Wider cars? Have you taken into account narrow lanes?

Bicycles aside for a moment, there are countless auto traffic lanes in Miami (and I'm sure other areas have this problem as well) that are completely inadequate in width to fit a modern full-size automobile, let alone, let's say, one of my 1970s Lincolns.

An excellent case of where the roadway causing a hazard for both motorists and cyclists.

Just thought I'd mention this, thought it was worth mentioning (if a tad off topic). Not only should motorists and cyclists be taken into account, but narrow streets need to be addressed - preferably by re-striping with one less lane and a bike path in it's place.


As for the topic on hand, I am against mandatory classes. It'll lead to licencing, authorization, and bicycle registration with the obligatory fees. (I'm sure vintage cycle collectors with collections of 20+ machines would be steamed at this) No reason why we should suffer due to some idiot weaving his balloon-tire cruiser down Interstate 95 at 5 m.p.h.

However, I do support the creation of a properly structured, voluntary class that would be widely publicized to increase cycling awareness and advocacy.

With enough positive, nationwide publicity, those who wish to be more informed about cycle riding would more then likely join up to learn more - idiot riders who couldn't care either way will be eliminated via the Darwin theory.

And if I may make an important point:

Chances are that if a mandatory class was instated, the reckless, uninformed riders that the classes target would probably either:

#1: Give up cycling, in favor of motorized transportation (so much for cycling avocacy!)
#2: Walk or roller blade
#3: Try to get away with riding w/o taking the class.

-Kurt