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From: fred@varian.UUCP (Fred Klink)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle,net.politics
Subject: Re: who uses the road
Message-ID: <324@varian.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 12-Jun-85 19:23:24 EDT
Article-I.D.: varian.324
Posted: Wed Jun 12 19:23:24 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 23-Jun-85 10:20:47 EDT
References: <972@peora.UUCP> <941@noscvax.UUCP> <903@mhuxt.UUCP> <799@gloria.UUCP>
Organization: Varian, Walnut Creek, CA
Lines: 24
Xref: linus net.bicycle:991 net.politics:8886

> > > Historically, roads were
> > > originally intended for bicycles and autos were considered a nuisance.

Going back even further, when the bicycle was introduced it was considered
a hazard to horses, carriges, etc. that the roads were then *intended*
for.  A startled horse pulling a coach was indeed a harzard!  It went
so far that in England road racing of bicycles was banned.  This lead
to a number of cycling traditions that are still with us most notably
the time trial race (individuals starting at timed intervals, alone),
and black (i.e. inconspicuous), clothing.  The latter is still seen in
cycling shorts and shoes, although color is encroaching.

Some much for history.  I hope nowadays, given that most automobile
drivers are smarter than horses, we can work out more sensible solutions.
As I have contended in past postings, the group (unfortunately), most
at fault are the bike riders, the majority of whom have cavalier dis-
regard for traffic laws.  Respect is earned, not demanded.  We don't
need additional laws or complex communication protocols (we are also
smarter than computers!), we simply need to use the existing system
and show, if not respect, at least a little regard for each other.


					Fred Klink
					Varian Associates