[SDCBC] I have a choice, was Pet peeve: cyclists have "no choice" but to be unsafe/crazy

[Jim Baross]

I intend to continue to be able to chose to use a bicycle on public 
roads, assertively, courteously and legally. I do not intend to only 
ride on trails, multi-use paths, sidewalks, in door-zone Bike Lanes 
or squeezed to the side in lanes too narrow to share side-by-side. 
It's my road too. There is no right of speed, just right of way.

I do protect myself as best I can from being hit. I ride figilantly 
and to be very visible, very predictable - same roads, same rules, 
same rights - and by being very legal.

The best way I know to take back the streets from motor-bullies is to 
NOT GIVE UP THE ROADS! Just like dealing with the school-yard bully; 
letting them continue didn't work, taking another way home didn't 
always work, hitting back won't usually work, but making their 
illegal actions public as illegal, anti-social, anti-environment acts 
can work.

I teach and try to encourage others to use a bicycle competently and 
legally for (at least some) trips because of all the good reasons to 
use a bike rather than a car AND because, as legally operating 
bicyclists become a larger part of the traffic mix, there will be 
less of the "YOU DON"T BELONG IN MY WAY" responses from motor-bullies.

Join me? My effort is to change the world by and for bicycling.

Jim (well, some of it anyway) Baross

At 08:41 PM 2/19/2008, DH wrote:
>Tom,
>
>Thank you for your reasonable input here.  I have and do "take the 
>lane" on Highway 101 (do NOT call it PCH).
>I have done it solo, with a friend or two, and with a huge bike 
>club.  The hostility expressed toward me/us is unbelievable.  I/we 
>have had water thrown at us, a water bottle thrown, swearing, 
>gestures, beeping horns, ridden off the road (more on this one), and 
>various angry statements, "get in the bike lane," comes to mind (a 
>big truck mind you).  It is so frightening and unpleasant that I 
>ride elsewhere whenever possible.
>
>Recently, a group from my bike club (I was sick that week) was 
>systematically ridden one by one into the ditch by a plumber in a 
>truck.  These were all experienced cyclists and were "taking the 
>lane."  Police were called and guess what?  They were told to stay 
>in the bike lane and the police man sided with the road-raging 
>plumber.  In North County, a man attacked a pack of riders and put 
>someone in the hospital - pins in hip, broken collar bone, 
>etc.  This guy actually got in trouble as there were numerous 
>motorists who served as witnesses(non-bicycling witnesses).
>
>I believe better bike lanes such the as the 56 trail and no parking 
>next to bike lanes are still the safest bet for everyone 
>involved.  Taking the lane creates hostility in this city.  Try the 
>101 when there is an accident on the 5 and it is a two-lane 
>temporary "highway" with LA drivers ready to kill you.  Try taking 
>the lane then.  Recently, that was the case.
>
>There are classes (which I have taken) and there is 
>reality.  Better/safer biking routes is one of the solutions.  Is 
>that not the purpose of the upcoming meetings?  There are rights of 
>bicyclists as stated in various laws, but try explaining that to a 
>hostile person in a metal cage who has been sitting on the 5 South 
>for 3 hours and now wants a shortcut.

Jim Baross
San Diego, California
619-280-6908

Chair, SANDAG Bicycle Pedestrian Working Group
Vice Chair, Calif. Bicycle Advisory Committee
President, Calif. Association of Bicycle Organizations
Board Member, Calif. Bicycle Coalition
Spokesperson, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
League LCI Trainer & Effective Cycling Instructor #185 K-C

"Cyclists should expect and demand safe accommodation on our public 
roads, just as does every other user.
Nothing more is expected. Nothing less is acceptable."
        Jack R. Taylor

"Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles."
        John Forester

"Same Roads Same Rules Same Rights"
        SDCBC

"Roads are for people, not just for people in cars."
        Jim Baross 
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