'Cycling in America'

"Every time you run that stop sign or roll through the red light you put
me and other law abiding riders at risk of the wrath of some driver who
watches you break the law.
If you can't follow the rules of the road don't ride a bike on the road!"

It is often heard that if a cyclist does something "wrong" in traffic,
he/she is hurting other cyclists. The fear is that motorists will treat
every cyclist worse because of the wrong action of other cyclists.

I've often felt the same way but have reservations about the whole
concept. How close is the act of a motorist who has decided all cyclists
are bad because of the actions of others to racial stereotyping? I think
it is pretty similar. Both racial stereotyping and discrimination
against cyclists happen and I'm not suggesting hiding our heads in the
roadbed.

I expect more from my fellow man than to stoop to such low behavior as
to treat me badly because they are mad at someone else. It is true that
when people get behind the wheel, they change; mostly for the worse. For
many, the automobile is the only place in their lives where they feel
they are in control. I know that is pathetic. But I am certain it is
true in many cases. The acting out of this control issue can and does
have dire consequences for cyclists using the same road.

There is plenty of anger on the roadway and I think that motorists in
general carry their mindset with them and do not need an errant cyclist
to provide an excuse to act disrespectfully toward bicycle riders.

Following the 'rules of the road' is the most established way of showing
consideration for all other road users. I believe cyclists have the most
'riding on' the demonstration of that consideration.