Originally posted by Andy Dreisch
t we share the roads with vehicles for which the roads were originally built. (Can this be argued? Roads are for cars, buses, and trucks.
Not to beat a dead horse, but according to the Leeks' book "The Bicycle--That Curious Invention" the first modern long-distance paved roads were built in response to pressure from BICYCLE CLUBS! So you could argue that it's the motorists who are invading OUR turf. (Though, like the Indians, having been there first isn't likely to get us our territory back.
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As to regional differences in motor behavior, I have to say that here in Northern Wisconsin, about 99% of the motorists I encounter are careful and courteous around bicyclists. (Even if they mostly don't think you should be on the road! And even when I occasionally do something stupid...)