Perhaps it's age. Perhaps wisdom. Perhaps I just didn't have enough coffee this morning...
Whatever it is, I've finally decided what side of the "should cyclists cycle in accordance with the law or however the heck they feel like it" debate.
In my opinion, cyclists should act as though they are operating vehicles.
This means riding on the proper side of the road.
This means NOT blasting through stop signs.
This means taking their proper place in the left turn lane.
This means riding responsibly on the roads and not limiting themselves to bike paths.
I am fed up with seeing so many cyclists riding in ways that make them more likely to be roadkill and it's usually because they're not riding in ways drivers can predict.
So, with all the emphasis today's society is placing on going "green", perhaps a little should be done to increase awareness of road safety for both cyclists and drivers. I'll be harping on that in future posts.
What side of the debate are you on? Why?
Opinions always welcome.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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2 comments:
I'm with you, to a large degree. Cyclists should behave predictably with regards to travel direction and lane position because to do otherwise is foolhardy. However, not all instances of "blasting through a stop sign" are necessarily dangerous. Bicycles have shorter stopping distances, travel slower, and afford the rider much better visibility than a driver has.... I think going through a stop sign with hands on the brake levers and head on a swivel is pretty safe.
There is the "drivers will respect us more if we obey all the laws" argument, but I don't believe it. Drivers basically want us off the road and out of their way, regardless of how we ride, and don't much care how we act, IMHO.
People should read this.
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