Some FACTS on the "Cars vs. Bikes" issue.

I was reading an online forum (not bike-related) the other day, and came across the 874,668th thread on the topic of “cars vs. bikes.”  Of course, there was nothing new in the thread–the pro-car crowd cited all cyclists as hooligans who disregard all traffic laws at all time, and the pro-bike crowd claimed all drivers are assholes who buzz cyclists for laughs and have no idea what cyclists go through to ride.

There were few actual facts and lots of hyperbole, exaggeration and brouhaha.  It was, as usual, a waste of time.

So, I would like to offer some not-really-disputable facts to help inform people on the issue at hand. Perhaps someone out there will read this and think twice before starting thread #874,669 on this topic.

FACTS:

• People are assholes and idiots.
• Cyclists who break the law are assholes and idiots.
• Drivers who break the law are assholes and idiots.
• Cyclists are piloting a vehicle that weighs between 20 and 30 pounds.
• Drivers are piloting a vehicle that weighs between 2,000 and 80,000 pounds.
• Drivers and cyclists colliding at high speeds usually causes significant injury, or death, to the cyclist, regardless of fault, due to the difference in size and protection the two vehicles offer their pilots.
• To increase the likelihood of their survival, cyclists must ensure that drivers can see them, even if it means drivers are temporarily delayed.
• Cyclists can ride two abreast in Florida (and in many other states).  In large groups, riding two abreast actually makes it easier for drivers to pass the group.
• Cyclists must be given three feet of clearance in Florida (and in many other states).
• Cycling on sidewalks is significantly more dangerous than cycling on a street.
• Cycling on streets is often the only way for a cyclist to get to his or her destination (bike paths and MUPs don’t go everywhere).
• Sometimes, bike lanes marked on streets are not usable due to potholes and road debris.  In these cases, cyclists are entitled by law in Florida (and in many other states) to ride in the traffic lane.
• Cyclists do not need to pay a “bike tax.”  Our income tax and vehicle registration fees covers road maintenance.
• In cities, cyclists face the additional hazard of doors opening in their path.

A rational opinion (and even one expressed on an internet forum) should be based on facts, and I suggest you consider the facts listed above as you form your opinion on this issue.