Same Road, Same Rules!

In a September 12 article the Washington examiner quotes Shane Farthing saying, "When I ride a bike, I'm putting myself at risk. When you drive, you're putting us both at risk."  This statement is nothing other than complete and utter nonsense.  If a motorist has to suddenly swerve to avoid a collision with a bicycle not following the rules of the road, that puts everyone at risk, including other motorists, other cyclists, and even pedestrians.
The root of the problem is that cyclists have no accountability.  The city requires no licensing and no insurance for cyclists.  Some argue cyclists are more careful because they have a higher risk.  You wouldn't know that by watching the way they ride around here.  If public policy in the area continues to promote cycling over public transit and automobiles, local governments should require all cyclists to be licensed and insured.  If Shane Farthing can't accept that, he has no business advocating for cyclists.

Side note: as a frequent inline skater here in town I can tell you that the, "share the road," mantra many cyclists tout often goes right out the window when they have to live up to it on their end.

It's time that all others put cyclists on notice that they aren't privileged above any other riders on the road.  Same road, same rules!

You can read the full Washington Examiner article here: Cyclists, drivers wary of each other as bikes and crashes multiply.

Thumbtack.com's Next Small Business Survey

A few months ago, Thumbtack.com shared some data with us about small business owners and their perspective on the economy.  They've now produced another survey polling small business owners yet again.  I think this is important because a majority of new job creation comes with the growth of small businesses.  It's testament to the fact that the US has a diverse economy composing of many economic interests and values.

The survey included a number of questions, and I have to say the results caught me by surprise.  I want to focus on two questions in particular.  The first question of interest to me is the following.

How important are the following issues to the success of your business?

The choices ranged across a wide spectrum of issues.  Tax rates and tax-related regulations placed as the highest item of interest, followed closely by health care costs.  Neither of those on their own bring too much surprise to me until I come to this next question.

Independent of who you are voting for, which candidate do you believe is more supportive of small business?

Barack Obama beats out Mitt Romney 39% to 31%.  In the wake of higher tax rates for $250K+ earners, considering most S-corps file as individuals, and also in the wake of Obamacare's regulation, this really surprised me.  I have to confess that I'm really scratching my head over this, because I can't imagine how either would help any small business grow.

The most disturbing aspect of this I take away involves the thought that business owners may view a cozy relationship with government as the more likely avenue of success over producing affordable products and services.  Let's hope we haven't reached that point.

You can view the entire survey here: Small Business Political Survey