As a motorist, I do not like having to assume cyclists will not stop at stop signs or traffic lights. Most of them assume motorist will stop therefore they do not have to stop.
That is my pet peeve. There is also a rather superior air about cyclists that is palpable, believe it or not, that they are somehow better than those of us who drive because bicycles do not use gasoline, bicyclists are thin etc. Granted cyclists are in more danger from motorists than the opposite. I understand about idiot motorists opening car doors which is a hazard for motorists as well. Sharing the road is not an issue as far as I am concerned; however claiming equal rights and consideration as a vehicle on the public roadways and not honoring stop signs, traffic signals, no license, insurance and riding on sidewalks etc. is not acceptable. There are quite a few situations where there is enough space for my auto to ride on the sidewalk for a short distance because I can maneuver my vehicle well, but should I do it even if I could make it? Should the police cite me for a Moving Violation and my auto insurance rates skyrocket but allow cyclists to escape the same penalty? Cyclists should come to terms with this if they demand the same road space, traffic lanes that automobiles and other motor vehicles get. Please do not assume I do not like cyclists. My own brother , a musician in the LA Philharmonic< is an avid cyclist in Los Angeles, CA and even was on the news when they tried to deny cyclists access because a business owner on a six-lane street protested a bike lane that took his street parking even though his business had it's own off-street parking. The streets here are old and a lot smaller and LA has strict cycling laws with all its huge wide streets. On Sep 13, 2012, at 1:36 PM, Dan Myers wrote: > As a formidable cyclist, I must admit that I do ride on the sidewalk rarely, > when there seems to be no one around, and there's enough space. However, I do > agree that cyclists, like myself are sometimes concerned riding on the > street, where automobile drivers are extremely inconsiderate. They constantly > cut you off - I've been hit by a car in the bike lane. They also park in the > bike lane or open their door without looking. I've had a few near misses. > I've even talked to a fellow driver who said, "I've driven on this road for > 20 years, I'm not changing." > > I also dislike when the "Penn Safety" team do things that are illegal (like > bike the wrong way on a street, ride on sidewalks) - they should be setting > an example! > > People need to be more aware that cyclists are more prevalent in this city > than any other. We have the highest percentage of commuters using bikes than > any other city in the USA. > > Dan Myers > Intuitive Licensed Masseur & Licensed Organic Nail Technician > www.breathe3.com > 215.901.0899 > > > On Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Linda <[email protected]> wrote: > I couldn't agree more! My understanding is that it is NOT legal to pedal on > sidewalks. I suspect few people know this or care. Yes, these laws should > be enforced, but they also need to to be advertised! > > I also see UCD (and Penn police?) guys pedaling on sidewalks ALL the time, as > well as cycling against traffic, either side of the street. Grrr. > > LL > > On Sep 12, 2012, at 1:51 PM, Kathleen Turner wrote: > >> I'd be thrilled if they nabbed the guy who came barreling down the sidewalk >> (Locust from 45th to 46th) and nearly ran me over last night. Few things >> annoy me more than adults riding on the sidewalks. >> >> Kathleen >> >> On Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 1:46 PM, kyle cassidy <[email protected]> wrote: >> Since there are now two lines on Walnut street where they moved the bike >> lane, i've been baffled at the number of people riding bikes east, i'm >> guessing they think that it's now two bike lanes, east and west. >> >> In other news, it's illegal to get on your bicycle before it's on the street >> or to ride up to your front steps. >> >> http://ucreview.com/safety-update-enforcement-of-bicycle-laws-p3573-73.htm >> >> Though with the number of people blocking my driveway with impunity I'm >> wondering how much enforcement there's going to be. >> >> -- >> >> >> >> >> -- >> >> > >
