Slow down, I want to be alive tomorrow

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Elkhorn Blvd runs through Rio Linda, North Highlands and Antelope to Greenback Lane. There are two lanes both going up and going down Elkhorn. Yet, Speedway is more like what this strip of road should be called. The speed limit is 45 mph. Only I am often tailgated, given the finger and honked at by doing 45. 

The California Highway Patrol has been made aware of the speeding and continues to be made aware. But, you cannot have a policeman everyday on the length of Elkhorn. There was excitement a few weeks ago when I noticed the Patrol had set up a “hey your doing ___ this speed” display. I could see people in front of me, laughing and pointing at the sign as they were racing by. I am surprised those machines actually made it in one piece while tethered to the ground. Some just can’t resist an unarmed anything sitting in the dark.

I live on 22nd street, the base side. Every time I want to go up Elkhorn, I go to 16th street to catch the light.  All because I would never think of taking a right at the end of 22nd and Elkhorn. I know of two accidents within the last couple of months, someone on 22nd and 24th trying to take a left. 

Also, I never go when the light on Elkhorn turns green, until I have made sure everyone wanting to run the red light has had their chance. Unfortunately, this is not a funny statement. I am sure many of you have been glad you waited on a green light.

Then the people on bikes ride so close to the car lane, I freak out. All it would take is their tire hitting a rock the wrong way and they would be in my lane. Yes, it would be an accident, but it could also be a tragedy.  So please, ride closer to the right on the bike path. Lastly, “Don’t wear black clothing, and have a black bike with no lights after dusk!!” I have almost hit two separate people I did not see until that last minute. 

I know many are trying to get the speeding and the drag racing and the stupidity on Elkhorn Blvd fixed, I hope it is sooner than later before several more people don’t live to drive 45 mph on Elkhorn. Slow down, I want to be alive tomorrow.