14th
This is another reason why drivers and cyclists are like Israelis and Palestinians and why there should be less automobile-centric design on roads.
His first point that roads are meant for motor traffic because of gas taxes and registration fees has been dubunked so much it’s not funny — maybe he doesn’t have the internet. If gas taxes paid for all roads, that would be amazing, and he would have an argument for bicycle restrictions on some non-local roads.
But what’s pretty much insulting is this from his letter (emphasis mine):
A few of the more commonly bent or broken rules: Any person riding a bicycle shall ride in the right-hand lane. When being overtaken by another vehicle, such person shall ride as close to the right-hand side as practicable. Where a paved shoulder suitable for bicycle riding is present, persons operating bicycles shall ride on the paved shoulder.
Virtually all bicyclists ride in the traveled portion of the roadway. How much dirt, gravel, trash and road kill is on the shoulder is not my concern. This is where bicycles are supposed to be.
And it is not his concern because it contradicts his effort to cite law in a way that favors his impatience over the safety of others. Debris on the road is not suitable for bicycles or cars. His letter contributes nothing to an actual debate and instead incites both sides to hate each other. Colorado is supposedly a very bike-friendly state, so he must be quite unhappy.
