What is wrong with drivers round the world?!!!!

[Tri Girl]

The State of Maryland is a "contributory negligence" state - so if even 1% of the responsiblity is pinned on the plaintiff (i.e. dead or injured cyclist or pedestrian), the striking motorist isn't responsible.

That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard of.
So let me get this straight: if I don't have a rear reflector (required by law- at least here) but 30 blinking lights and I get hit from behind and killed by a driver- they are not responsible in any way. Wow- your state makes me angry (well, that one law anyway). I know Maryland is a wonderful state... that's just ridiculous.

[Maxxxie]

Every time I see a thread like this, I know I shouldn't open it, let alone participate in it. I'm usually pretty rational, but these sorts of discussions generally leave me seeing red. An update on the Australian cyclist I mentioned in my original post - the one who was yet to be identified (not sure if he's yet been formally identified):

Teenager charged over cyclist death
COURTNEY TRENWITH
18/10/2009 11:00:00 AM
A Dapto teenager has been charged over a hit-and-run accident that killed a cyclist at Yallah yesterday.
Police allege the 17-year-old boy drove off after his vehicle hit the cyclist on Marshall Mount Rd about 9am, causing the 39-year-old Kiama rider to come off his bike into a grass verge.
The cyclist died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
Do you know more? Post a message below, or email us at scoop@illawarramercury.com.au
Police said a teenager later contacted Port Kembla Police Station.
He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop after an accident causing death and being an unlicensed driver.
He was refused bail and is expected to appear at Parramatta Children's Court today.
The vehicle was seized for forensic and mechanical examination.
Police are preparing a report for the coroner.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Warilla Police Station on 4295 2699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

*sigh* An unlicensed teenager. At least he had the decency to turn himself in.

Max

[MillieNZ]

I'm getting more and more uncomfortable cycling on Aucklands' roads...... the recent cycling deaths seem to have casued great debate between cyclist & other road users that I can't see being resolved. Car drivers seem to be even more agressive towards cyclists, to the point at the weekend where I was cycling along a popular route in South Auckland when a car driver coming towards me took both hands off the wheels and gave me the fingers and shook fists at me, whilst letting his car drift towards me, followed by on the way home a old man not wanting to wait behind until the car coming towards me had passed, so he went and got so close that I had to swerve off the road into the ditch to avoid being knocked off

I've been doing a lot more mountain biking recently...........no cars, no worrying about cars...... peaceful




Since the recent accidents invlving cyclist, there seems to have started a great dispute between cyclists and other road users....

[crazycanuck]

MNZ-it's hard being a cyclist in Auckland

I'm glad you've discovered Mtn biking & as you say it's QUIET, SAFE (i'd rather hit a tree than have to deal with motorists) and much more exciting than being on a boring road. Have you spent most of your mtb time at Woodhill? If you get a free weekend, venture on down to Rotovegas for the awesome trails at Waka!

Just another update on the cyclist hit near Auck http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/ar...ectid=10604147

[channlluv]

I'm so sorry about the cyclist who has yet to be identified. I wonder why his family hasn't been looking for him, or maybe they have.

Not to turn this into a commercial, but this is why I bought Road ID for all three cyclists in my family. Dogtags for DD and myself, the bracelet for DH.

Roxy

[crazycanuck]

I don't understand some of the lame comments we as cyclists have to answer up to. I/we own a house, vehicle, pay taxes etc..why should I need to pay a road cycling tax or whatever it is non cycling folks want I am not one of the roadies that ride in a large group & take up the road, I don't weave around cars, I am not in the way & am fully aware that i'm on the only one on the black stuff!!!

It's the same everywhere I guess. I for one stay clear of the news site discussion boards on cycling safety as some folks really shouldn't own a computer or a car!!!! URGh..I have better things to do...

[MillieNZ]

I'm not against paying a road users charge if I'm going to see something for it like more cycle lanes, more signage making motorists aware of high cycle traffic etc .....

Not really sure what you do about the large groups of hard core cyclists that ride several abreast and groups of 50-60 riders though ??

The other side of the issue is per head of capita, NZ has the 3rd highest obesity in the world, we are a country of overwieght people who don't do much exercise...... cycling is one of fastest growing recreation sport in the country, will taxing bikes put people off getting out and about into a realatively cheap form of exercise ???

CC- have been up to Woodhill quite reguarly ! Becoming my favorite spot and like you, if i fall off my bike then at least it was my fault and I'm responsible for my own safety Planning a weekend in Rotovegas soon Loving my new Mtn bike