Steve Sumner: However, it seems to me that a lot of bicyclists have a purposeful disregard for even the most basic of traffic laws. I have even heard a few tell me that the laws don't apply to them. It seems that every time I see a bicyclist on the road they don't regard the laws at all. It doesn't even seem that they pay attention at intersections (the example that I cited of near misses). Typically, with all due respect to the people who emailed me, the argument that "car drivers break laws too" has been one that I've heard from the people who say the laws don't apply to them. Point: Everyone needs obey the traffic laws, even bicyclists.
Kris: It seems to me you don't make your point very well when you go on to lump all bicyclists (or at least all the ones you see!) into a "laws don't apply to me" category. As a road cyclist and racer I am bummed out to be lumped in that category. I have lots of personal experience with reckless endangerment by vehicles on the roads of Minneapolis but not by all motorist that I see! I have also experienced cyclists and motorists that do not obey traffic laws. Instead of pitting cyclists against drivers (most do both!), report reckless driving of any individual vehicle if it makes you feel better. In MN, a bicycle is considered a legal road vehicle, and just like road vehicles, has certain rights and must obey all traffic laws. See MN statutes (69.222?) if you are curious about bicycling rights and obligations on the roads. Also, no matter how mad you are at that cyclist on your road, you have a legal obligation not to endanger them. No matter what. Email me directly if you would like information on Minneapolis cycling resources and I'll try to help out. road cycling can be a silent sport too! Kris Musser Linden Hills _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
