Wildwood police help motorists, bicyclists get along

While Wildwood's beautiful, rural scenery attracts bicyclists from throughout St. Louis County, officers with the Wildwood Precinct of the St. Louis County Police Department are encouraging them and motorists to remember to be courteous toward each other and share the roads.

Police say that, occasionally, conflicts have occurred between the two groups.

Two recent confrontations brought to the attention of the county police in Wildwood have caused officers concern and have prompted efforts to educate drivers and cyclists in hopes of reducing the risk of future disagreements, said Capt. Gary Crews, precinct commander.

He said those two incidents led to charges being filed against a motorist for reckless driving and a passenger for peace disturbance. . . .

He said some drivers may not realize bicycles are considered to be vehicles with all of the same rights as cars.

Crews said some cyclists apparently are not aware they have the same responsibilities to obey traffic laws as cars.

"We are trying to get both to be more attentive to their rights and responsibilities," he said.