[SDCBC] Good article on bicycle scorrlaws

[John Forester]

John Eldon asked, with respect to a New York Times article on New 
York's Critical Mass: "Other than by setting a good example, just how 
are we lawful vehicular bicyclists expected to control the unwashed masses?"

We cannot control the unlawful and incompetent cyclists. Only society 
can do that and it is its duty to do so. Oh, I do not mean as large 
an effort as is used to control robbery and burglary and immigrant 
smuggling and such, but something commensurate with the problem. 
However, this our society refuses to do. Not only does it refuse to 
do this, but its actions and policies show that it prefers 
incompetent and unlawful cyclists to lawful and competent cyclists. 
It would cost our society nothing, and probably save money into the 
bargain, were our society to stop the acts and policies that 
demonstrate favoritism for incompetent and unlawful cycling.

The underlying policy that can be deduced from the acts of our 
society regarding cycling is that it prefers having a clear way for 
motorists to having lawful and competent cyclists. Therefore, it 
frightens bicycle users as far to the right, and off the roadway if 
possible, and it justifies this by presenting illogical, 
counterfactual, and self-contradictory excuses. As long as our 
society continues in this mode, in which it has operated for sixty 
years or so, then its members have no right to expect, and should 
have no expectation, of anything other than incompetent, unlawful, 
and even scofflaw, behavior by the majority of bicyclists. The fact 
that there are a few cyclists who have learned, without the help of 
government or society, and contrary to their attitudes, to operate 
lawfully and competently, should be seen as an unexpected benefit to society.

John Forester, MS, PE
Bicycle Transportation Engineer
7585 Church St.
Lemon Grove, CA 91945-2306
619-644-5481 www.johnforester.com