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I probably observe about 5-6 infractions done by people on bikes a week. Maybe it's just something about Washington Circle, GW, and the Foggy Bottom area, but that's a lot of problems w/ cyclists not obeying the rules.

This is only relevant if these 5-6 infractions increase the danger to other road users. More often than not, they don't. This is a bit like the old "cyclists are dangerous scofflaws! I saw one this morning who wasn't wearing a helmet!"

It says more about the author's perceived risk than it does about the cycling community.

As far as "...probably most drivers ALSO obey the social contract, it's just a minority that are bad. But GGW is up-in-arms about that..."--I think this belies a fundamental misunderstanding of the car-criticism. If you think most folks here have a problem with the drivers who obey the speed limit and generally operate with due care and respect for other road users (i.e. peds and cyclists), you haven't been reading very closely or for very long.

Most cyclists don't operate in a way that endangers pedestrians. Most drivers don't operate their vehicles in a way that endangers pedestrians and cyclists--other than speeding, failing to stop at crosswalks, etc, etc... Generally, they drive with a focus on the only other threat on the road: other motor vehicles.

by oboe on Feb 11, 2011 9:08 am • link • report

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