Respect is earned.
If we want motorists to respect us as road users, we have to be respectable. On the NCCC club ride last week, I abandoned as ride leader. Several riders were riding through red lights on Carlsbad Village Drive, and I did not want to be associated with the behavior, so I turned around and went home. I want to apologize to those riders who were not running the lights, and who were relying on me for directional guidance on a fairly convoluted route. Normally, when I am riding with someone and they violate a signal, I let them go on their own and I make an effort the rest of the ride not to ride with them.
Q: How do you put a giraffe in a refrigerator?
A: Open the refrigerator, put the giraffe in, and close the door.
(http://officeimg.vo.msecnd.net/en-us/images/MB900036639.jpg)
UK Parliament debates speed limits, 1903.
Proper and eloquently spoken, are the British. For example here is an oratory from 1903 debating imposing speed limits in the UK:
"The present position was that a few people claimed the right to build cars of enormous weight and speed and to monopolise the public roads for the running of those cars. They claimed the right to drive the public off the roads. Harmless men, women, and children, dogs, and cattle, had all got to fly for their lives at the bidding of one of these slaughtering, stinking engines of iniquity. The real question was that the roads of England were made for the people, and they should not be monopolised by a certain section, no matter whether they belonged to the poor or the rich. It appeared that no sooner did a motor-car cause an accident than, instead of stopping to assist, the car drove off just as if nothing had happened."
Q: How do you put an elephant in a refrigerator?
A: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant, and close the door.
Are you a human or an obstacle?
When a driver sees the back of a cyclist, the cyclist becomes a faceless object that can be buzzed. Looking back and making eye contact reminds the driver that you are human, and deserve more space.
Q: The lion is hosting a conference. All of the animals except one attend. Which animal is missing?
A: The elephant. He’s still in the refrigerator.
Things to remember when hiring a REALTOR: respect, trust, and commitment.
Q: You have to cross a crocodile-infested river, but you don’t have a boat. How do you cross it?
A: Weren’t you paying attention? You jump in and swim across. All of the crocodiles are at the lion’s conference.
Bike lots,
Jeff Gross
jeff@fullcommitment.com
(http://fullcommitment.net/SanDiegoBike/ImagesGeneral/FULL%20COMMITMENT.GIF)
Let's follow the laws, NCCC. Only then do we have the right to take advantage of the cool infrastructure - super wide bike lanes, sharrows, Bikes May Use Full Lane signs- which local communities are providing just for us cyclists. Your ride leaders give you plenty of opportunity to show your speed and climbing prowess away from intersections. There is no glory gained from intersection poaching - quite the contrary, a sign of weakness.
Fully in support of Jeff - Karl
Looks like we need to re-visit - NCCC - Road Riding Rules of Etiquette (http://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http://northcountycycleclub.com/pdf/NCCCRoadRidingRules.pdf) - each member received an electronic copy with membership. Mid-way down the list of Riding in a pack is dangerous (but fun) it reads...T-intersection stoplights must be treated as if you were a motor vehicle. It is the law... end text.
Rider leaders make every effort to insure the best they can to keep you and others safe. Please, lets as riders show our respect - Fully in support of Jeff as well ~Peg