Originally posted by: WolverineGator
I can't believe there are so many ignorant people on ATOT. I ride my bicycle to work every day on roads and I DON'T own a car. Now, I'm 29 years old and not poor. I own a 225k home and just purchased a 300k condo in Orlando. I mention this because I choose not to own a car (at least for now). I am a member of my city's bicycle and pedestrian advisory board.
Statistically (not my opinion) it is safer for cyclists to ride on the road with traffic.
By law, bicycles are considered vehicles and must act like them. However, I see many cyclists ignoring traffic control devices and many vehicles acting dangerously towards cyclists. It's a two way street and both need to show courtesy to one another.
Cycling has made me a better driver. When I drive out of parking lots/shopping centers, I always look down the sidewalks for ped traffic before checking for auto traffic. I drive defensively and cycle defensively.
In the end, it's the law that matters. I know the rules in my state and I have taken advantage of them when I was struck by a motorist two years ago (ironically I was on the sidewalk). Cycling "dangerously slow" will not hold up in court. Don't fool yourself into thinking it will.
If you feel passionate about this topic, visit your city's pedestrian board, the issues run much deeper than what is being talked about in this thread.
PS If you're going to honk at a cyclist, don't do it when you're right on top of the bike. Rather, honk 50 feet or so back as you are approaching so it won't scare the rider.
WolverineGator well said!
The best we have is all the money we know we are saving by not having a car