A recent story in Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch highlighted the problem with cycling safety on local streets. It noted that cyclist Dave Mathews, injured in a bad bike wreck 18 months ago, has made cycling safety an issue. His passion on the subject was fueled after a pickup struck and killed cyclist Paul Taylor and authorities announced last week nobody will be prosecuted. The reason the authorities gave was that they don't have the evidence to make a case.
"We're human beings, too," said Mathews, who started a Facebook page about bike safety in Atlanta. "We're not disposable creatures."
Atlanta bicyclists have long complained about motorists being inconsiderate, with many hogging the road and passing them too closely. Loganville went through much the same argument last year when cyclist Mark Jidov was killed by a car while cycling on Broadnax Mill Road. It was taken hard by his family and friends. Not only because they were saddened by the loss of someone very special to them, but also because they believed it was something that could have been avoided. Broadnax Mill Road now carries "Share the Road" signage. It is hoped this will draw attention to the cyclists and cut down on some of the road accidents and deaths.
Matthews has created "Ghost bikes" at some of the accident sites that resulted in cyclist fatalities, hoping to draw attention to the issue. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution story quoted the Atlanta Bicycle Association as saying 28 people died in bike related accidents in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties between 2003 and 2008.
But when this story was posted on the Dacula Patch and Buford Patch Facebook pages, it drew a strong response from motorists.
"Just maybe one day there will be a law making them get license insurance, and tag like we do to be on the highway. Its beyond me why they can't use the bike trails that were made for them to ride on. Make them pay some of that money back and then just maybe they will use them it would make it safer on us all," one commenter wrote.
"They frequently DOMINATE Auburn Ave/Old Auburn Rd. I wish they would spread the love around a bit," another wrote.
So do you think the Georgia laws are strong enough to protect both cyclists and motorists who share the road? Do you think that cyclists using the road should be required to register their bikes and purchase tags and insurance?
There isn't anything that REQUIRES cyclists to ride 2 abreast with mixed traffic present. If you see cars with 3 ft feelers on the market, then you can "CLAIM" your space, otherwise figure to PULL off on occasion to let vehicles pass. Using bikes on campus as well as scooters fantastic, just don't get on the cell or use an MP3 player in traffic, unless you want to test the ACA to its fullest... It's been said that " the pen is mightier than the sword", but the sword carries more weight at any given moment in time. Cyclists may have "rights", but they are hard to claim in the back of an ambulance running code 3 folks.
It wasn't until a week ago that I encountered a driver with a clear, bike-specific animosity toward me. On a lightly-traveled country road, an oncoming vehicle drifted out of his lane about a third of the way into my lane as we approached each other. Oops, right? Then he showily veered back into his own lane and laid on the horn as he passed me. Clearly there was no reason for that but to intimidate me. Big man. *Those* are the drivers that scare me. The rest of us are just out there trying to get along.
When they act like an ass, I just lay on my horn until they move. I assume they surrender to prevent the headache. How many people commenting here for bicyclists rights even ride a bike in traffic? Require these morons to pay to register their bike, pay for a tag every year and pay for liability insurance and this argument is over.
I've been the bearer of that kind of bad news twice in my public career. It ain't easy. Please be careful and obey our traffic laws they are for your protection.
Now you demand I pay more? They throw up a couple "Share the Road" signs, and the rest of the money goes toward building more and more roadways for single occupancy vehicles to commute 10-20 miles. Gas prices are already high. They are going to get even higher. And when they do all the anti-cyclist types will be the ones marching on their local commissions demanding answers to why there is no infrastructure so they can get to work for less than $200.00 a week. We are not the enemy here. That being said, I'm all for tough enforcement for cyclists who break the law.
I am too. They should be run over.
Wow. that's really profound. I must say, you're off to a good start then. That seems to be a system that's working good for you out there. What's really frightening is that you are completely serious.
Lisa's right. I haven't seen a lot of bike paths in the area. It's too bad, really, because many parts of Savannah and the surrounding areas would be good for cycling.
road increases the safety of cyclists and motorist alike. A bicycle is a legal vehicle on the roads of Ga., and we should stop at signs, signal for all turns, and don't text and ride. (sorry couldn't help a little joke), and abide by the same laws as drivers. Thanks for your patience with the cyclists on Harbins. Hope they read this and adjust their behavior.
I commute to work every day on my bike, most of the time of which is rather pleasant. Until you come up against people like NJ4 there. I'm just a husband, father, taxpayer...just trying to get to work. I go out of my way to yield to cars, I do not block traffic, and I try to take less traveled roads so I do not run into the NJ4 types. These are the type of people that no matter what a cyclist does, they will buzz close to a cyclist as a means of intimidation. Then have the nerve to come onto a public forum like this and toss out mindless threats. NJ4, be careful. More and more of us are riding with cameras on our bikes now... I
How dare someone get in YOUR way on YOUR roads that YOU pay for. You would certainly feel different if it was a friend or family member. Now I will gladly go into my hole.