(This is not a video – see below – it is a screenshot of where to FF to)
I’ve been meaning to post this. Harold Christensen (a former co-worker of mine) and hardcore bike rider (all year long) was almost hit by a reckless driver and he gave his account of the incident at the last city council meeting. I won’t try to explain his testimony, just watch it. He is one of the first people to testify in public input.
Those of you who don’t ride bicycles, this may be a shock to hear, but I can reassure you, as frequent rider, I avoid our streets as much as possible, it’s like playing Russian Roulette. Harold is right, there needs to be stiff punishment for auto drivers that endanger bicyclists, especially when the bicyclists are obeying laws and the drivers are not. I predict we will hear more from Harold in the legislative session. Godspeed.
A few observations. Harold does an excellent job presenting his case, did I detect a bit of Paul Harvey in his delivery? As for the content, while I see his point to some degree, can you imagine if an officer showed up at your door and arrested you or issued you a ticket because a bicyclist claimed you “almost” hit him? It’s his word against yours? Other than the “stern talking too” What would you suggest for a “stiffer” penalty?
Its like the 200 blk of S Minnesota Avenue…people jaywalk there all day long interfering with traffic and dodging cars as they run to the YMCA, but the first time a cop writes one of those people a ticket its “Dont they have anything better to do” mentality. It’s the same thing for these bike safety violations.
Really? If you run a red light and an officer catches you, you get a ticket. Why? Because running red lights gives you the possibility to cause an accident. As Harold pointed out, his situation could have turned out differently.
On a somewhat related note, how long is that ghost bike going to remain chained to a pole on 57th street?
Living in a larger metro area, I can’t tell you the number of hippy fuckers on their bikes that create more problems than they prevent. The etiquette of bicyclists for the most part is horrible. Far too many bikers think the road is theirs. This means they can ride in the middle of the street like a car, run red lights, and run stop lights. The term “share the road” means just that; and the appropriate signage and bike lanes are there for that purpose. Yes, there are responsible and courteous bikers on the roads–however, they do not make headlines. I am all for very strict punishment for those who do not yield to others sharing the road. The fact remains that the bicyclists need to take a good hard look at themselves. The problems is as much with both the auto drivers and the bikers. A few rotten apples on both sides ruin it for everyone. I have no problems with bicyclists on the road provided they are obeying the same rules as I have to abide by. I do have a problem with bikers who break the rules, wear their Ipods, and ride erratically. The last time I checked, you are not supposed to wear headsets while operating any vehicle on the road. Just about every biker (and many drivers) have an Ipod stuck in their ears–presumably listening to “artists” like the Grateful Dead or Phish. Get a haircut,get a car,take a shower, and stop wearing patchooly–you fucking stink!
Thank you BJ.
Beer Jew, do you, or does anyone else know for sure, if it’s illegal to wear headphones while driving in South Dakota? I asked a cop about it a few years back and he said it was not illegal in South Dakota, but was in most other states.
I tried Googling it but got nothing.
Just wondering if anyone knows for sure.
I bike as well, not 12 months of the year perhaps. Some bikers are obnoxious and erratic. Bikers (and for that matter scooters) should stay off streets on which they cannot keep up with traffic speeds, i.e. streets with 30 mph+ speed limits. Not that I expect bikers to be doing 25 on residential streets, its just that main streets with higher speed limits are rather more dangerous and busy.
You have to remember, autos have an unfair advantage, they are larger and heavier. I have never heard of a bicycle running over a car and killing the driver.
and BTW, Beer Jew, have you even learned how to ride a bike yet 🙂 I still don’t know how to swim.
JR – I have not lived in South Dakota for almost 10 years. I distinctly remember when taking my Minnesota license that there was a question regarding personal headsets/stereos. Perhaps things have changed with hands-free cellphone earpieces-Don’t even get me started on cell phones and texting while driving.
DL – I still don’t know how to ride a bike. Bikes are for hippy’s. Fuck you, hippy!
BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I knew it. PIIIIIEEEEEE!