Aloha bicyclist dies in crash in Cornelius

Re: Aloha bicyclist dies in crash in Cornelius

Please do something about cyclists in Washington & Multnomah county, it's getting very congested with cyclists on these very narrow, winding, very poor visibility farming roads.

They do not obey laws, DO NOT let faster vehicles pass like cars have to, frequently travel abreast (I have seen as many as 4 abreast and they would not let me pass), & regularly there's big tour groups. They want bike paths but NOT use them or pay for them.

They also do not take responsibility for putting themselves in very dangerous situations, and go on witch-hunts the minute one gets killed.

If you look up cyclists and Oregon on the internet, you will see a booming industry in local pleasure cycling tours, bike "non-profits" organizing tours, bike lobbyists actively schmoozing our politicians, and militant cyclist websites. I know the local cycling "non-profit" industry is attracting extra traffic volume as I see vacationers strutting in & out of local hotels and shops, clad in shiny techni-color spandex biking outfits. (I don't know why the dead biker's families don't sue these hobby groups for luring them into dangerous situations.)

So how bad is congestion going to get?

Some of us do have to get to work on time to pay the taxes for the roads. The cyclists just smugly say in the blogs: "take a deep breath, slow down and enjoy the beautiful scenery". That's like having the date-rapist tell you to "relax & enjoy it". Shall people call their bosses and tell them to "just relax & enjoy it"?.

Another nice comment is: "We have just as much right to the roads"--well, slower vehicles have to pull off & let the faster ones pass or get a ticket.

Now I see there's laws coming where they'll get even more road-space, and legal protection. I am very worried the cyclists will abuse this law to deliberately make it impossible for cars to use these roads, as the roads are so very narrow, and the bikers already won't let faster traffic through.

(At this point, why not take a bathtub out Hwy 26, by the tunnels, put it in the lanes and take a bath during rush-hour---"It's my right & I'm a taxpayer." Or why shouldn't a band of skateboarders take over 26 during rushhour?)

At the very least, make the cyclists take responsibility for themselves, get licensed & insured, get license plates so bad guys can be reported, pay license fees to support bike lanes, special-event-permits to the state to pay for the big tours/group rides (safety arrangements, car detours), take safety tests, wear solid color, very bright clothing.

"Nila Evans"

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Sun, Jul 01, 2007 at 05:42 AM

Re: Aloha bicyclist dies in crash in Cornelius

Amen. The bicyclists I have seen are overwhelmingly arrogant and obnoxious. Who pays for the roads? Those who buy gasoline. Bicyclists have no business obstructing our roads and sticking their colorful rear ends in our faces.

"F.H. Brindleman"

(email verified)

Sun, Jul 01, 2007 at 12:49 PM