Re: It's like a jungle out there for bike riders

On Apr 25, 12:58=A0pm, Jim <alc...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> > It doesn't sound much like my experience. =A0I don't find I'm "under
> > attack", and furthermore that if I give drivers due consideration then
I=

> > get due consideration back (just as when I'm driving, I give cyclists
> > due consideration and get it back).
>
> > Go out there spoiling for a fight and you'll find one though.
>
> > Pete.
>
> I have to agree with Pete in this regard. =A0I have been riding a bike
> around town and for 5 years commuting to work and in 30 years have
> never once had a problem with drivers. =A0Pedestrians are another
> matter. =A0When I rode a motorcycle I learned to be very visible.
>
> I am all for bike paths and lanes. =A0Here in Ohio on the State highways
> in some areas we have buggy lanes for the Amish horse drawn buggies.
> One of those lanes would be like a freeway for bicyclists. =A0In the US
> drivers pay road taxes through their fuel purchases. =A0I have recently
> wondered if an excise tax could be levied on bikes and bike parts to
> pay for similar lanes. =A0Firearms and archery equipment are already
> taxed in this way and the money goes to maintaining forests for
> hunting. =A0Despite the fact that I am a target archer and have never
> hunted, I pay this tax. =A0I do not mind doing so since many public
> archery ranges are located in public parks.
>
> Jim Koch, Cleveland

Well, that makes so much sense, but bike lanes don't take that much to
build. Or in lack of it, enforcing 20mph speed limit on the slow lane
would ensure a happier coexistence.

What we need first then is a political will --nowhere to be found. :(