Vehicular Cycling (VC) - general-category laws and specific-category laws
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Niles H.
06-09-07, 04:03 PM
Why focus on general-category laws (pertaining to "all vehicles") when specific-category laws (those pertaining to bicycles) are clearer, more complete, more relevant, more accurate, more to the point, less distracting, more direct, and include the relevant general-category laws?
And why not simply refer people more often to the appropriate codifications of these laws?
Niles H.
06-09-07, 04:16 PM
Some people have noted the confusion created by reference to the laws "shared by all vehicles" -- what exactly are they?, what are the parameters?, where are they written down as such?, etc.
These laws (precisely the relevant ones) are conveniently referred to in the specific-category laws; so why not refer to the specific-category laws (and their codifications), which provide the references, cover both at once, and do so specifically?
John Forester
06-09-07, 06:09 PM
Some people have noted the confusion created by reference to the laws "shared by all vehicles" -- what exactly are they?, what are the parameters?, where are they written down as such?, etc.
These laws (precisely the relevant ones) are conveniently referred to in the specific-category laws; so why not refer to the specific-category laws (and their codifications), which provide the references, cover both at once, and do so specifically?
There are very few specific traffic laws for cyclists. Take the side-of-the-road law as a common example. That law does not cover overtaking, turning right, turning left, behavior at traffic lights, behavior at traffic control signs, and numerous other movements.
You need to study the vehicle code for your state, whatever state that is, to find the chapter titled Rules of the Road or similar. Then you might understand.