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.
