Some recent issues and press prompted me to start a community discussion thread regarding a Larimer County, Colorado Sheriff's interpretation of Colorado cycling law.
My 2 cents
Although the anti Cycling under-tone is obvious and un-called for coming from an elected position, I'm not opposed to law enforcement cracking down on obvious disregard for public laws and safety(bikes and cars), nor will I pretend that all of the letters sent by the cycling public have been tasteful. Where this gets muddy is when cyclist is general are being singled out and denied the basic rights to the road. The impeding of traffic in many cases is not the cyclists fault. Vehicles that slow down, give room and pass on the left side of the road shouldn't be viewed as impeding traffic. Motorists should use caution when passing slow moving vehicles in all situations. If impeding traffic warrants a citation, then I suppose we should be citing all slow moving vehicle, tractors, mopeds and 80 year old ladies who make other vehicle(including bikes) pass on the left hand side of the road. Mo torist that slow down to the posted speed limit or to a safe passing speed and then pass where there is a dotted yellow line, is not impeding the normal flow of traffic.....its called driving safe. Cyclists are to ride as far to the right as is permitted and safe. There are times where this is not possible especially if the road has gravel, pot-holes or hazards that make it unsafe to ride on the shoulder. I hope that when cyclist are riding single file and being safe, they are not cited, harassed or singled out because motorists slow down, take caution and allow room. This is not impeding traffic. Its the same thing motorist do when passing slower vehicles or tractors. For some reason, when it is a bike and not a tractor.....motorist and law enforcement place cyclist at blame. again, I too am sick of seeing groups of riders hogging the road. I'm equally sick of motorist that hog the road, assault cyclists and show disregard for human life.
Cyclist that ride with V1 will be asked to leave the group if they do not follow the basic rules of the road. But I will also encourage cyclist to report all signs of road rage and intimidation tactics by motorist. (this includes honking their horn, giving less than 3 feet of space and or yelling threats out of their window)
The fact is....There are stupid cyclist and there are Stupid motorists that ruin it for all parties involved.
Add to the mix a Sheriff who uses law enforcement concepts and tactics from the early 1900's....well, now we have a modern day western with Lyrca clad Bandits riding around on their Carbon & titanium steeds.
Let the riding begin.
My 2 cents
Although the anti Cycling under-tone is obvious and un-called for coming from an elected position, I'm not opposed to law enforcement cracking down on obvious disregard for public laws and safety(bikes and cars), nor will I pretend that all of the letters sent by the cycling public have been tasteful. Where this gets muddy is when cyclist is general are being singled out and denied the basic rights to the road. The impeding of traffic in many cases is not the cyclists fault. Vehicles that slow down, give room and pass on the left side of the road shouldn't be viewed as impeding traffic. Motorists should use caution when passing slow moving vehicles in all situations. If impeding traffic warrants a citation, then I suppose we should be citing all slow moving vehicle, tractors, mopeds and 80 year old ladies who make other vehicle(including bikes) pass on the left hand side of the road. Mo torist that slow down to the posted speed limit or to a safe passing speed and then pass where there is a dotted yellow line, is not impeding the normal flow of traffic.....its called driving safe. Cyclists are to ride as far to the right as is permitted and safe. There are times where this is not possible especially if the road has gravel, pot-holes or hazards that make it unsafe to ride on the shoulder. I hope that when cyclist are riding single file and being safe, they are not cited, harassed or singled out because motorists slow down, take caution and allow room. This is not impeding traffic. Its the same thing motorist do when passing slower vehicles or tractors. For some reason, when it is a bike and not a tractor.....motorist and law enforcement place cyclist at blame. again, I too am sick of seeing groups of riders hogging the road. I'm equally sick of motorist that hog the road, assault cyclists and show disregard for human life.
Cyclist that ride with V1 will be asked to leave the group if they do not follow the basic rules of the road. But I will also encourage cyclist to report all signs of road rage and intimidation tactics by motorist. (this includes honking their horn, giving less than 3 feet of space and or yelling threats out of their window)
The fact is....There are stupid cyclist and there are Stupid motorists that ruin it for all parties involved.
Add to the mix a Sheriff who uses law enforcement concepts and tactics from the early 1900's....well, now we have a modern day western with Lyrca clad Bandits riding around on their Carbon & titanium steeds.
Let the riding begin.
Bob Green
Velo-One Cycling