All entitled to road
Lisa Sickles, Englewood
Sunday, July 6, 2008
In response to David Levy's letter ("Bicyclists really aren't entitled to be on road," June 24), does Mr. Levy realize that it is illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk? And maybe he isn't aware that many people who ride bikes also own cars and do pay a great deal in taxes to use the roads.
Saying that paying taxes entitles only cars to use the road is interesting. I do not have children, yet I have to pay taxes for public schools. With Mr. Levy's thinking, I should have more say with the board of education than I do!
As far as his question on what bicyclists contribute, I'd say, cleaner air and less noise to start with. I would like to suggest that both drivers and cyclists (I am both) are clear as to what the laws are and maybe apply a little common courtesy to the daily commute rather than the sense of entitlement that seems to be taking over our lives.
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July 7, 2008
1:24 a.m.
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clyde writes:
You will be entitled to the road, and in fact, welcomed, when you decide to obey the same laws as the others on those same roads.
July 7, 2008
8:46 a.m.
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Marshdale writes:
It is about a cultural shift in this country. More and more people are going to look for alternative ways to get to work. Cycling will be one of those. It is going to be up to the citizens and the local governments to figure out how best to accomodate this cultural change with regard to transportation. More trails will have to be built and roads will need to be modified to accomodate both. Car drivers like myself are going to have to learn to deal with more and more cyclists on the roads. Just because I drive a car does not mean I own the road. The roads are considered PUBLIC RIGHT of WAY. That means anyone can use them. I don't agree with cyclists who disobey road signs and laws. I being a cyclist myself at times choose to obey stop signs etc. I don't ride with cyclists that are road hogs and ride 2 or 3 abreast. Those cyclists are arrogant and dangerous.
July 7, 2008
9:19 a.m.
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libertygrace writes:
Put it in a global perspective, beyond the environmental and political. I've driven and biked in other countries in Asia, Europe and Latin America. We ought to examine our outlook, especially on the road. Mopeds, bikes, cars, taxis, pedestrians - everyone watches out for each other in other parts of the world. It's not auto vs. bike, like the attitude here. Of course there are accidents in other countries, but we are way too time starved and our independence streak has gone too far. It's time for interdependence, in many facets. Thanks for the discussion - I ride my bike to work.
July 7, 2008
12:08 p.m.
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JSeifert writes:
If bike are entitled to the road then people that use bikes need to register their bikes like cars pay for plates like cars and have to have all the safty fixtures as motorcycles (lights and turn signals) If this happens I might give them right away then they might be ENTITLED. Until then they are not entitled to be a hazard on the road. I have had them zip between cars accross 4 lanes they do not use lights or signals.
July 7, 2008
12:11 p.m.
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stuckiniowa writes:
I assume that Clyde has NEVER sped, or changed lanes without signaling. I am POSITIVE that he has never turned left across double yellow lines in order to get into a parking lot.
July 7, 2008
1:34 p.m.
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FU writes:
Gene - Bikes don't use gas OR parking spaces. They also don't spew fumes into the atmosphere and cause little to no wear on roads. I'd bet the majority of cyclists also own a registered car and pay plenty of other taxes that fund roads.
What's your point genius?
J Seifart - what's a "safty" fixture?? Bikes aren't required to have the same lights and signals as motorcycles. Check the laws.
July 7, 2008
3:50 p.m.
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Brad writes:
FU
No they are suppose to use hand signals just like when driving a car or motorcycles and our lights do not work. You do know what they are don't you?
July 7, 2008
4:07 p.m.
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FU writes:
Brad - I'm one step ahead of you. Hand signals are covered in the state bicycle laws. Try to keep up...
July 8, 2008
7:08 a.m.
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glowrock writes:
Does the bicycle laws handbook also cover little things like stopping at stop signs, giving right of way to pedestrians, and stopping at red lights? These are all things that many bicyclists seem to forget, especially those riding in the downtown area.