Mood:
caffeinatedTopic: RANTING&RAVING
Reading a link to this...
Statesman Blog and came across a load of manure about why bikes shouldn't be on the roads, should be licensed, etc. The posts were prompted by the question of what is the most dangerous local intersection for cyclists and cars.
One person writes:
"OK If you want to treat bycycles as vehicles.
1.All bycycles must have registration tags yearly, say min $25
2.All bycyles must have inspection stickers yearly, say min $10
All cyclist must take a course and be licensed.
4.All cyclyst must carry insurance, liability at a minimun.
You want to have the same rights as automobiles, then pay for the privileged like REAL vehicles do."
The words are shocking in their ignorance and malice. Bicycles are already legally considered vehicles. Saying you want additional restrictions on them and ignoring this shows only a lack of respect for the law -- and shoddy thinking.
We who ride have to obey all the vehicle laws -- even those that don't apply to us -- like stopping at a stopsign on a main road to make a right, when we are drivign on the shoulder not the lane so any oncoming car's aren't even in our line of travel.
As to those ludicrous ideas of insuring and licensing bikes, there is no reason to license or insure bicycles as the damage they could cause, and their number on the road, are minimal compared to SUV's and cars.
"REAL" vehicles -- cars? -- don't get charged insurance cause it gives them more *rights* on the street, they are required to be insured because they present a greater *danger* on the street. Insurance is about risk, not rights or priveledges.
Some people just spout out stuff without thinking. I doubt she (assume Jen is a she?) realizes either, the inflatable tire was invented for the bicycle?
Another person writes: "ANY INTERSECTION! It is absolutely insane for anyone to get on a bicycle and go out into Austin traffic and expect to ride safely on the same roadway as vehicles. Absolutely Insane!!! It poses a hazard for the drivers as well as those on the bicycles. I cannot believe that it is not against the law to do so."
Just to remind some New Jerseyians who feel the Garden State is the most un-bike friendly place in the nation, recall these kind words about cyclists from Austin TX: "It is absolutely insane! I can't believe it is not against the law!"
As the man said, better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt.
Bicycles are already *legally considered vehicles* -- already (reduncancy deliberate). We are required to stop at lights and stopsigns and obey other laws...
A lot of the motorists positngon this board cloak their words in concern for the cyclists but they are only concern for themselves: "As more cars take to the streets the bikes will be at risk", said one poster; "they can skid out" said another, also raising the risk of inhaling pollution. Where do you think this auto congestion and pollution comes from? Too many bicycles?
Most cyclists own cars and drive. A lot of them are wither frugal enough to ride to save $, or ride for the fun of it. The6y already pay the overpriced insurance required by law and DMV fees, etc.
Bicycles are already "Street legal" without htese requirement. And imposing them makes no sense given the almost negligible danger a bicycle poses to a Humvee.
When I drive I am cautious of cyclists. When I ride I am cautious of cars. However I have been shot at (w/ a bb gun), had bottles thrown at me, and been run off the road by cars. I have been hit by cars 5 times despite having never violated any traffic laws and exercising more than normal courtesy towards the cars on the road. I should like to see some of those same cars do the same. They don't have to be courtious to me -- this is America in the 21st century and no one is polite any more -- but at least use turn signals when swerving at me over the legal speed limit.
Out society takes people who could never pass the already onerous restrictions for gun ownership and sets them loose on the streets in 4 ton missiles with steering wheels. Fact is the bikes were here first, why do you think the inflatable tire was invented. You car worshippers came later. You don't have to like sharing. But you have to obey the laws. I do so when I drive.
- Elvis