I was thinking of ways to get the "share the road" message out, and I thought perhaps one approach would be to sign the non-expressway state border crossings (for those of you in the US) with signs informing traffic of the state law to "share the road," along with a reference. A similar notice can be posted on the bullitin boards at the welcome centers. People tend to be extra attentive when crossing state borders, and if every state did it, I'm thinking it could have a significant effect, while costing very little money. Maybe even statewide cyclist groups could take up the money to do this. What do you all think?

People tend to be extra attentive when crossing state borders, and if every state did it, I'm thinking it could have a significant effect, while costing very little money. --- That is a good idea for a starting point. But the signage has to be backed up by effective share-the-road legislation within each state. Otherwise, the "Share-the-Road" signs will eventually be ignored and meaningless like "Neighborhood Watch" signs.

I used to really like the "share the road" message. But then I figured out that to a lot of people that "share the road" means cyclists have a right to the road, but not the same right as other drivers. In particular, they can ride wherever they want, as long as they stay out of the way of cars. In other words, "share the road" means to most people what they already think about cyclists and the road. To them, it's nothing new.

To them, there is no legitimate excuse for a cyclist to be in their way, period. And, to them, that's sharing the road.

I used to really like the "share the road" message. But then I figured out that to a lot of people that "share the road" means cyclists have a right to the road, but not the same right as other drivers. In particular, they can ride wherever they want, as long as they stay out of the way of cars. In other words, "share the road" means to most people what they already think about cyclists and the road. To them, it's nothing new.

To them, there is no legitimate excuse for a cyclist to be in their way, period. And, to them, that's sharing the road.
Yeah. That's the sad fact. :rolleyes:

Set up all the share the road signs you want. We'll still hear the mating call of the wild roadrager:
"GET OFF THE ****IN' ROAD!!"

Cagers are in too much a hurry, they don't want anything slowing their need for speed. And they'll run you over to prove it, sign or no sign.

As it is, the law don't do jack to curtail that behaviour. Killing somebody with a motor vehicle should be worth the same as killing someone with a gun. 20 years rotting on death row, followed by a seat in the 50,000 volt laz-e-boy. Hurt them with a car, and not only have the car taken away, but have to pay the victim and their family every last dime you got to your name. When real criminal convictions get awarded for negligent or intentional criminal act, paying the piper, then we'll finally see some changes for the better.

I used to really like the "share the road" message. But then I figured out that to a lot of people that "share the road" means cyclists have a right to the road, but not the same right as other drivers.

I agree, at least in part. As a motorist of nearly twenty five years and a serious cyclist of a little under a year, I always took the "share the road" message as more of a friendly suggestion than an actual reminder of the law. It was only after becoming more serious about my riding and frequenting forums such as this that I began to fully understand the rights to the road that cyclists have.

IMO, If there's a problem with the 'share the road' message, it's that it's neither assertive enough nor visible enough. Perhaps something like "Share the road, it's the LAW" posted as frequently and conspicuously as the "buckle up" messages that are plastered all over the place, combined with more aggressive efforts on the driver's ed front, might start to get peoples' attention.

-B

--- That is a good idea for a starting point. But the signage has to be backed up by effective share-the-road legislation within each state. Otherwise, the "Share-the-Road" signs will eventually be ignored and meaningless like "Neighborhood Watch" signs.

What do you mean by effective share-the-road legislation? For the most part, state laws already mandate full rights and responsibilities upon cyclists.

I don't like the visual pollution of those "feel good" messages. The law is there, better in some places, not so good in other places, but a "share the road" sign does nothing to remind those who think they own the road that it isn't only theirs.

However, I see such signs – or clearer ones – in places where there are special hazards. For instance, when a road with 14-ft wide lanes and paved shoulders goes over a bridge that has 12-ft lanes and 2-ft "shoulders", then a "share the road" sign has its place.

What do you mean by effective share-the-road legislation? For the most part, state laws already mandate full rights and responsibilities upon cyclists.

Sure, but the laws are not backed with effective enforcement or penalties... I for one believe that if you kill a pedestrian or cyclist with your vehicle, you should no longer be allowed to drive. Period. You are out of the "driving pool."

Public transportation or cycling for the rest of your life.