STUPID Drivers SUCK no matter what there driving.
Now, since I believe that one should not be allowed to impose restrictions without offering valid solutions, I offer the following:-Some areas used to license bicycles for use on roads, and I believe that this practice should be reinstated.-Cyclists should have to have training, testing, and licensing, like all other road users.-Cyclists should have to pay for their own insurance.-Cyclists should have the required safety equipment on their bicycle at all times, like all other road going vehicles.-Cyclists should obey all of the applicable road laws, not just a few of them (e.g. lane splitting or filtering is illegal in most areas, and while I disagree with this law, I still obey it on my motorcycle and bicycle).And just to get somewhat back on topic, based on some of the suggestions, I plan on adding a flashing white led light to the front of my bike. This is in addition to the lights, reflectors, and headlamp (off road only) I currently have.Dave
Quote from: 16VGTIDave on January 25, 2015, 05:20:04 PMNow, since I believe that one should not be allowed to impose restrictions without offering valid solutions, I offer the following:-Some areas used to license bicycles for use on roads, and I believe that this practice should be reinstated.-Cyclists should have to have training, testing, and licensing, like all other road users.-Cyclists should have to pay for their own insurance.-Cyclists should have the required safety equipment on their bicycle at all times, like all other road going vehicles.-Cyclists should obey all of the applicable road laws, not just a few of them (e.g. lane splitting or filtering is illegal in most areas, and while I disagree with this law, I still obey it on my motorcycle and bicycle).And just to get somewhat back on topic, based on some of the suggestions, I plan on adding a flashing white led light to the front of my bike. This is in addition to the lights, reflectors, and headlamp (off road only) I currently have.DaveI don't think you've thought this through, no offence When one considers that the average child has his\her first bike from the ages of 4 and then the subsequent years bring the arrival of bigger bikes as the child grows up. To then say that training, testing, licensing, insurance etc etc should be required by law is frankly a non starter. What age are you planning on enforcing your "laws" Most of the idiots on the road (not counting the Sunday riders who churn out in droves!!) are not old enough to drive, drink alcohol, vote etc etc.I agree that a certain cycling proficiency should be required, but that did use to be the case here in the UK. I remember at primary school during the last year we all had to bring our bikes one evening per week for several weeks. The playgrounds had mock zebra crossings, road markings, traffic lights etc etc.it was all serious stuff, we also had to study the highway code. At the end of the course you had to pass a test to be classed as a proficient cyclist. Unfortunately it was scrapped years ago.
Interesting that most of these bicycle safety measures involve making it more difficult to be a cyclist, while absolutely not affecting drivers in any way.
Quote from: Jothra on January 26, 2015, 01:07:26 AMInteresting that most of these bicycle safety measures involve making it more difficult to be a cyclist, while absolutely not affecting drivers in any way.When one looks at traffic infractions, things like running lights, lane splitting in locales where it isn't allowed, obstructing traffic, illegal turns, riding under the influence, etc, there are NUMEROUS laws directed at drivers that have little to no real world application to cyclists. For example: Do you wear a orange triangle of a slow moving vehicle? By law, I have to mount one on my tractor when it's on road, why not cyclists? I'm just pointing out that cyclists, at least in the US, have been able to skirt laws of the road, claiming to be "pedestrians". Perhaps that needs to be re-addressed.
I try to drive my truck safely, and I try to drive my bicycle safely. It's not as difficult as we're all making it sound.
Quote from: Jothra on January 26, 2015, 03:31:05 AMI try to drive my truck safely, and I try to drive my bicycle safely. It's not as difficult as we're all making it sound.
Quote from: 50ft-trad on January 26, 2015, 03:34:16 AMQuote from: Jothra on January 26, 2015, 03:31:05 AMI try to drive my truck safely, and I try to drive my bicycle safely. It's not as difficult as we're all making it sound. You can tell this has taken a nice turn, because no-one here has ever seen me use a smiley before. Not one single time.
I just started using a 300 lumen flashlight strapped to my handle bars with a couple zipties as my bike light.