Frank, That is impressive about law officers recognizing cyclists for both their rights AND responsibilities. What is even better is when they say "Motorists AND cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities when sharing the road." I hope we can get that message out here.
Over the weekend I was in a bookstore and picked up "Bicycle Laws" ($15 in paperback at B&N). I was intrigued to read that this item of the uniform traffic code came about in 1880 (NYC) to express that bicycles had the same rights and responsibilities as any other _carriage_ on public roads. This was enacted at a time when the bicycle was a newcomer and dominant user of the roads, compared to horses and horse-carriages which were considered the slower and more vulnerable road users of their time.
Nick ---------- Original Message ---------------------------------- From: Frank Gmeindl fgmeindl@verizon.net Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2008 08:37:16 -0400
Bicycle Board Members,
The link below goes to a Pgh. Post-Gazette article. It is impressive that Penn DOT, City Police and County Health Department, rather than obvious bicycle advocates, are promoting share the road signage and education. Especially impressive is that you have the Penn DOT guy saying, "Bicyclists have the same right to the road as motorists, but they also have the same duties and responsibilities as motorists"
Frank
-------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: Bicyclists, motorists warned to share road Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:54:10 -0400 From: Don Spencer dspencer36@comcast.net To: Frank Gmeindl fgmeindl@verizon.net
-- Nick Hein Director, Positive Spin Morgantown, WV ph 304-276-0213 --