Four Cyclists Killed in Wales

"Steve McDonald" wrote in message
...

Will wrote:

My impression was the OP was advocating a considered decision...
not assigning blame. It is certainly true, as you point out, that living
entails risks. But riding an icy road with cars is not simply "doing
nothing wrong", it is also bad judgment.

Being dead right is of pretty marginal significance.
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Will put it very well, as a "considered decision", taking into
account special circumstances, was exactly what I had in mind when I
added those comments to my original post. Although I ride on roads most
of the time, when there's ice, I'll always choose an offroad path if
it's available and go very slowly. If there's no alternative route, I
sometimes ride as carefully as possible on an icy road, but I know I'm
increasing my risk and I don't like doing it. I suggested that people
might consider this extra risk, when deciding to use either a road or an
offroad path. How does anyone translate this to being a "blame the
victim" philosophy? The answer to that, is that extremist reactionaries
will seize on any small bit of a statement and expand its meaning to
serve their own purpose.

I confess, I knew that making what I consider to be that very
moderate suggestion, would draw that bunch out of the woodwork, foaming
at the mouth. But, why should I fail to express my thoughts, just to
avoid the hazard of being verbally attacked? There seems to be a
parallel here-------knowing there's extra danger riding on icy roads,
but doing it anyway and the posting of an opinion on a newsgroup that's
sure to draw opposition.
My thanks to those who saw my statement for nothing more than what I'd
intended it to be, even those who partially or fully disagreed with me.

Steve McDonald

There was only one crazy person who took issue with you and that was a dizzy
dame by the name of Helen. But she never writes anything sensible to the
group so why should she be any different when it is a matter of life and
death. I truly believe she is too stupid to be out on the road on a bicycle,
ice or no ice. If her name was Jane I would call her Calamity Jane because
she is an accident waiting to happen. I feel sorry for such people but it
may be nature's way of winnowing the herd in order to get rid of those too
stupid to live.

Hey, all you idiots on RBM and ARBR, do NOT go cycling on the roads when
they are icy! Elementary, my dear Watson!

Regards,

Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
aka
Saint Edward the Great - Order of the Perpetual Sorrows - Minnesota