Back in December of 2006, a gentleman sent an editorial to the Albuquerque Journal explaining his belief that bicycles should have fewer rights on the roadways than automobiles. My published response to his comments seems like the perfect way to begin this online discussion of bike commuting. Enjoy!
"A recent editorial stated that people who commute on bicycles – such as myself – should have fewer rights on our roadways than those who drive. The writer suggests that because I use fewer fossil fuels, send less pollution into the air, send fewer oil dollars overseas, save $2700 a year in fuel costs, lead a healthy lifestyle, have lost 20 pounds in 6 months, follow all relevant traffic laws, put less wear and tear on our roadways, reduce traffic congestion, and take advantage of the generally beautiful conditions that make our city one of the most desirable to live in that I am a less of a person, deserve fewer rights and should have restricted access to the Albuquerque community. Clearly I and other cyclists like me are a menace to society. So let me say this…
Thank you to the majority of drivers who are willing to share the roads with cyclists. Thank you for waiting patiently to make a right-hand turn while I am waiting for a green light in the bike lane. Thank you for slowing down – and even running defense – when traffic lanes merge and the bike lane narrows. Thank you for waiting to pull out of a parking lot while I am slowly chugging up-hill. And a special thank you goes to the driver who offered to give me a lift this summer while I was heading up-hill with 6 inches of rain water raging in the opposite direction down the bike lane.
It’s this compassion, willingness to share and general sense of responsibility to others that ensures the roads are safe and that there is a place in the diverse Albuquerque community for all of us. Thank you."
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