Originally Posted by
genec
Really? Go check the laws pertaining to cyclists in your state. John Forester will tell you that many states did not have laws pertaining to cyclists before he worked out the laws in CA. I know that the laws pertaining to cyclists in CA were put in place in the early '70s. Prior to that, just what were the "rights" of cyclists on the roadways of America?
I do not have the time right now to look for all the links and background, but:
JF's efforts in the 1970s were to prevent restrictive laws on cyclist from being inacted. He admits to being only partially effective and was able to keep the worst of the proposed restrictions from being included. Other states then put in place much of the new CA cycling restrictions. Prior to 1970 there were few restrictions on cyclist.
There was even a case in the late 1800s or early 1900s that affirmed cyclist rights to use roads. As I racall, that was the case dealing with cyclist and trolly cars.