Originally Posted by
CB HI
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.
Several years ago I read a book on cycling history. It said that in the late 1800s cyclists were fighting to be
allowed to ride on the sidewalk. Of course, that was the smoothest surface around (often a boardwalk) and beat the heck out of riding on rocks and mud with non-pneumatic tires. No wonder it was the cyclists who got the road surfaces paved.
Of course, once Chipcom got a car none of the cyclists wanted to ride on sidewalks anymore.
