On Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 9:52:23 a.m. UTC-4, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 4/13/2021 1:13 AM, John B. wrote:
On Mon, 12 Apr 2021 22:31:49 -0400, Frank Krygowski
wrote:
On 4/12/2021 9:37 PM, John B. wrote:
On Mon, 12 Apr 2021 12:47:43 -0400, Frank Krygowski wrote:
Taking your response from bottom to top: I have certainly NOT ignored
that half of bike crashes are cyclists' fault. I've agreed many times.
That's one reason I'm such a proponent of cycling education.
Well, I looked it up and in 2021 it is estimated that some 70% of the
U.S. population has, or will have, a auto driver's license and as
these people have to, I believe in all states, be tested in the
traffic code as well as the ability to drive it would seem that most
people do know the traffic code. But cyclists require further
training?
I'd say so. Licenses or no, far too many people think they can do
whatever they want on a bike - that rules don't apply.
After all, you're the one whose most frequently said half of deaths are
the cyclists' fault. Be careful not to argue against yourself.
I don't believe that I am.
The most common reason for bicycle caused collisions in the L.S. study
was riding the wrong way. Does one require a master's degree in
bicycle riding to know that it is bad joss to ride the wrong way ?
Choosing the proper side of the road involves just the most basic
knowledge, not a master's degree. But it's still quite common to see
wrong way cyclists. It's common enough that the behavior has a nickname:
"Salmon riding." I've certainly seen plenty of it, and can give many
interesting anecdotes, if you like.
To illustrate: Many years ago I and several other members of our bike
club arranged to do Bike Safety talks at some middle school assemblies.
After the very first one, we had an outraged parent come up to us and
angrily chew us out, saying "Don't you dare tell my kid to ride on the
right side of the road! He's supposed to ride where he can see the cars
coming!"
Or I can tell about the young engineer (one of my former students)
commuting to work who was stopped by a cop and forced to ride facing
traffic. Or the young punk who turned around and chased me on his bike
after I chewed him out for riding wrong way straight at me... and more.
We've gotten enough argument on that point that our club has a handout
explaining _why_ bicyclists are supposed to ride with traffic, not
facing it.
But about education - This popped up in my news feed today:
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...sts-as-part-of
--
- Frank Krygowski
In the fall of 1989 I moved to the city where I lived. In the time since then I have seen TWO bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road.
Even on the road that's posted ONE WAY, BICYCLISTS EXCEPTED, I have yet to see a bicyclist riding counter to the traffic.
Cheers