Can't we all just get along? (Nice cars/bikes road sign)

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

...over 9,000 bicyclists blocking major and minor roadways and intersections

9,000 bicyclists? That's any slow day of the week in Portland, the annoyance to drivers capitol of the world.

[bdesj]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

THOUGHT -- when bicyclists pay "road taxes," that is when they can ride on paved roads.

For the record, bicyclists pay the same income tax and property tax that we would pay whether or not they we pedalled, most also pay registration on one or more motor vehicles, and in my case, my share of fuel tax for my MVs and plenty of fuel tax for wifey`s car. Road maintenance money comes from all those sources.

I`ll also note that I don`t have or intend to have any children, but still pay the same amount towards educating OP`s kids that I would pay if I had a whole heard of `em. That`s life.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by bdesj

I`ll also note that I don`t have or intend to have any children, but still pay the same amount towards educating OP`s kids that I would pay if I had a whole heard of `em. That`s life.

I imagine subsidizing children may become increasingly unpopular, but my thought on that is countered by our trend towards increasing socialism.

Something to consider- Children are a necessary part of society because our numbers must be replenished. It is in society's interest that these replacements be equipped to be productive members. I shudder to think how morally corrupt and intellectually bankrupt our society would be if many did not receive a formal education...

That said, I wouldn't miss the absence of bicyclists on my travels.

[Clev]

Originally Posted by Old Tele man

THOUGHT -- when bicyclists pay "road taxes," that is when they can ride on paved roads.

Yeah! How they dare get a free ride by using less fuel and not causing any damage to the roads? And when are those pesky pedestrians going to start paying "sidewalk" taxes? That's what I want to know!

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Clev

Yeah! How they dare get a free ride by using less fuel and not causing any damage to the roads? And when are those pesky pedestrians going to start paying "sidewalk" taxes? That's what I want to know!

I get your point and tend to agree that they cause no damage. However, the infrastructure still must be maintained. Roads fall into disrepair regardless of use, lines must be repainted, and traffic signals require servicing.

You raise a good point though. Perhaps roads should be maintained through local and federal taxes instead of being an additional tax at the pump. Owners of electric vehicles get to dodge their share of maintaining the roads altogether.

[Clev]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I get your point and tend to agree that they cause no damage. However, the infrastructure still must be maintained. Roads fall into disrepair regardless of use, lines must be repainted, and traffic signals require servicing.

You raise a good point though. Perhaps roads should be maintained through the local and federal taxes instead of being an additional tax at the pump. Owners of electric vehicles get to dodge their share of maintaining the roads altogether.

In my city, a portion of their income goes to road maintenance. I'm sure there's some that comes from the county and state as well.

I am in strong favor of traffic enforcement and penalties for EVERYONE who breaks traffic laws. Unfortunately, bicyclists all too often get a free pass, and it makes all of us look bad.

When I caught this guy on my dashcam, I wanted to chase him down and slap him upside his head.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8BF...2&feature=plcp

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Clev

I am in strong favor of traffic enforcement and penalties for EVERYONE who breaks traffic laws. Unfortunately, bicyclists all too often get a free pass, and it makes all of us look bad.

When I caught this guy on my dashcam, I wanted to chase him down and slap him upside his head.

I understand the need for uniform enforcement of laws, but I also acknowledge they exist to protect the rights of others. The bicyclist in your video ran the stop, but he could probably see nobody was coming from all directions. Further, he is not putting others safety in extreme risk if he were to cause a collision.

If you wanted to slap that guy, you would probably want to hang this guy by his toes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sj1-218EnvY

[Clev]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I understand the need for uniform enforcement of laws, but I also acknowledge they exist to protect the rights of others. The bicyclist in your video ran the stop, but he could probably see nobody was coming from all directions. Further, he is not putting others safety in extreme risk if he were to cause a collision.

No, but he's putting them at some risk. He blew through the stop and swung wide into the oncoming lane. At best, a collision will cause thousands of dollars in damage, and bicyclists are not required to have insurance. At worst, the driver will swerve to miss him and cause their own accident.

There's a reason the sign says "Stop" and not "Stop unless you can probably see that nobody is coming from all directions." If a car can't do it, neither should he.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Clev

There's a reason the sign says "Stop" and not "Stop unless you can probably see that nobody is coming from all directions." If a car can't do it, neither should he.

No disagreements here, although I don't feel the need to slap the guy.

I often drive 5 mph over the limit and put people at whatever greater risk that entails, but I don't have dash-cam footage of this reckless act.

[Clev]

Originally Posted by redpoint5

I often drive 5 mph over the limit and put people at whatever greater risk that entails, but I don't have dash-cam footage of this reckless act.

(Most) stop signs are for safety and speed limits are for revenue. In areas with reasonable speed limits set based on the speed that people actually drive, very few people exceed the limits.