As cyclist, we like to straddle that line between pedestrian and vehicle. No, that’s wrong…we love to straddle that line between pedestrian and vehicle. This extends to all breeds of cyclists: mountain bikers, roadies, commuters, hipsters/messengers, and the like.
We Boston and Cambridge universities deal with the notoriously feared Masshole driver, and the respect we give back to them is based on a wholly reciprocal; thus the amount of respect we give back = 0. There are some nice tricks that we use though, such as waving instead of using the finger when people honk. It looks courteous, but it just makes people angrier.
There have been some positive advances in the legal realm of bicycling. Massachusetts passed a bicycle “Bill of Rights” in 2007. It clarifies some nice things, like the fact that a doored cyclist is always the fault of the door opener, and that they have to fork over some $ $ for the damages.
The point of this entry is to implore you know the bicycle laws in your own state. I’ve had two friends how’ve been pulled over and verbally assaulted by Police in the past month for something they’ve done on the road. Whether you’re going to choose to disregard the law or not, know the law regardless. I suggest looking up the bicycling laws in your respective states, especially for those of you in urban colleges. I’d also suggest purchasing a copy of Bicycling and the Law. It brings up different situations you may find yourself in and clearly defines your rights as a cyclist. Click on the link book below to link to Amazon.
So, in conclusion, I’d like to offers some suggestions. Know the law first and foremost, whether you plan to follow it or not. Don’t blow through red lights and stop signs, but should you choose to, at least slow down to a track stand and assess the situation. If you’re wearing your team kit, know that you’re constantly representing your college/team when you’re riding, and act accordingly.
Should you disregard the law, the rules, and commonsense completely, just be very very fast…
"Shut the f$%# up, and get back in your motherf#$%ing car you stupid bit$%" -Kyle Bruley, calmly addressing an angry driver on a training ride in December in Concord, MA.
ReplyDeleteAre you still exaggerate that story Chair?? It was Mike who flipped to that level...not I. I may have made a comment about the price level of her silver Mercedes-Benz stationwaggon with the Maine license plate of 990 QA, and that the safety and well being of my fallen teammates was the most important matter at hand.
ReplyDeleteOther accounts tell a different story to my actions, and those reading this should completely disregard the ramblings of an old and senile graduate student.
That is all.