anti-bike legal stuff

Bad idea compounded with a weak response. Where do drivers get the idea that it is more appropriate to remove cyclists than to slow down? And where do urban cyclists get the idea that cyclists, including both bike-as-transportation are recreational cyclists, don't exist outside of urban areas? Yeah, the skills needed to cycle safely and comfortably on rural roads are not quite identical to the skills needed to cycle safely and comfortably in city traffic. So what? They're both safe if done right, and dangerous if done wrong.

This is getting quite some coverage on Iowa radio, it seems.

over 2 years ago JFS_PGH 11 comments 0 recs |

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The comments are a riot.

I have to agree though it’s a stupid solution to a non issue.

by Christopher See on Aug 15, 2009 6:01 PM EDT reply actions

maybe in 50 years

cyclists in North America will get treated with respect by 99.9% of drivers – like in (most of) Western Europe

Where do drivers get the idea that it is more appropriate to remove cyclists than to slow down?

indeed. But I’d be worried about cycling on these roads with so many road-raged morons with a biker-chip on their shoulder.

Moo

by Willj on Aug 16, 2009 1:28 AM EDT reply actions

which is why I stick to bike paths as much as possible

after years of witnessing the driving skills demonstrated by motorists in my area, I don’t trust them any further than I can throw their vehicle. Oh, the majority are (probably) ok, but there sure are a lot of toads around here. My views weren’t softened any when a friend of mine got hit by a car on her bike a few months ago (fortunately recovered now, but good thing she was wearing a helmet).

by Le Comte on Aug 17, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

This is actually pretty damn worrisome.

I don’t know these particular roads, but once you start banning cyclists from entire categories of roads…sounds pretty much like the definition of a slippery slope to me. I mean, what road in Iowa isn’t a “farm-to-market” road?

(I guess this is partly selfish, I’m currently living in a small city, virtually all my rides are rides out of the city on secondary roads that could very easily be defined as “market” roads – fisheries or tourism or something.)

To top it off, and speaking in American terms, this has to be unconstitutional? These aren’t private roads.

Thanks for posting, I think this is important stuff.

I'm feverished, or the way you want to spell it

by plinytheelder on Aug 17, 2009 1:04 AM EDT reply actions

not unconstitutional

states have a right to decide what safety rules apply to roads, and they can jam through a lot under “safety”, though at some point it doesn’t hold up.

So I doubt it’s unconstitutional. It’s just sad, ignorant, thuggish, stupid and probably doesn’t pass the straight-face test in a lot of cases.

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 17, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

It effectively means that in many location, a bike rider from one town couldn't go to another town.

Bikes can’t go on interstates. A lot of Iowa? If it’s not an interstate, it’s a “farm-to-market” road.

by JFS_PGH on Aug 18, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Austin

I live in Austin and consider it fairly bike friendly. I have a 10 block ride to work everyday. I do it 4X per day as I ride home for lunch and back. I nearly get hit atleast twice a week. I can’t imagine doing 40 miles a day and having to contend with all of this.
At the very core I don’t understand why humans can’t coexist. What it is with our genes that makes us think, “There is a person on a bike, I’m in a car, therefore, I’m going to run them off the road.” Asinine.

"From the waist down, Earl Campbell has the biggest legs I have ever seen on a running back." -John Madden

by run Bevo run on Aug 17, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

yup, I agree 100%, it’s sad

I'm feverished, or the way you want to spell it

by plinytheelder on Aug 17, 2009 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

You also have to wonder

what percentage of this “safety” is a smokescreen for the true (but too embarassing to speak) purposes of just hating on those commie bikers? 98%? 99? This is just like the healthcare “debate”. It’s ignorant culture war bullshit. Look at the official website of the organization:

“Name not displayed, Iowa
Bikes don’t pay the fuel taxes which pay for the road upkeep so there should be no bikes on any paved roads.”

That’s who you’re dealing with folks.

ABRUZZIAM...uh oh

by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 17, 2009 1:24 PM EDT reply actions