I was reading a discussion over on Treehugger about laws that bicyclists should or should not obey. I’m all for obeying the laws, and I consider myself a safe driver and biker; hell, I do the speed limit on the turnpike and someone’s always swerving around me impatiently when I’m the far right lane already. Anyway, driving and bicycling on roads tends to lead to most people assuming traffic laws are merely suggestions. If everyone drove, rode, and walked/ran like they were supposed to, there would be less of an issue, but that’s not the case so I consider it a moot point. Many traffic laws are dated and could use some revision, even if it is only minor, but it can only be done at the speed of the local or state government, and then it only matters if people pay attention to them and they are enforced. Then again, we always could look at some European countries that have been dealing with the issue for longer and might have some good plans in effect already. Yes, cyclists do not always go as fast as cars (or as fast as drivers want them to go), but they still have the same rights on the roads. Just today, on the way back to the office from lunch at home, I came to a stop at four-way stop, even though there was no one coming. The car behind me stopped when I stopped, but once I started going went as well, passing me in the intersection. I’d like to say this is not common, but it is. So it goes I guess. I am glad to be seeing more cyclists on the roads though. Perhaps some laws will be changed due to the number of people taking to their bicycles for transportation.
The ODOT Bicycling Homepage. I’m throwing this up there for anyone who might be reading in BG or Ohio who do any amount of bicycling; it’s worth looking over. I enjoyed the following from near the end of the guide they have:
Some drivers try to cut across in front of you. They inch out from a driveway or stop sign and treat you as if you have no right to the road.
These drivers seem more dangerous than they actually are. Most drivers who play these tricks are only trying to bluff you. They inch forward with one foot on the gas pedal and the other on the brake pedal, waiting to see whether you’ll stop.
Giving in to this bullying will slow you down and leave your self-esteem in shambles. Stand up for your rights. Don’t let rude drivers spoil your trip.
We’re on to you, you tricksy drivers.
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