... are my rights.
This is circulating around the net, apparently originating with the Bike Writers Collective. Lawyer Bob has a piece up on VN today where he looks at the history of the movement and advocates generally for something along these lines. The particulars are debatable, of course, but I for one am not bothered by the mention of "educated law enforcement." There are too many stories circulating about cyclists being run down by mentally ill drivers, only to see the driver go free and even in some instances some bullshit charge against the cyclist.CYCLISTS' BILL OF RIGHTS
WHEREAS, cyclists have the right to ride the streets of our communities and this right is formally articulated in the California Vehicle Code; and
WHEREAS, cyclists are considered to be the “indicator species” of a healthy community; and
WHEREAS, cyclists are both environmental and traffic congestion solutions; and
WHEREAS, cyclists are, first and foremost, people - with all of the rights and privileges that come from being members of this great society; and
NOW, THEREFORE, WE THE CYCLING COMMUNITY, do hereby claim the following rights:
1) Cyclists have the right to travel safely and free of fear.
2) Cyclists have the right to equal access to our public streets and to sufficient and significant road space.
3) Cyclists have the right to the full support of educated law enforcement.
4) Cyclists have the right to the full support of our judicial system and the right to expect that those who endanger, injure or kill cyclists be dealt with to the full extent of the law.
5) Cyclists have the right to routine accommodations in all roadway projects and improvements.
6) Cyclists have the right to urban and roadway planning, development and design that enable and support safe cycling.
7) Cyclists have the right to traffic signals, signage and maintenance standards that enable and support safe cycling.
8) Cyclists have the right to be actively engaged as a constituent group in the organization and administration of our communities.
9) Cyclists have the right to full access for themselves and their bicycles on all mass transit with no limitations.
10) Cyclists have the right to end-of-trip amenities that include safe and secure opportunities to park their bicycles.
11) Cyclists have the right to be secure in their persons and property, and be free from unreasonable search and seizure, as guaranteed by the 4th Amendment.
12) Cyclists have the right to peaceably assemble in the public space, as guaranteed by the 1st Amendment.
And further, we claim and assert these rights by taking to the streets and riding our bicycles, all in an expression of our inalienable right to ride!
BUT! Cyclists have to understand that rights come with responsibilities, and equal treatment will mean no more running lights or otherwise bending the laws. But if cities start accommodating cycling at anything like a similar level to cars, full stops at intersections is a price I'm happy to pay.
Anyway, this is being tested out in LA. We'll see where it goes. Thoughts?