Cyclist persecution

[fran7371@uidaho.edu (John Francis)]

I've biked extensively in this area for 20 years,  and have found the vast
majority of motorists to be careful and courteous.   I have been rednecked
by some idiots of course, but that's the exception.

  Trading critical  anecdotes is easy and proves nothing except there are a
stupid minority in every group. The distinction between  "cyclists" and
"motorists" is a fuzzy one anyway.  Most cyclists are motorists as well.

The idea of organizing a bunch of cyclists for a ride to gnore red lights
and disrupt traffic  -- if that's what "critical mass" does, and perhaps it
doesn't -- is ill-tempered and juvenile.  The motorists you disrupt are
probably cyclist-friendly and disruption will only make them think that
perhaps cyclists are more immature and arrogant than they had realized.

As a cyclist I'll campaign for more bike paths, but I certainly don't feel
"marginalized. "  My advice for any cyclist, or motorist,  who's "mad as
hell": calm down.


John Francis
311 East 6th St., #2, Moscow, ID 83843
(208) 883-0105     fran7371@uidaho.edu