Ketchum, Idaho is the future Seattle for drivers

Urban cycling can be a dangerous game, but it may be the cyclists themselves making it such a harrowing venture.

As much as 49 percent of bicycle riders are at fault when they are hit by cars, according to a writer for the Washington Post. A good amount of those crashes have to do with cyclists running red lights, KIRO Radio’s Tom Tangney pointed out.

There may be three main reasons cyclists run red lights: 1. Kinetic energy; it’s much more difficult to stop and start during a ride. 2. If riders see others running lights, they feel they can do the same. 3. It’s a war on cars &#8212 an act of defiance that a small subset of riders participate in.

But the war between drivers and everyone else isn’t being waged everywhere. In some areas of the country, such as Ketchum, Idaho, pedestrians have already won.

KIRO Radio’s John Curley spent some time in Ketchum, a town with fewer than 3,000 residents. The speed limit in town is 25 mph and most drivers go about 20. And pedestrians are in charge.

“Just step on out [into the road],” Curley said. “There’s no honking or irritation.

“Everyone has agreed that this is a place that if you’re walking, you’re superior.”

Why? According to an officer Curley spoke with, people define themselves differently. Those walking around aren’t any less important than people in their vehicles.

“Whereas you’re just going to work if you’re in car [or something else not worthwhile],” Tangney threw in.

So be prepared, Seattle. If you want to see what the Emerald City is turning into, just look at our neighbors to the east.