The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
Bicyclists won’t get any more elbow room on the highways of Virginia than they have now.
Del. Kaye Kory’s bill, HB1048, to increase the minimum clearance from 2 to 3 feet when a car passes a bicycle was defeated Monday in the House of Delegates, 54-43.
Kory, D-Fairfax County, noted that 16 states have passed similar legislation.
Del. John Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, countered that the measure would force motorists into the oncoming lane.
“Will there be a 4-foot bill next year?” he asked. “We’re just looking for trouble here.”
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Roads vs Sidewalks
Sorry, but most roads were not built for bikes, and sidewalks weren't built for cars. I wish I could take my Piper Cub to work, but there aren't any landing strips in downtown either!!!!
What have we learned?
The roadways themselves can easily accommodate law-abiding cyclists. It is the less-informed auto driver that has difficulty accommodating cyclists on what many drivers mistakenly believe should be a roadway without impediment that is the problem. Motor vehicle licenses are required because motor vehicles are immensely energetic and easily destroy things, including themselves. Bicycles, not so much.
If all student drivers learned the 'rules of the road' using bicycles to begin with, and used autos mostly to learn interstate driving and parallel parking, the same rules and regulations would be taught, (for less,) and the respect for the bicycle in traffic, as well as the confidence to ride as traffic, would last a healthier lifetime.
Pass with care, three feet to spare!
Rules of the road?
Please tell me the last time you saw a dedicated bicyclist observing all of the the "rules of the road"?
Instructive
The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) has certified over two thousand League Certified Instructors whose business it is to demonstrate and instruct other cyclists how to drive their bicycles as vehicles, observing and exceeding traffic regulations as they apply to bicycles. We have no choice but to lead by example, and to practice what we seek to preach. But since so many are certain they already know how to ride a bike, conversion is a slow process.
Cyclists fare best when they act as, and are treated as, vehicles in traffic. Same rules, same responsibilities, same rights. Such refinements as may be needed in the application of these regulations to individual vehicles should be based on demonstrable performance, rather than by class.
So, according to our standards, very rarely! But we're working on it.
Roads VS Sidewalks
Too bad you don't know your history - the roads and road regulations were developed for bikes, cars came afterwards!
Sidewalks are for "pedestrians" - roads are for moving vehicles - a bicycle qualifies as a moving vehicle.
Kudos
It would be nice but KUDOS to JC for the commonsense.
Freedom
I am incredibly confused at the posted hate for cyclists. We all pay taxes that help to build and maintain roads. This area has no transportation choices, only a car. Why not support alternative modes of transportation that reduce congestion, do not add to air pollution, and have very little wear on our streets? Owning and driving a motor vehicle does not give one ownership of the roads. And PLEASE don't try to hit a cyclist with your car! Do you really want to kill someone? Seriously?!
As a cyclist, all I ask for is the same freedom given to motorists: the option to use the roads that I pay to build and maintain.
Cyclists have created the animosity themselves.
Cyclists have created the animosity themselves. Most all are rude, brazen, arrogant, and lawless in the way they ride. Furthermore, very few follow the traffic laws. Many have no problem extending their middle finger. Kudos to you if you are in the minority that ride responsibility.
Sadly, you shouldn't be. . .
"I am incredibly confused at the posted hate for cyclists. We all pay taxes that help to build and maintain roads."
Tidewater is largely inhabited by obese slobs driving trucks and SUVs. Working out for fitness is an idea that's both foreign and ignored, while eating buffets and going to Denny's is strongly encouraged.
Get off my Truck...
Is it to much to ask you to get off my truck's hood? Ride single file and you'll be ok. But three wide and your just asking to get hit. Ever seen trucks three wide on country roads? Me niether, but I've seen the bikes three wide... Want the Same rights as vehicles? Who are you kidding...