Re:New California law requires drivers passing cyclists to g...
by wffurr on Tuesday September 30, 2014 @12:07PM
(#8388983)
Cyclists are far less dangerous than cars. 3000lb car at 30 mph vs 200lb cyclist+bike at 15 mph is 30x less momentum to be transferred. Not to mention a cyclist hitting something is as likely to be injured as the recipient.
Cyclists should behave well, but they are not worthy of traffic enforcement because they are nowhere near as dangerous. Police enforcement should be focused on the most dangerous road users.
Further, many of the poor behaviors you see are a result of cyclists trying to navigate safely for themselves in the absence of good infrastructure. Good cycling behavior is easy when you have separated cycle lanes and clear signals and signage.
It's not that cyclists "want to be treated as road vehicles", but rather that's how the law treats them. I would much rather have my own separated, protected lane and signals than have to mix with motor vehicle traffic.
Cyclists should behave well, but they are not worthy of traffic enforcement because they are nowhere near as dangerous. Police enforcement should be focused on the most dangerous road users.
Further, many of the poor behaviors you see are a result of cyclists trying to navigate safely for themselves in the absence of good infrastructure. Good cycling behavior is easy when you have separated cycle lanes and clear signals and signage.
It's not that cyclists "want to be treated as road vehicles", but rather that's how the law treats them. I would much rather have my own separated, protected lane and signals than have to mix with motor vehicle traffic.