Originally Posted by
tom cotter
You're right, my ideas would do nothing to improve cycling conditions in the city. They would, however, go a long way toward improving pedestrian safety. Which is the point. Most of the less self centered among us can see that clearly.
Believe it or not, the careless and arrogant behavior of messengers in center city isn't making cycling a good name. If city hall banned all cycling because of this group most people would say "Good riddance!" In my view anything that deals with the problem, reigns in the problem groups, and still preserves your right to commute anywhere in the city on a non registered bike is a win for cyclist.
Tom,
I would say that as bad as bicycle messengers may be that the "ninja" and "salmon" cyclists are far more damaging to the cycling community. And instead of eliminating the bicycle messengers maybe they need some sort of regulatory body to insure the greatest number behave and operate in a responsible manner. Just as there is for taxi cab operators. As I am sure that we all know that there are a minority of cab drivers/operators who are more then willing to "bend" various laws
IF the price is right. In that regard bike messengers really aren't much different. They have to get their packages from point a to point b in the shortest amount of time possible.
To do so some, but I am sure not all. Are more then willing to ride the sidewalks, ride against the flow of traffic and in general make a nuisance of themselves to the rest of the road users.