Quote:
Originally Posted by dirtbanker
If they have the same rights and responsibilities as cars why don't they pay for license plates? Why don't they have to have proof of insurance? Why don't they contribute to road tax fund?
If the roads are "sub-standard width" in the Villages, why don't you "Lance Armstrong Wanna Be"s throw your silly outfits on and ride your bike on a stand in your driveway? You would not have to worry about being squeezed into curbs and you don't have to worry about any SUV trying to kill you.
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First of all, let me state that I am not a cyclist. I don't even own a bicycle, and I haven't been on one in 40 years. I also
initially took offense at threads that had cyclists espousing the "own the lane" philosophy, since it appeared that their national organization was making up their own rules.
Then, I did some research. Under the law, they have the same rights and responsibilities when using the public roads, and are entitled to be there. I went as far as walking out to the center line of Morse and BV to measure the lanes. They are
absolutely correct that there is not enough room for a car to pass a bicycle in the same lane with 3 feet of clearance. Interestingly, it's not the width of the SUV that's the problem, it is the projection of the side view mirrors.
The argument about licensing cycles is absurd. How about pedestrians? Should the need a license, a plate, and pay a fee to walk on a road? How about walking across the street to a neighbor's house---need a license for that. How about golf carts?
The second paragraph was even more inane. Who are any of us to tell another what activity they are allowed to enjoy, where to enjoy it, and what to wear? Maybe the cyclists should get to tell us what to wear on the golf course, or the pools, or in the squares??? Or do they just get to make fun of what you are wearing?
To paraphrase JFK---We all live in this small community, we all share the same roads, we all cherish our retirement, and we are all mortal.
End of rant