Finally maybe some good news out of Colo
 

On the news to day there is word that Colo is trying to pass an Amber alert type bill for hit and run drivers. This would be great for the cycling community.

With over 500,000 in the US alone, annually ------- nobody will pay attention to any alerts, ever................ MHO

I thought you were going to say free samples...

Way too many hit and run drivers run because hitting a bicycle usually doesnt leave the car undriveable. If there were an Amber Alert type network, more may be caught immediately.

I've turned off Amber alerts on my phone entirely because they screamed at me with a "terror beep" noise that was loud and jarring enough to possibly cause an accident due to being startled, and it offered no options for customizing anything about them beyond turning them on and off.

On top of that, the government has shown considerable incompetence in dealing with Amber alerts, and burned through much of whatever goodwill the community had for the program in the beginning.

This sounds like a reasonable idea, but I wouldn't expect much from it.

Hopefully it can be implemented in a useful way. It sounds to me like a political stunt in reaction to recent hit and runs in our area. A cell phone car use ban political stunt was recently shot down with questions on how to interpet/enforce the law. I am, however, quite pleased with the triumph of common sense manifested in the legalization of marijuana here. :)

gunoko

Using pot and common sense are in totally opposite ends of the spectrum. Only the weak minded and stupid use any kind of drug they dont have to!!!!!! All drugs have bad side effects, both legal and illegal.

If the law is passed and it catches even a few hit and run drivers it is a good deal. A very high percentage will probably be found either drunk or high on pot, and either way they need to be off the road.

Even if the law does not help catch anyone, if someone does not run because they have a greater fear of getting caught, then the law has done some good.

CB +1

Good point!!

At 2,000 "amber alert" possibilities, every day in the US alone, it is entirely unworkable........................

You know, this isn't a good point. What needs to be done, for starters, is much harsher penalties for those who run from the scene.

But simply better enforcement needs to be done. Numerous times I've been buzzed by local and county POLICE while ridding. Just the other day, I was almost hit by a driver, talking on a phone with dog in his lap pulling out of a driveway. Down the street was a city cop, who did nothing. Distracted driving needs to be enforced.

bahnzo +1

Obviously some one or group in Colorado is attempting to collapse the Amber Alert System with over use. Is Colorado one of the anti-Megan's Law States?

Wow! That must be really, REALLY scary! I bicycle 2000+ miles a year with many if not most of the miles being urban... and I rarely even see the police. And never have I been buzzed by one. It's extremely rare I am ever buzzed at all. You appear to have a date with destiny!

IMHO... you should make sure your affairs are in order.

You don't ever drink alcohol or coffee then?

Your previously getting on Amber Alerts on your phone, reminded me of something.

I have seen Amber Alerts on the electronic signs on the interstate. But they are not available on electronic signs, outside of the interstate. So, What good is an actual network. Since it won't be on county/city/town streets.

This is the best news out of Colo since Black Hawk had to allow cyclist to ride thru their fine town.

I can't tell if you're being facetious, but yeah, I've been buzzed by county and city police numerous times. The last was on a county road that recently has a lot of traffic due to another local road closure. A county cop who didn't think he needed to slow down passed within a foot, easily. There was a lot of oncoming traffic, so he couldn't give the 3-foot mandated by law. When a cop does this, it only enforces those who see it to do it as well.

If that is the case.... people who live in some states are completely screwed! Many states are allowing the growing and sale of [Federally] illegal drugs.... despite an FBI, DEA, and ATF presents in EVERY state. Certainly the new message from the federal government is.... only obey [or enforce] the laws you care for. It's no wonder some consider America to becoming completely lawless.

As a motorist... AND a cyclist.. I really have no expectation of traffic law enforcement outside of an accident, drunk driving, or extreme speeding. I wouldn't expect ANY change in laws to have ANY effect whatsoever over your or my cycling experience. People will drive as they wish.... (actually they always have) period. The only thing that has changed is the public attitude toward cyclist..... which I believe is at a record low.

With the really BAD LUCK you've had with near misses.... I wouldn't want to be your cycling partner.