Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Bicyclists

Yesterday while driving through San Francisco (we were in Parnassus Heights but it could just as easily have happened closer to Golden Gate Park (and it did) or anywhere else in the City of Self-Entitlement, my friend Deb and I encountered several different cyclists or groups of cyclists, only one of whom obeyed the traffic signs. All others barreled right on through, completely ignorant of the fact that the State of California vehicle code includes bicycles as wheeled vehicles (which they are) and can thus be held accountable for causing traffic accidents, damaging property, injuring pedestrians or passengers of other vehicles, etc.

Bicyclists in California are governed by the motor vehicle code. Below you will find sections of that law that apply directly to bicycles. Certain points should be clear:

Bicycles have the same right to use the road as cars do.

Bicyclists are required to obey traffic rules, signs and signals; and like motorists, should not operate a bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Now I just know had one of those bike riding idiots been involved in accident involving a motor vehicle (such as a car), the car would most certainly be found at fault. This happens all the time. I cannot tell you how many bikers I see NOT using the bicycle lanes, not following the rules of the road, and not sharing the road, all the while blissfully ignorant of the great potential for damage. Get a clue, folks!

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