Originally Posted by
The Human Car
Well you could say for every rule there is an exception but I would guess that on one side there is you and on the other side is your relatives associations that are anti-cyclists. So assuming that everyone knows at least 20 people that makes your point of view only 1:20XRelative#. So if Relative A's sub group of 19 that you don't know also knew a cyclists and so on through the majority of your relatives then I would suggest things would be different. One person is a crackpot, knowing of more then one on a somewhat personal (respected) basis helps dilute the crackpot notion.
But then again my father-in-law would not respect me no mater what I did, so there might be that as well.
There is also that ticket while on the bike issue, while you have our sympathies, it might be an issue of disrespect for your relatives. But if the Judge knew and respected a cyclist that outcome might have been different as well.
All this is to say there needs to be some sort of critical mass for this to happen.
Barry... and others... you can do your own informal survey of "the masses" to see how they really feel.
At any public event where you are not known as a cyclist and can start or join conversations easily, simply bring up the topic of riding a bike to work and ask if it is legal and safe. Be conversational... not confrontational. Mention this as your effort to "go green."
Then just listen... listen to what people say about bikes, about sharing the road and how they really feel.
What I have heard in the past is just stunning. But don't just take my word for it... try it yourself.