OPINION & EDITORIAL
Bikers have rights, too
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by Letters to the Editor
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Dear Editor,
Gerald Cox's article on the pedestrians using the East Bound bike lane on University Avenue was inspiring. For so long I have used that lane to ride to work, and for so long I have been angered, irritated, and inconvenienced by the pedestrians complete lack of awareness to their illegal actions. Having been involved in some minor brushes with cars, I am thankful for two things: wearing a bike helmet and Madison's abundant bike lanes on major thoroughfares. Had I been in traffic when I crashed, I most likely wouldn't be here today, so for the City of Madison's decision to still include a protected bike lane on University Avenue during the construction of University Square, I am truly thankful.
Having read the comments on this article at badgerherald.com, I can clearly see the dispute that is going to take place on this, and how nothing will be eventually resolved. One reader responded with "People on machines must yield to those on foot in all cases! Bikes are no exception to this rule." I agree with that statement 100%, except when we are using our 'machines' in a place that is intended solely for their use.
It may be perceived by some that "it is too cold outside for bikers, so I can use the bike lane as a sidewalk" but this isn't the case. Even last week when it was below zero temperatures, I saw at least 10 people using their bikes, myself included. This isn't a matter of convenience so much, because there is an equally convenient bike lane that runs East/West on West Dayton street, but this is just a matter of principle. There are signs all along that bike lane that clearly state
"Pedestrians Prohibited."
There haven't been any injuries so far, and I hope that this remains. Seeing a fellow student, biker or not, injured as a result, is something that nobody wants, but I feel that it is inevitable if things continue as they currently are. Bikers are not rude, and most follow all rules and regulations posted, and to the pedestrians that have to deal with those that are, I apologize, please don't paint all of us with the same brush.
Sincerely,
Dan Craven
Junior B.S. Biology
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 7:08am):
Need some cheese to go with this whine?
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 7:54am):
Dan's right, this is a perfect example of why Madison needs a trolley.
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 8:21am):
Maybe just re-education camps for the heinous "Pedestrians", you know, to get their minds right.
Can you imagine the outcry if some nasty old automobile rider were to whine about the bikers?
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 8:57am):
"One reader responded with "People on machines must yield to those on foot in all cases! Bikes are no exception to this rule." I agree with that statement 100%, except when we are using our 'machines' in a place that is intended solely for their use."
This is so true. The commenter who made that argument certainly isn't walking down the middle of University Avenue.
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 9:48am):
It would help if bikers would stop riding their bikes on the sidewalks! We pedestrians do not have to step aside to let them through. Don't yell "On your left" at me again or I'll knock you off that bike and right on your ass!
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 9:57am):
But only if the trolley doesn't interfere with bikers? Will it have to have bike racks?
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 12:06pm):
"...if bikers would stop riding their bikes on the sidewalks!"
Come on, just because bikers don't want anybody walking "in a place that is intended solely for their use" it doesn't mean that they want to obey the laws about riding on sidewalks (note the 'walk' right there in the name).
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 12:27pm):
Alright. That's it. I'm throwing down. You Editors need to come up with better column titles. Yes, I understand that you need to fit them on the page. However, that doesn't mean you can be lazy. This is lazy and Cox's column title was even worse. His article was good and pretty hilarious. A real entertaining read. What title do you give it? Biker's Safety in Jeopard. Stunningly boring.
No one is going to read the columns, regardless of content, if you stick them with crappy titles! I mean, this one...
"Bikers Have Rights, too." Wow. I fell asleep reading that. How about this one instead
"Bikers to walkers: MOVE!"
"Wheels are for the living!"
"Bikers fight back! again!"
SOMETHING better than this. Now, if it's something that requires a succinct summation of the article, be sure you actually captured the argument!
"UW Liberals often censor conservatives"
Was Rob saying he was conservative? No. In fact, he was making the point that the liberal-conservative continum is not something he personally abides by, but he is roped into that column by some with liberal views. What do you say? UW Liberals often censor conservatives. Way to miss the mark. How about
"UW political dialogue silenced"
"Left vs. Right a shallow battle"
So this is my rant. Done.
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 12:39pm):
"Can you imagine the outcry if some nasty old automobile rider were to whine about the bikers?"
If bikers were riding the wrong way in the middle of a automobile traffic lane, I imagine few would be defending the bikers.
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 2:29pm):
As for bikes on sidewalks, it's perfectly legal to do that as long as the sidewalk does not abut a building. In fact, novice bikers are advised to ride on the sidewalks.
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 6:24pm):
So bikers claim right of way everywhere?
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 9:49pm):
Sidewalks are intended for pedestrians
repeat
SIDEWALKS ARE INTENDED FOR PEDESTRIANS
When bicyclists are allowed to use sidewalks, the bicyclist must yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning before passing pedestrians traveling in the same direction.
***
And remember, always be aware of pedestrians on sidewalks. Slow down, or stop if necessary, to avoid interfering with them.
by
Arthur Ross is the pedestrian/bicycle safety coordinator for the city of Madison. He is an Effective Cycling instructor and Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin board member.
http://www.bfw.org/articles/bicyclingon.php
Anonymous (February 14, 2007 @ 11:15pm):
The ticket for violating the posted "bikes only" will cost you over $100 from the PD - remember what they did to bikers in early fall on library mall (to save the peds)? Now the bikers can laugh as the peds get big tickets to save the bikers.
Anonymous (February 15, 2007 @ 11:30am):
"Even last week when it was [sic] below zero temperatures, I saw at least 10 people using their bikes, myself included."
10 people? Wow, what a stampede of bikes!
"As for bikes on sidewalks, it's perfectly legal to do that as long as the sidewalk does not abut a building."
99% of the sidewalks on the UW campus abut buildings.
Anonymous (March 2, 2007 @ 2:54am):
So what about riding a bike on a side walk when the class building is down that block and it's a one way street in the other direction or really busy? There are reasons why cyclists go on sidewalks, they don't just do it to anger pedestrians. When we do, we're respectful, slow down and let you know we're coming.
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