Sanford a long time cyclist signed the new laws into effect providing that "taunting, harassing or throwing objects at bicyclists" would become a misdemeanor that could result in fine of at least $250 and up to 30 days in jail.
Rep. Garry Smith, a Simpsonville Republican, said the bill he co-sponsored "gives cyclists the assurance they're going to be treated equally on the road." (Garry Smith is a ding dong)
Also drivers are now prohibited from blocking bicycle lanes and would have to maintain a "safe operating distance" from riders. Violators who do great bodily injury to cyclists would face fines up to $1,000.
The bill also requires bicycle riders to use hand signals when turning, slowing or stopping unless they need the hand to control the bike. Violators would face a fine up to $25.
Photo Showing Required Hand Signals
Bicyclists can, but are not required to ride on the shoulder of the road. However, riders are required to stay in bicycle lanes when available, except when passing other bicyclists or obstructions. They are not required to use a "recreational bicycle paths" instead of the road when available.
All this is well and good, but common laws can't replace common sense.
If the Post and Courier online edition comments are any indication theres a lot of frustration with the spandex clad peddle pushers, and it seems to me the trouble with the new law is perspective:
How the average cyclist sees things on Savannah Highway:
1. I have just as much right to be here as these cars.
2. I can ride fast enough to keep up with traffic.
3. I'm in better shape than the guy in the F150 next to me.
4. I wear a helmet and reflective clothing so you can't miss me.
5. Share the road is Now the law.
6. Harass me and you'll get a fine or even jail.
7. I can use the whole lane if I need to.
8. Your SUV is causing global warming.
9. I'm in training, stay out of my way.
10.The Governor just signed new laws to protect me from all these cars.
How the average driver sees things on Savannah Highway:
1. What cyclist?
America has a love hate relationship with cyclists
Some we love:
Some we hate:
Some we have arrested:
Others we would just as soon forget:
In closing some Cyclist Humor:
4 comments:
We'll see how attitudes change at 6/gal later this year. Peace.
I was really thinking about pulling the old bike out of the garage, grabbing a can of WD-40, pumping up the tires and taking a ride to the grocery store down the block.
But the block is about a mile out and back and my SUV get's 12 miles to the gallon so I'll save 50 cents by riding my bike.
Still 50 cents is a good reason to ride the bike, but the dog wants to go, and the wife too and we need bags of ice for a party this weekend.
So the bike rusts, and the wheels on the SUV go round and round.
Ask me again when it costs a dollar to go to the Harris Teeter.
I grew up in Charleston and rode my bike everywhere. I lived there from 04-07 and refused to ride a bike. The roads suck, the drivers suck. Too many people there now. That's why I moved back to Atlanta. Better roads, less people (once you get out to the suburbs). More people overall, but spread out over a greater area. Charleston just isn't what it was when I was growing up. I also agree, when we reach the point where it will take $100 to fill up (we're almost there), I think a lot of people will look for alternatives.
I thought I'd revisit this posting and see if what I said was true.
Well it's October and the price of fuel has come down some and cyclists are still getting run over by crazy drivers. Not much has changed.
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