I need to say this upfront. I’m generally pro-bike on the roads. I give them as much space as I can when passing. Heck, I even have a bike I ride around town now and then. Bicycles are a great mode of transportation.
What I don’t like, however, are the bicyclists who don’t obey the traffic laws, are belligerant, and basically have no respect for drivers, like me, who go out of their way to be courteous.
The worst is the Critical Mass folks. Having been caught in one of their protests, I can tell you first hand that they had no respect for me or other drivers.
So this in today’s Daily Camera gave me a smile. It talks about a “Critical Mass” with cars protest to stop bicycles from hogging the roads. Part of the flier reads:
“On July 25, in celebration of driver’s rights, many cars will use the Left Hand Canyon Road, drive slowly and many may break down unexpectedly, blocking areas to the cyclists on the return leg of the ‘Sunrise Century,’” the anonymous, one-page note reads. “Many cars and safe drivers all working together can send a message to the Statehouse to restrict cycling on our roads which are our only alternatives during family emergencies, commuting and required duties.”
I love it! It’s about time that drivers employed the same tactics to bicyclists that they have had to endure for years. Of course the reaction from bicyclists is hysterical, and predictable:
David Flores, 46, an avid cyclist who lives near Lee Hill and Left Hand Canyon drives, said he and his neighbors found the fliers stuffed in their mailboxes Thursday.
“There is nothing to be gained in trying to line the roads with cars to try and disrupt people on bicycles,” Flores said. “I don’t hope cyclists unite and decide to block U.S. 36 to make a point.”
Flores said the tone of the letter is obviously meant to incite a confrontation during the ride, despite its suggestion that pulling over to “inspect” vehicles for “engine trouble, sounds or other safety issues” is a form of civil disobedience.
“If that happens, there will be either an accident or some kind of confrontation,” Flores said. “There are people who will go out of their way to light the powder keg on both sides.”
Flores is right. It’s obviously a form of civil disobedience to incite a confrontation. It’s what Critical Mass bicyclists have been doing for years. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, however, bicyclists don’t like it.
Well turnabout is fair play and it heartens me to know that there is still a bit of rebellious spirit left in Boulder.
Darren Copeland 