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Post by ohwell on Oct 30, 2011 15:51:34 GMT -5
If you are driving a car on the right side of the road. And you have a license and insurance. You are legal. Sometimes there are people that wish to walk. They are not licensed or insured to walk on the roadways. But, let's give them a break. After all , they are on the left side of the road. NO NO NO. You should be. That way you can see what is coming toward you. The same goes for the stupid people riding bikes. They are not licensed or insured for public roads. They should also ride on the left side of the road. That way they can see the legally operated vehicles coming their way. And, I am legal, you are not.  |
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Post by pictureman on Oct 30, 2011 18:19:59 GMT -5
One should walk facing traffic, ride a bicycle with traffic.
Legally.
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Post by Justin Thyme on Oct 31, 2011 6:20:30 GMT -5
I let this sit overnight and thought a bit about what you said just to see if I could come up with anything that might justify what you are saying. I couldn't do it. Tennessee state law explicitly states: Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title, except as to special regulations in §§ 55-8-171 — 55-8-177, and except as to those provisions of this chapter and chapter 10, parts 1-5 of this title which by their nature can have no application. As a bicycle rider I am legally operating that vehicle, according to the laws of the state of Tennessee when I ride in the same direction of travel as all other vehicles on the road. I would also like to point out that I do have a valid driver's license and I am fully insured. You really need to understand the history of the bicycle. Bicycles have been around longer than cars and roads between cities were first paved specifically for the convenience of bicycles because there were no cars at the time. It is the car that is the interloper on public highways, not the bicycle. So get that cage off the road and start peddling! |
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Post by Warkitty on Oct 31, 2011 7:03:13 GMT -5
Also, a cyclist can go at a much faster pace than a pedestrian. This makes it more dangerous to ride against traffic than with.
Example: when I was in shape I could ride a nice 20mph average pace for at least 50 miles. Your pedestrian can't do that. Now, assume I'm doing that against traffic. At EVERY cross street and driveway I'm at risk from a car pulling out without looking opposite traffic. Every time a car wants to pull in to same, I am at risk from them running into me.
Honestly, the reason the law states bicycles must ride with the flow of traffic and follow the same rules as because it is statistically proven SAFER for everyone involved than riding against the flow.
Lastly, I too am fully licensed to drive and insured. In fact, I now own three motor vehicles, so I pay even MORE road tax than your average citizen, so the argument that I dont' do that is moot as well (before you bring it up as it's one of the second most common tropes out there).
What it comes down to is that you the motor vehicle find me the bicycle "inconvenient" and hence the wish to get rid of the option. I am sure the oil industry would LOVE that, but then who is going to tell little Johnny he can't have a bicycle to ride up and down his street anymore, and how is Joe Schmoe that can't drive but actually is trying to better himself going to get to work?
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Bob
Global Moderator
Bird Geek
Posts: 7,029
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Post by Bob on Oct 31, 2011 9:22:54 GMT -5
Yes, bicycles can be annoying on a street that's too narrow to pass. Funny thing is I've never heard anyone complaining about the mail carrier or the garbage truck for doing basically the same thing.. (getting in the way)
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Post by blindsolitude on Nov 1, 2011 13:50:02 GMT -5
You're forgetting that mail carriers and garbage men have the protection of a vehicle. . . .
I worry about those who actually take their bikes on a busy road. I definitely do not mind bicycles as long as they are obeying the rules of the road. That being said, I have seen more cyclists disobeying the rules of the road than following them, which is a shame since I know there are many who do follow them. I see more if it where I live now versus Chattanooga, though.
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