities in the Triumph Thunderbird to the Tiger 110, like the shape of the front end, the exhaust pipes, gas tank, headlight, fenders, etc.

Many thanks for writing the article. It took me back to many happy times on my Tiger 110.

I emigrated to Canada from England in 1957 and it was a sad day selling the bike.

Brian Hull, Grand Valley, Ont.

The better way for GM

to tout the Volt?

GM asking for trouble with Volt mileage claims, Green Wheels, Aug. 22

I disagree with Peter Gorrie's comment that this mileage claim by General Motors would "leave a lingering bad taste." I believe the target demographic for the Volt is not naive to think it would indeed return 230 m.p.g. Nonsense!

The Volt actually delivers 0 gallons per mile (g.p.m.), if you keep driving ranges at 60 kilometres.

If I were a GM marketing person, I would plaster a huge smiley face ZERO all over North America. (The "infinity symbol g.p.m." might be a tad over the top.)

When I think of GM I am reminded of those John Wayne movies: sure, the Wayne character had faults and occasionally got beaten up, but in the end he always managed to right himself

Greg Natale, Thornhill

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Sommerfeld: Stop signs not optional, as every school kid knows

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