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Why Some Bad Bills Get Introduced - A Cautionary Tale
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david.ja-@uvm.edu
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Feb 21, 2003 07:44 PST
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Why Some Bad Bills Get Introduced - A Cautionary Tale
H.192, a bill to restrict bicycles to single-file riding, was introduced in the
2003 Vermont Legislature by Rep. Linda Kirker of Essex. It had a whole bunch of
co-sponsors.
Here's the story: A truck driver was passing some bicycles riding two abreast
and he tooted his horn in what he said was a
friendly manner to warn them that he was passing.
The bicyclists not only did not move over, they flipped him off. So he asked his
representative to introduce a bill to keep the bicycles in line. And she did -
not necessarily because she thought it was a good idea but because a constituent
requested it.
What is a "friendly" toot? If it is an air horn, it may not be perceived as such
even if intended that way.
It takes everyone's effort to present a good image. Unfortunately, it's a small
percentages of riders doing stuff like this that makes bicycles look bad.
If you're in a potentially confrontational situation, wave as though you thought
the beep was just the nicest, kindest hello in the world. If it was intended to
be rude, maybe the beeper will regret it and be kinder next time.
Imagine, if you will, what you would say if you were asked to give testimony on
H.192. Why is it OK for bicycles to ride two-up?
Being a good ambassador for bicycling will help us all to keep our rights to the
road.
Dave Jacobowitz
Bruce Cunningham
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