On Saturday, August 13, 2011 5:58:09 PM UTC-4, DevilsPGD wrote:
In message

someone claiming to be "His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach
Cruiser Philosopher" typed:

On Saturday, August 13, 2011 4:21:26 PM UTC-4, DevilsPGD wrote:
In message

someone claiming to be "His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach
Cruiser Philosopher" typed:

Remember the days when Carter was in charge and Human Rights
were all the rage? I kind of reminisce of those times when
idealism was somewhat a moderating factor to economics. I
always was for the extended human rights, which means that they
should include HOUSING & HEALTHCARE, something every human being
should have. But it should also have the right to mobility,
meaning the RIGHT TO RIDE A BIKE. This means that you should not
need to be looking over your shoulder to see why someone is
blasting the horn at you.

What does the "right to ride a bike" have to do with having to
shoulder-check?

Oh, it has a great deal to do with it. As you may have noticed my
wisdom is inspired by the jungle, and the first thing you must do
in the jungle is look over your shoulder... WHY? Because the
predators are all around you and want to eat you.

In a civilized society you don't worry about drivers, they worry
about you. They are behind you and you turning your head can cause
you to lose control and can give you a strained neck as well.

DRIVERS ARE AT FAULT --LIKE IN HOLLAND-- UNLESS PROVEN OTHERWISE.

In a civilized society, everyone should take care of both their own
needs and others. This is true of biking and driving, and if you aren't
capable of doing so without injury or loss of control, either get
mirrors or get off the rode.

You cannot assume anyone else is competent, you need to take
responsibility for your own safety while also not injuring others.

Even on a bike-only path, if you aren't shoulder checking you're an
accident waiting to happen and you shouldn't be there if other bikers
are in the area.

Most Americans are incompetent drivers thus it follows that you should be off the road all the time.

Indeed only a fraction of 1% dare commute by bike.