They are everywhere – on the city roads, on the country roads, but it seems their favorite place is Quivira. It’s no secret that the bicyclists are a problem, and a dangerous one at that.

I think we all have had an encounter with one or two bicyclists. You are on your way to school, running late, and you’re not even able to go the speed limit because of the cyclists, you could try passing, but don’t forget, no passing zone.

Passing the bicyclists on this road is simply not an option. Quivira is a hilly road with numerous blind spots, so why do so many cyclists choose this dangerous route so often?

Personally, I have had many near hits, and have been confused as to what to do in certain situations. I know it’s tempting to zoom past them or ride their tail and hold on the horn, but try to fight the temptation.

If a bicyclist is in your lane and in front of you, here’s what you should do: Stay well behind the bicyclist until he or she turns off, or gets in a designated bike lane, or if you have a lane next to you, make a lane change and pass him when it is safe and legal to do so.

There have been many complaints about the traffic and the bikers on Quivira, such as ‘all these bikers are making me late’ or ‘it’s not my fault I’m late, there were three bikers in front of me and a minivan.’

Since there is so much construction and traffic, try to leave ten minutes earlier then you normally would for school. If you want to try to avoid the traffic and bikers in the morning, you don’t have to take Quivira.

I truly believe that everyone has a right on the roads. We need to try to think from a cyclist’s perspective. Most bicyclists are adults, and work during the day. With this crazy Kansas heat, they go in the mornings to try to avoid heat stroke.

Although most bicyclists ride for a good workout, a lot also do so for recreation, training for marathons and fundraisers. So they aren’t bicycling just to get on your nerves, they ride to work out and to train.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 630 bicyclists died last year, and 51,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic in 2009.

So let’s be good citizens and follow the traffic rules on Quivira. It may be frustrating but they aren’t leaving any time soon.

Next time you think about honking and screaming at the bicyclist in front of you – try to remember, though it is annoying, it is legal and they do have just as much of a right to be there as you.