In the wake of the recent collisions and confrontation between cyclists and an impatient driver at Capitol Hill's Critical Mass (read the Slog's roundup coverage here), the New York Times reports on rising tensions between cyclists and car-drivers around the country:

"The anger has not gone unnoticed by officials around the country. A dozen states now mandate at least a three-foot passing gap. In June, South Carolina passed an antiharassment law to protect cyclists."

Currently, the laws for cycling on Washington state roadways can be found on the King County DOT website. To answer one of the site's listed FAQ's: Yes, bikes are allowed on roadways, whether or not there is a bicycle lane. Cyclists must ride in the direction of travel, and are encouraged to stay in the right side of the right-most lane, but they are not required to travel on the shoulder. Some helpful safety tips for cyclists can be found here, courtesy of the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation.

Does Seattle need stronger laws protecting people from aggressive or careless drivers? What do you think?

Photo credit: flickr/richardmasoner, licensed by Creative Commons.

Hmm, apparently none of the myriad wound up & cranky people who have worn out the comment button at seattletimes.com are to be found here. I am shocked.

OK, I'm in both camps: I ride a bike, and I drive. I need to ride a bike to keep my asthma in check, and I have to drive to haul my family around. I just wish the animosity would drop off. I have suffered broken bones and substantial amounts of pain from angry or inattentive drivers while on my bike. All that metal and speed hurts. But I cannot see the point in indignation or random retribution, it's only going to be paid forward. So everybody just get along and be careful, yeah.

So there's the inaugural comment--unleash the horde!

Posted by: P Evans on August 12, 2008 11:08 AM