On Wed, 9 Feb 2005 01:11:05 -0800, "Daniel W. Rouse Jr."
I have no idea where you are talking about riding. I don't have anything anywhere I ride called a bike lane. In Georgia, bikes have the same rights as cars. If I like (I don't do it, because A: it's rude and B: because I'll get end), I can ride straight down the middle of the road, by law. I am also NOT supposed to use sidewalks in any business or commercial district, which means pretty much anywhere I ride. I am required to have a headlight, and tail light, to stop at stop signs, stop lights, basically obey all traffic laws. And I do.
I don't mind when people don't see me. People don't pay attention, or even look where they are going a lot of the time. But I know this, and hence ride accordingly. My main problem is people thinking that I am somehow NOT supposed to be riding on the road, forcing me onto the dirt shoulder (has happened to me 3 times in the past year), honking their horn at me because I am in their way, as if I can do ANYTHING about it, and the ever popular turning left in front of me as I go through my green light, and acting as if I'm the one doing something wrong.
That's my everyday reality, and I do indeed SHARE THE ROAD. Many other motorist do as well, I admit, and I hope the number of 'cycle aware' folks only increases. But for those that don't, well... You're driving that giant, fashionable, gas sucking SUV for a reason then, aren't you.
One big difference many motorist also seem to miss... My existence on the road, being in front of you, slowing you down... minor inconvenience to you, maybe a few SECONDS out of your day (and believe me, I am TRYING to get out of your way, to stay as far right as possible, etc, etc...). You running me over because you couldn't waste those few SECONDS... maybe the end of my day, period.
Think about the other guy, please.