The Daily Camera weighs in and concludes…
In the near-term the laws will result in harsher punishments for willful lawbreakers, which is a good thing, and could increase road safety, which is a better thing.
I don’t get out much and when I do, I apparently see cyclists that the applauders of this law never see.
I can’t say that I have much of a problem with the law in concept, except I believe the 3′ is excessive. Also, I’m not much bothered by the numorous bikers on Hwy 36 on the weekends. I do think they are out for a good ride and it’s certainly a health activity.
That said, the main issue that troubles me is the cyclists disrespect for traffic laws. For example:
a). Running stop signs
b). Switching between pretending to be pedestrians or road vehicles (I’m sure this can be stated better) depending on which is more convenient. This is more of a problem in the city
c). Insufficient lighting and markings when driving at dusk and in darkness.
It’s very easy to find examples of all these infractions. Yet, I seriously doubt these issues are ever enforced. So now the cyclists have a special set of laws to protect them, but they can’t obey the rules of the road that protect everyone. It would be my wish that the local law enforcement agencies start enforcing the rules of the road when it comes to cyclists. Just set yourself up on Hwy 36 at dusk and it should be easy pickings.
I ask again (and again and again), at dusk/night, how is a driver supposed to stay 3′ away from a cyclists he can’t see? Don’t worry cyclists, you don’t have to worry about me. Despite my frustration with the current state of affairs, I don’t carry this grudge with me when I drive. I want nothing to do with the local court system and any infractions between a cyclist and a vehicle driver.
