The Longmont Times Call editorial staff chimes in supporting Colorado State bill 148.
Brophy’s bill, Senate Bill 148, would require drivers to put 3 feet of space between them and bicyclists they pass. It also would stiffen penalties for people who try to intimidate cyclists or who throw things at them from moving vehicles.
I’m against this bill, as the arrogance of the cyclists on the road boggles the imagination. In the last year I’ve seen the following….
1. Cyclists on Highway 36 riding in the dark with no (or very inadequate) reflectors and lighting
2. Running stop signs as if they didn’t exist. This includes timing and “gunning” a 4-way stop I used to drive through on my way to and from work.
3. Nelson road where the county built wide shoulders. This is actually a great improvement, but many cyclists take the opportunity this presents to ride two abreast.
4. Cyclists talking on cell phone, with one hand on the wheel where there is NO bike lane. You had to see it to believe it.
This is only a short list of idiotic driving I see all the time (except for the cell phone thingy, that was one of a kind!). It wouldn’t take much for law enforcement to write boatloads of tickets. I’d sure like to see how many tickets cyclists have received.
Let it be (truthfully) said, I am courteous to cyclists and give them a wide berth. Mostly because I know they’ll be dead and I’ll be in jail for the rest of my life if there’s a meeting of my car with their bicycle.
Follow the link to the Times Call editorial to read the comments. I’d say most commentors share my feelings.
I know what you mean about cyclists taking advantage of the rules.
I once had one weave in between me and the big pickup truck that was in front of me from the right hand side while I was making a left hand turn!
It had to be about the most boneheaded move ever.