Advocacy & Safety - The Driver Privilege Checklist.

The Driver Privilege Checklist (http://scintillator.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/the-driver-privilege-checklist/)

1. If I am hurt or killed while driving, unless I am intoxicated or grossly negligent, I will not be blamed for my decision to drive.

2. If I live in North America, my driving is subsidized by my local, regional, and federal government, who provide roads and infrastructure. This subsidy is far beyond that given to any other form of daily transportation.

3. Learning to drive is a rite of passage, seen as a normal and necessary step towards adulthood, whereas other forms of transport are seen as childish or impractical.

4. If I choose to transport my children in a car, I will not be called a bad parent or berated for doing so.

5. If my child is injured or killed while in my car, I will not be blamed for their death unless I was intoxicated or otherwise grossly negligent.

6. If while driving I injure or kill another person, whether they are another driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, unless I am intoxicated or otherwise grossly negligent this will be seen nothing more than a regrettable accident.

7. Large areas of the city, suburb, or rural area I live in are built and laid out with driving in mind to the exclusion of other forms of transportation, and may be totally inaccessible to non-drivers.

8. While travelling I do not have to experience cold, heat, rain, or snow for more than a few moments unless I choose to.

9. I can complain to friends, family, and aquaintances about minor accidents and other annoyances without being told that I should stop driving.

10. It is easier for me than it is for non-drivers to buy many staple goods, such as groceries, as they are often sold in car-centric locations which are difficult to access by other means of transport. I also have the advantage of more easily buying in bulk.

11. Unless I am very extravagant, the money I spend on purchasing and running my car is not seen as wasted, as a car is seen as a necessity.

And the most obvious:

12. While in transit, I am protected by a 2-tonne metal machine which is faster, stronger, and more durable than anything else I encounter on the road besides larger cars and trucks. If I am in a collision with a pedestrian or a cyclist, even if I am not at fault, I am much more likely to escape without serious injury or death.

13. The roads shall be constructed so as to allow me to park my car next to my destination, even if my parked car creates a hazard to other people.

Most (all?) of those points are indisputable, but this is the system we have built. I agree it could be better, and admire those who work hard to improve it. I just try to fit in while pedaling around. It seems to work well enough for me. (and many others) :)

1. Cyclists can run red lights and stop signs, right in front of a cop, and rarely get a ticket (at least around here).

2. Cyclists can go "off road" when convenient to get a better route.

3. Cyclists can more easily avoid traffic jams. In fact, when a traffic jam happens, the cyclist holds a large advantage over drivers.

I could go on...

1. Cyclists can run red lights and stop signs, right in front of a cop, and rarely get a ticket (at least around here).

2. Cyclists can go "off road" when convenient to get a better route.

3. Cyclists can more easily avoid traffic jams. In fact, when a traffic jam happens, the cyclist holds a large advantage over drivers.

I could go on...

Please, go on.... hijack away - you already look like a jackwagon now so might as well enjoy it.

I could go on...Do.

(It's good to realize that #1 isn't universal, but ... you were going well, so why stop?)

(And for the record, I don't see it as a hijack or "jackwagon" material like some others might -- more an obvious, complimentary position.)

Do.

(It's good to realize that #1 isn't universal, but ... you were going well, so why stop?)

(And for the record, I don't see it as a hijack or "jackwagon" material like some others might -- more an obvious, complimentary position.)

It is a hijack, obviously doohickie could have started another thread if he was serious instead of screwing with this one. Too bad.

14. If my commute to work is interupted by weather, mechanical difficulties, (car will not start), or traffic my employer shall pay for any lost time.

It is a hijack, obviously doohickie could have started another thread if he was serious instead of screwing with this one. Too bad.

If you just want to post your opinions and only have people praise and agree with you, this is the wrong forum.



For that matter...wrong world. :(

If you just want to post your opinions and only have people praise and agree with you, this is the wrong forum.



For that matter...wrong world. :(

If you want to contribute to the discussion about a driver's privilege, it's ok with me.

Otherwise lets stay on topic.

1. Cyclists can run red lights and stop signs, right in front of a cop, and rarely get a ticket (at least around here).

2. Cyclists can go "off road" when convenient to get a better route.

3. Cyclists can more easily avoid traffic jams. In fact, when a traffic jam happens, the cyclist holds a large advantage over drivers.

I could go on...

Cyclists have nicer asses.

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgnpw5UJ3E1qdficso1_500.jpg

13. the degree to which all of the previous are true is because, as a driver, I represent the vast majority of adults in this country.

14. Like all other folks in this country I act as is only my needs matter, and everyone else is an inconvenience to me.

1. Cyclists can run red lights and stop signs, right in front of a cop, and rarely get a ticket (at least around here).

2. Cyclists can go "off road" when convenient to get a better route.

3. Cyclists can more easily avoid traffic jams. In fact, when a traffic jam happens, the cyclist holds a large advantage over drivers.

I could go on...

4. Cyclists have the right to tailgate since we use the french term 'pelaton'

5. Cyclists expect all of the rights of other road users, but are much more flexible when it comes to their responsibilities.

6. Being a minority group, cyclists are required to have a persecution complex.

Cyclists have nicer asses.

http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lgnpw5UJ3E1qdficso1_500.jpg

This one has, unfortunately, far less truth in it.

4. Cyclists have the right to tailgate since we use the french term 'pelaton'

5. Cyclists expect all of the rights of other road users, but are much more flexible when it comes to their responsibilities.

6. Being a minority group, cyclists are required to have a persecution complex.

What a load of bovine excrement. :bang:

Oh, and it's "peloton'.

What a load of bovine excrement. :bang:

Oh, and it's "peloton'.

Don't bother... instead how about a driver privilege #15!

#15: I will only respect machines, and the operators thereof, who are substantially larger than me, and can produce instant catastrophic damage through their lesser skills.

#15: I will only respect machines, and the operators thereof, who are substantially larger than me, and can produce instant catastrophic damage through their lesser skills.

Haha, true true... recently had somebody state this as the law of the jungle. Funny because he looked like a monkey.

Please, go on.... hijack away - you already look like a jackwagon now so might as well enjoy it.

Uh...Since you made no point in your original post, how is it that electrik's post was a hijack? It seemed to be apropos and fit right in to me.

My point, if you will, is that there are two sides to the story. Yes, motorists enjoy many privileges. But so do cyclists. You make your choice, you have to live with the privileges and consequences. The fact that motorists enjoy certain privileges does not make cyclists morally superior to them. If you like to ride, ride. Find what works best for you and do it. But don't go all inferiority complex about the privileges of drivers.

In short, quit yer whinin'.

My point, if you will, is that there are two sides to the story. Yes, motorists enjoy many privileges. But so do cyclists. You make your choice, you have to live with the privileges and consequences. The fact that motorists enjoy certain privileges does not make cyclists morally superior to them. If you like to ride, ride. Find what works best for you and do it. But don't go all inferiority complex about the privileges of drivers.

In short, quit yer whinin'.
How, in the face of epidemic rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments and roadway injuries, can you state that cyclists are not morally superior to those who choose motor vehicles to meet their transportation desires? Add in climate change and the economic and other damages done by propping up oil and it is really case closed. Pointing out a problem that should be obvious to all but apparently isn't is not the same as whining.

i hope electrik didn't waste the time thinking all that up and it was a copy and paste.

there is a definite entitlement problem inside american automobiles. i'm blaming it on the fumes :lol:

How, in the face of epidemic rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments and roadway injuries, can you state that cyclists are not morally superior to those who choose motor vehicles to meet their transportation desires? Add in climate change and the economic and other damages done by propping up oil and it is really case closed. Pointing out a problem that should be obvious to all but apparently isn't is not the same as whining.

Wow, are you over the top. I bet you think your **** doesn't stink, either.

A & S is always good for an entertaining scratch-fight.....

I know, right?

3. Learning to drive is a rite of passage, seen as a normal and necessary step towards adulthood, whereas other forms of transport are seen as childish or impractical.

Needs modification as follows: "Any other mode of transportation, such as walking or bicycling, is to viewed as being for losers".



13. The roads shall be constructed so as to allow me to park my car next to my destination, even if my parked car creates a hazard to other people.

"When I park my motor vehicle, I have the inherent right to leave the door open, directly in the path of anyone who may need to pass. I also have the inherent right to leave the engine running,
even though there may be an actual law that makes such illegal. (In MA, it is illegal to leave a motor vehicle running while unattended. But, many do this. This may be observed in the morning,
in proximity to any Dunkin' Donuts, or convenience store.)

Nice list, but Doohickie's point is well taken.

Nice list, but Doohickie's point is well taken.

I agree with Doohickie, and the Man from the Underground Camp.

How, in the face of epidemic rates of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory ailments and roadway injuries, can you state that cyclists are not morally superior to those who choose motor vehicles to meet their transportation desires? Add in climate change and the economic and other damages done by propping up oil and it is really case closed. Pointing out a problem that should be obvious to all but apparently isn't is not the same as whining. How can you possibly state that cyclist are in the moral right? Is cycling a moral issue?

i hope electrik didn't waste the time thinking all that up and it was a copy and paste.

there is a definite entitlement problem inside american automobiles. i'm blaming it on the fumes :lol:

Haha, no no... link is right there in the first post!

http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com/thumbs/2e/91/ad,concept,green,idea-2e91630187a46b87b4c3b4845db90565_h.jpg

Cheers

My point, if you will, is that there are two sides to the story. Yes, motorists enjoy many privileges. But so do cyclists. You make your choice, you have to live with the privileges and consequences. The fact that motorists enjoy certain privileges does not make cyclists morally superior to them. If you like to ride, ride. Find what works best for you and do it. But don't go all inferiority complex about the privileges of drivers.

In short, quit yer whinin'.

When there is equality for cyclists and motorists, I will quit whinin'.

When there are no 85% rules that push road speeds higher based on one form of transportation; when there are plenty of parking places for bicycles at the local mall/shopping center; and when cyclists get tickets for running red lights... then I will quit whinin'. Until then, I consider motorists as having quite the privilege.

When there are no 85% rules that push road speeds higher based on one form of transportation....

The 85 percent issue recently came into play on one of our local roadways, which had to have it's speed limit increased, due to the possibility of legal issues if local law enforcement issued speeding tickets at the lower speed limit, and much to the dismay of the residents along that roadway.

The 85 percent issue recently came into play on one of our local roadways, which had to have it's speed limit increased, due to the possibility of legal issues if local law enforcement issued speeding tickets at the lower speed limit, and much to the dismay of the residents along that roadway.

The other issue that gets me is that laws are subtly written to encourage the use of the motor vehicle, such as the law that was used to deny San Francisco bike paths as such may cause a delay to motorists.

Oh yeah it more than attitude, there are loads of issues that lean to give motorists favor on the roadways... and anyone that doesn't see that isn't looking. Just look at transportation funding for instance.

4. Cyclists have the right to tailgate since we use the french term 'pelaton'

5. Cyclists expect all of the rights of other road users, but are much more flexible when it comes to their responsibilities.

6. Being a minority group, cyclists are required to have a persecution complex.
6. a. Frequenting forums where other minorities discuss their persecutions ad nauseum reinforces and strengthens the complex; finding a place for leisure-riding away from the persecutors goes a long way to soothing the persecution paranoia

4. Cyclists have the right to tailgate since we use the french term 'pelaton'

5. Cyclists expect all of the rights of other road users, but are much more flexible when it comes to their responsibilities.

6. Being a minority group, cyclists are required to have a persecution complex.

4. Tailgating is standard operating procedure for motorists, especially during peak traffic periods. And they cause much greater death and destruction when things go afoul, compared to cyclists.

5. I'd say motorists are just as flexible when it comes to their responsibilities. Speed limit anyone?

6. Only some cyclists take on a persecution complex. The good thing is their griping gives others something to gripe about! ;)

4. Tailgating is standard operating procedure for motorists, especially during peak traffic periods. And they cause much greater death and destruction when things go afoul, compared to cyclists.

I don't know many groups of drivers who routinely "draft" each other on their drives. But yes, tailgating in the standard sense is a problem among drivers.


5. I'd say motorists are just as flexible when it comes to their responsibilities. Speed limit anyone?

Well, your parents may not have told this to you, but if little johnny does something wrong, that isn't justification for you to do something wrong. Too many of the folks here are willing to overlook cyclists illegal acts and/or provide rationalizations for it (see your response to #4).


6. Only some cyclists take on a persecution complex. The good thing is their griping give others something to gripe about! ;)

Seems like most of those who post here do. Although that may even be all, since invariably those who dispute the persecution complex get labeled as "not real cyclists"...

2. Cyclists can go "off road" when convenient to get a better route.

3. Cyclists can more easily avoid traffic jams. In fact, when a traffic jam happens, the cyclist holds a large advantage over drivers.I keep forgetting that it's far more important that everyone else goes just as slow as you than going faster yourself.

Apparently these cyclists are cheating in the imaginary race.

However, motorists aren't cheating when they get on the freeway and skip 50 lights that I have to deal with.

How can you possibly state that cyclist are in the moral right? Is cycling a moral issue?

No, but cycling does provide a partial solution to the list of moral issues that B. Carfree posted (as I read it: maintaining a healthy populace, reducing environmental pollution, increasing personal financial stability, and resource conservation through reduced energy consumption). If one were to agree that these are moral issues, and that increased cycling rates and reduced driving rates would positively affect society with regard to these issues, then one could conclude that choosing cycling over driving is moral issue.

It's this mindset that keeps my fiancé riding her bike to work through the winter; once the temp falls below freezing it certainly isn't the sheer pleasure of cycling that keeps her on the bike. If it gets/keeps people on bikes, then let folks like B. Carfree keep preaching. I would say that promoting the positive effects of cycling is likely to be more effective than condemning automotive transport, though. The former encourages people try something new by showing that cycling is both good and fun, where the latter orders people to stop doing something by casting judgement and heaping guilt and gloom upon them (and even though it might be deserved, that doesn't mean that is will be accepted or considered).

The list in the OP is condemning automotive transport, legitimately, I think; but I don't think that it would gain much traction in the minds of those who aren't already convinced that addiction to the automobile is bad for society. It's useful for those who already agree to help identify the problems that define the issue, which allows them to formulate better arguments to help convince those who don't agree or, more importantly, those who are neutral. But, as far as effective advocacy goes, I like Doohickie's list better. My only gripe with it is that #1 should've been: Cycling is fun. That's the most important privilege of cycling to me, that I get to enjoy my commute.

My only gripe with it is that #1 should've been: Cycling is fun. That's the most important privilege of cycling to me, that I get to enjoy my commute.Of course, the problem with that argument is ... well, there isn't a problem at all, more just an observation -- driving is fun too.

Not always, not for everybody -- but then again, lots of people ride bikes when it's not fun for them too, for mostly the same reasons people drive when it's not fun.

No, but cycling does provide a partial solution to the list of moral issues that B. Carfree posted (as I read it: maintaining a healthy populace, reducing environmental pollution, increasing personal financial stability, and resource conservation through reduced energy consumption). If one were to agree that these are moral issues, and that increased cycling rates and reduced driving rates would positively affect society with regard to these issues, then one could conclude that choosing cycling over driving is moral issue.

It's this mindset that keeps my fiancé riding her bike to work through the winter; once the temp falls below freezing it certainly isn't the sheer pleasure of cycling that keeps her on the bike. If it gets/keeps people on bikes, then let folks like B. Carfree keep preaching. I would say that promoting the positive effects of cycling is likely to be more effective than condemning automotive transport, though. The former encourages people try something new by showing that cycling is both good and fun, where the latter orders people to stop doing something by casting judgement and heaping guilt and gloom upon them (and even though it might be deserved, that doesn't mean that is will be accepted or considered).

The list in the OP is condemning automotive transport, legitimately, I think; but I don't think that it would gain much traction in the minds of those who aren't already convinced that addiction to the automobile is bad for society. It's useful for those who already agree to help identify the problems that define the issue, which allows them to formulate better arguments to help convince those who don't agree or, more importantly, those who are neutral. But, as far as effective advocacy goes, I like Doohickie's list better. My only gripe with it is that #1 should've been: Cycling is fun. That's the most important privilege of cycling to me, that I get to enjoy my commute.

Let's also keep in mind that motoring is regularly promoted (in ads) by the use of some rather flagrant claims, such as touting how sexy it is to drive XYZ car, and how driving pleasure is enhanced by XYZ car... none of which shows the daily bumper to bumper traffic that most motorists have to endure.

Of course, the problem with that argument is ... well, there isn't a problem at all, more just an observation -- driving is fun too.

Not always, not for everybody -- but then again, lots of people ride bikes when it's not fun for them too, for mostly the same reasons people drive when it's not fun.

Whenever I drive in a manner that I consider fun, The Man comes along and threatens to take away my driving privileges. :D

Even though I've met a few of them, the fact that there are people who don't enjoy the act of riding a bike boggles my mind. I wonder if maybe there's something physiologically wrong with them, like a brain defect or something.

16. I have the unalienable right to accelerate up to 10 mph over the speed limit to pass any slower moving cyclist, (even if they are traveling at the speed limit)
so I don't have to wait behind them 0.25 seconds to make a right turn. Let them slow down and wait for me.

17. I am no longer responsible for keeping up with my vehicles emissions, brake lights or directional once my car is more than 1 year old. Why should cars even have directional blinkers? No one uses them anymore.

18. I also have the unalienable right to bump cyclists out of the lane if they aren't on the right side of the white line.

:popcorn:

Must be horrible going through life feeling so inferior...

:popcorn:

Must be horrible going through life feeling so inferior...

Those who constantly rush in to condemn any hint of what they label persecution or inferiority complex seem just as miserable in my opinion. There’s really not much point to either behavior. But hay, at least everyones having fun, right? Rag on. :thumb:

The Driver Privilege Checklist (http://scintillator.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/the-driver-privilege-checklist/)
4. If I choose to transport my children in a car, I will not be called a bad parent or berated for doing so.The hell? Oh wait! I forgot about the helicopter! I'm so silly. I guess I'm not such a bad parent after all. . . .

The whole list is crap piled on top of more crap. The author is, for lack of a better word, a moron.

16. I have the unalienable right to accelerate up to 10 mph over the speed limit to pass any slower moving cyclist, (even if they are traveling at the speed limit)
so I don't have to wait behind them 0.25 seconds to make a right turn. Let them slow down and wait for me.

17. I am no longer responsible for keeping up with my vehicles emissions, brake lights or directional once my car is more than 1 year old. Why should cars even have directional blinkers? No one uses them anymore.

18. I also have the unalienable right to bump cyclists out of the lane if they aren't on the right side of the white line.

Nice ones, #16 is particularly right... If i can go faster than you it gives me the right to pass you and cut you off with a right turn - If i don't do this i am doing you a GREAT favour to which i will be indignant and honk if you don't acknowledge my charity.

If you liked that one, then you're gonna love this one...

19. Roads are for cars, sidewalks are for toys. The sooner bicycle riders learn this, the world will be a better place!


BTW, I have no inferiority complex, just the need to relish in some friendly "turnabout".

It seems when people learn I'm a cyclist, even more so when they find out I commute to work every day like that, I become a sounding board for everyone's complaints about cyclists.

Is there anyone who's been there? Are their any hands to raise?

So I enjoy this thread. Let's me vent a little about other people's selfishness, and how foolish some of their perceptions may be...

If you liked that one, then you're gonna love this one...

19. Roads are for cars, sidewalks are for toys. The sooner bicycle riders learn this, the world will be a better place!


BTW, I have no inferiority complex, just the need to relish in some friendly "turnabout".

It seems when people learn I'm a cyclist, even more so when they find out I commute to work every day like that, I become a sounding board for everyone's complaints about cyclists.

Is there anyone who's been there? Are their any hands to raise?

So I enjoy this thread. Let's me vent a little about other people's selfishness, and how foolish some of their perceptions may be...

I dunno, that may be a duplicate of #3... I don't really listen to complainers when they're clueless - run don't walk.