Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2010 10:04:19 -0400
From: Reid Guthrie
Subject: re: Safe Bicycle Riding
I think you’ll find it’s rather difficult to legislate or enforce good behavior or common sense.
You are absolutely right that she should have stopped at the stop sign. However, you should also never assume that the other vehicle is going to follow the rules.
As a pedestrian I am allowed to walk on the street on the left side facing traffic. Should I be required to pass a test, obtain a license, obtain some arbitrary minimum amount of liability insurance, and have my shoes inspected and licensed before I do so?
I think you would find that the vast majority of cyclists do, in fact, ride responsibly and seriously consider the possibility of injury or death every time they get on their bikes.
And, for what it’s worth, I see cars roll through stop signs without coming to a full and complete stop every single day. Bad behavior, it seems, is not limited to those on two wheels.
Reid