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

[JonIsaacs at aol.com]

In a message dated 2/20/2008 5:17:46 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
forester at johnforester.com writes:

> Putting the onus, both legally and socially, on the cyclist to prove
> that he was riding in a proper lateral position, when such is not
> required of motorists, has always been one of my criticisms of bike
> lanes, and of sidepaths, where such are applicable. The bicycle
> advocates who advocate bike lanes and bike paths don't seem to mind this
> problem. Maybe they feel the same as the motorists do?
> 

John:

I used to feel that way.  But one day, several years ago, not long after I 
joined this list I read a post that changed my mind.  It started with a 
discussion of road conditions prior to WWII.  At that time apparently, people believed 
the roads were for everyone, cars, bicycles, tractors, donkeys, whatever...   
It further discussed how things have changed since then.  

These days,  I see the difficulties Bike Lanes present, most often they seem 
to improperly position cyclists at intersections and mid block too and promote 
poor lane choices and confusion... I present myself with an ambiguous course 
of action:  Do I ride in the Bike Lane or do I position myself properly so I 
am not vulnerable?  Things would certainly be simpler if there were no bike 
lanes AND everyone accepted/respected the rights of cars and trucks and donkeys 
and bikes to be right there on the road where we all belong.

Thank you for writing that post that changed my mind.  It forced me to take a 
step back and reevaluate my attitudes and perceptions.

Jon Isaacs 




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