Thread: just the facts
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Old 02-10-10 | 12:20 PM
  #240  
John Forester
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Originally Posted by genec
So the real question is since the majority have put cyclists in a second class position, why is it that you feel that the minority cyclists can change this?
That is a reasonable question. The majority position is enforced by the three discriminatory and restrictive traffic laws, whichever of these exist in any particular jurisdiction, that prohibit cyclists from acting as drivers of vehicles. Therefore, repeal of these laws will eliminate the legal authority to discriminate against cyclists as drivers of vehicles. Elimination of the legal authority will also markedly reduce the efforts by private citizens to enforce what they believe to be the law against lawful cycling.

There are several legal arguments to support repeal of these laws. One is fairness against the tyranny of the majority. Another is that these laws do not reduce collisions. Another is that these laws have to be disobeyed even when bikeway systems are present. And these laws are unnecessary; all dangerous acts done by cyclists can be prosecuted under the normal traffic laws. Even the fact that these laws are supported only by superstition contrary to traffic-engineering knowledge would help.
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