Bicycles and Cars - Tension in Eugene

I commute by bicycle 5 days a week, and I have for years. If there's anything in this town that annoys me endlessly, it's cyclists who act like complete arses. Going the wrong way down a street or bike lane. No lights at night. Cutting off traffic. Can you imagine the outrage if the same person did the same nonsense, but while driving a car?

Link: BIKES VS. VEHICLES: COLLISION OF CULTURES: The Register-Guard, Eugene, Ore..

"With bicycle commuting on the rise — thanks in part to high fuel prices and an increased awareness of environmental concerns associated with automobile use — many believe that both cyclists and motorists could use a refresher course covering the rules of the road, to reinforce the idea that all modes of transportation come with a legal right and responsibility to travel safely."

Comments

[ramalaka]

I got smashed by a car while on my bicylce in Eugene 27 years ago and spent a year laid up.

This is after 3 non-serious accidents, on my bike involving car drivers in Chicago and Birmingham. In 3 of the 4 accidents, I had witnesses would verified my statements that I was riding correctly, on the proper side of the road. All were in daylight.

I have learned that in order to survive on a bike, one needs to assume that car drivers will do the wrong things - run a red light, open a car door, turn right in front of you - and they will win every time.

The training involves better enforcement of the laws for both drivers and cyclists and pressing attempted murder charges against drivers who target cyclists.

[Leah]

http://blogs.eugeneweekly.com/node/595

Check this EW blog about the recent accident.