Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Silver View Post
What I see as very unfortunate in this case:
  • Note the sheriff's comments...he's right, but are cyclist infractions more rampant than car infractions? Me thinks - Ney Ney
  • The local cycling club (of which we're not a member) can be obnoxious in their violation of the "two abreast" law in Indiana and is likely contributing to the backlash...how do you confront a large group that should be a catalyst of advocacy and change behavior?
  • The attitude is evolving where cyclists will be held to a HIGHER standard than cars, not an equal one...
If this were in my home state, I'd have a tough time being impartial but since it's not --

I'll bet not all law enforcement officers in the area agree with that sheriff. I know that's the case around here because we have a friend who is an officer and is assigned to the "Bike Beat." He does some of his neighborhood patrolling on a bicycle, so he's seen firsthand how cyclists are sometimes treated by drivers, and he's pretty realistic about how cyclists and drivers should both assume some responsibility. When local law enforcement officers are interviewed on t.v. or in the paper, though, you can sure get the impression that they'd rather not have to mess with cyclists and the traffic issues that come up. But only one was interviewed.--

It's too bad your local cycling group doesn't stand firm on safety. In my opinion, it's downright hypocritical not to. Ours does advocate safety but, unfortunately, they don't seem to be referenced by our local media when those issues come up. The general public doesn't get to see how much they stand for sharing the roads safely. Usually, when our local paper shows a picture of a cyclist, they show some guy in jeans and a t-shirt (which is fine) but no helmet (not good!). Plus, our local cycling club never seems to make their presence known (or get it known - ?) in any of these matters. The cycling club does a great job with organizing events and helping cyclists, but it doesn't have much pull in the big picture.

Attitudes are certainly changing. The law in Kansas has always said that bigger/faster is ultimately responsible to look out for smaller/slower, but one way or another it doesn't end up that way. The smaller/slower think they "can't be touched" by the big guys and the bigger/faster think the little guys "can't prove anything was done to them on purpose." Well, that doesn't work.

Education is what's needed, and the biggest pull seems to be in the media - at least to start. Yes, speak sweetly. It's a good wake-up call, and maybe the ball will start rolling in the right way.

Deb