We cyclists are a little more accepted than prostitutes but less than gays

[His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher]

On Mar 12, 7:26 am, "TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"

"TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"
Let me repeat this - as a cyclist I had respect for motor vehicles and
showed it. Hence they showed respect for me. And over a 20 year period I
never had any more problems with other traffic than I did when I was
driving. And during that time I put in more miles on my bicycle than in
my
car.
Because you refuse to respect motor traffic most still show you respect
and
yet your too stupid to see or understand it.

you're

I want to mention that road cyclists wearing lycra who average 20mph
have little to do with us mundane cyclists doing 10mph for practical
purposes. We are different species, and we have more conflict with
traffic do to the speed differential and other factors, such as the
fact that they often go in packs. We are just easy prey for the
beasts. Ironically we are the ones doing a real task such as shopping
or getting from point A to point B.

due

Let me appologize for writing insultingly. Since I've never been a "mundane
cyclist"...

You and me both, brother. (Heck, I'm not even a "cyclist". Cycling
is something my washing machine does.)

We are just "pedestrians on wheels." Pedestrians are insignificant
beings who often don't get a sidewalk. We are just a little more
significant because we can ride on the street and sidewalk.

... perhaps you have a more accurate view of that group.
"Mundane cyclists" are different from "elite cyclists." We have
different look and different purpose for riding. We are like the
"raccoons" of the animal kingdom, at least that's the way they treat
us.
Now we are driving 30miles to ride perhaps 15miles. No, we are not
exactly raccoons in that part of town.

Cuba has (had) a better idea. Get radical. Human nature and and the
wonderful "freedom" of the mainland making things difficult.

True, but somewhere in between we find the Netherlands and Denmark. I
think bikes and democracy are somewhat compatible. We are a little
more accepted than prostitutes but less than gays.


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http://webspawner.com/users/BANANAREVOLUTION

[His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher]

On Mar 12, 10:36 pm, "TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"

Post by His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher

On Mar 12, 7:26 am, "TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"

"TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"
Let me repeat this - as a cyclist I had respect for motor vehicles and
showed it. Hence they showed respect for me. And over a 20 year period I
never had any more problems with other traffic than I did when I was
driving. And during that time I put in more miles on my bicycle than in
my
car.
Because you refuse to respect motor traffic most still show you respect
and
yet your too stupid to see or understand it.

you're

I want to mention that road cyclists wearing lycra who average 20mph
have little to do with us mundane cyclists doing 10mph for practical
purposes. We are different species, and we have more conflict with
traffic do to the speed differential and other factors, such as the
fact that they often go in packs. We are just easy prey for the
beasts. Ironically we are the ones doing a real task such as shopping
or getting from point A to point B.

due

Let me appologize for writing insultingly. Since I've never been a "mundane
cyclist"...

You and me both, brother. (Heck, I'm not even a "cyclist". Cycling
is something my washing machine does.)

We are just "pedestrians on wheels." Pedestrians are insignificant
beings who often don't get a sidewalk. We are just a little more
significant because we can ride on the street and sidewalk.

... perhaps you have a more accurate view of that group.
"Mundane cyclists" are different from "elite cyclists." We have
different look and different purpose for riding. We are like the
"raccoons" of the animal kingdom, at least that's the way they treat
us.
Now we are driving 30miles to ride perhaps 15miles. No, we are not
exactly raccoons in that part of town.

Cuba has (had) a better idea. Get radical. Human nature and and the
wonderful "freedom" of the mainland making things difficult.

True, but somewhere in between we find the Netherlands and Denmark. I
think bikes and democracy are somewhat compatible. We are a little
more accepted than prostitutes but less than gays.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
http://webspawner.com/users/BANANAREVOLUTION

When you think about it, democracy has made a mess out of human
rights: It prosecutes prostitution, it legalizes gays and it denies
space to cyclists.

[His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher]

On Mar 14, 5:54 am, "His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser

On Mar 13, 3:52 pm, "His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser

Post by His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher
When you think about it, democracy has made a mess out of human
rights: It prosecutes prostitution, it legalizes gays and it denies
space to cyclists.

Every time some previous arbitrary prejudice gets overturned there's a
hoo hah. What has happened in the case of gays is that a legal
distinction that should never have been there has been removed.
Also many countries, especially in Europe, have decriminalised
prostitution but not the keeping of brothels. An adult person may
voluntarily sell their services, but pimps and brothels have no place.
So it's the exploitation that is prevented - and that's how it should
be.
Cyclists are an increasing problem. Law, since you're on about it,
should be a covenant, dealing in responsibilities as well as
punishments. Cyclists, in my experience, want all the protection but
don't accept any responsibility. Which is as undemocratic as it gets.
David Cameron, when he was leader of the opposition, touched on this
in an interview. He is a cyclist, and he said he was in favour of
protection for and more courtesy towards cyclists BUT they had to play
their part too - obey traffic signals, not ride against the traffic in
one way streets, not ride on pavements, ride courteously in parks and
so on.

Count on me to support rights as well as obligations for cyclists. I
don't want to see a cyclist without lights. I don't care for helmets.
Nobody expects a cyclist to wait 3 minutes for a green, but I want
some responsibilities.

If they want to use the road then they should comply to the same rules
as other road users. Why should cyclists be allowed to cross an
intersection when the light is red for them? That's a hazard for other
road users - especially if we're talking about cyclists in numbers.
There's a bunch that come down past my house at least two mornings a
week 60 or 70 strong and a car can't get past without crossing a
barrier line. Given that this platoon of cyclists is 5 or 6 car
lengths long this is not a safe situation. If that lot decide that
they're not going to wait for a red light then there's a problem.

Those platoons are a different issue. They are appropriately called
"packs" and have nothing to do with the practical cyclist in
question.

My inclination is to say that things that pose no danger to others
should not be legally stipulated. So if you don't want to wear seat
belts in your car then that's fine. If a cyclist (of any kind) doesn't
want to wear a helmet then also fine.
BUT
These things push up medical aid and insurance costs, not to mention
costs for state or government healthcare.

Don't make it too hard for cyclists or they won't come out. If they
run a red light, they do so at their own risk but don't make them sit
there in the heat/snow/rain for 3 minutes. We are somewhat off the
grid, but not to the point that we are negligent not to wear lights,
bright clothes, etc.

[His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher]

On Mar 13, 9:50 am, "TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"

Post by His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher
When you think about it, democracy has made a mess out of human
rights: It prosecutes prostitution, it legalizes gays and it denies
space to cyclists.

OK, I want to apply my sharpshooter's wisdom of the jungle to the
issue at hand, namely why gays are getting what they want but not
cyclists.

First off, they are organized, colorful and are making noise. We fall
behind on all accounts. Critical Mass is the closest we come to their
strategies, but that's more like a bunch of wild monkeys without a
vision of the jungle --the system-- and without proper connection with
the people at large. What we need is simply to TAKE THE LANE and stay
there because we belong there. We have to make the public aware that
they can benefit from bicycling by saving on gas and other expenses
that go with the "cage." They probably don't even know they are part
of the grid by driving in cages, and we tell them that the bicycle --
or even the scooter-- can be liberating. But first, we insist, we must
tame traffic because the "bull" --or beast-- is loose and we are all
scare to die or be hurt.

Secondly, I think the gay issue is also tossed around as a DISTRACTION
by clever politicians. Being the foxes that they are, they know that
people react emotionally to these issues and vote accordingly. Gays
are consumers too and the only sin in a consumer society is NOT being
a consumer. Nobody wants to scare away consumers because consumers
feed the system. DO THEY WANT PEOPLE TO BE "LIBERATED" ENOUGH TO RIDE
A BIKE wherever they please, bypassing the grid, and then make fun of
Big Oil by feeding on bananas? I don't think so. That's serious
business, not monkey business. It would feed the local restaurants and
business certainly, but they are little predators in the great scheme
of things. Actually the little business is an endangered species that
is nearly starving.

But that's only my humble opinion.

[His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher]

On Mar 15, 4:35 pm, "His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser

On Mar 14, 4:09 pm, "His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser

Post by His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher
Don't make it too hard for cyclists or they won't come out. If they
run a red light, they do so at their own risk

They do not! Nobody runs a red light only at their own risk. If
there's an accident - with a car or with another cyclist - then the
other party is at risk too. Even if there's no collision they may have
to swerve suddenly.

Post by His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher
but don't make them sit
there in the heat/snow/rain for 3 minutes.

THAT is their risk.

Bicycles are partially off the grid. They must be. Many of the
regulations applicable to cars do not apply to a cyclist whose
negligence is only dangerous to himself.

Not so. A motorcyclist, with right of way, hits a cyclist who jumped a
red light....

Plan B is to copy the Dutch system exactly like it is, but I'm sure
nobody is going to bother to give us such a royal treatment.

That's one of those things that is expensive to add in after the fact.
It helps that Holland is a country not exactly famous for steep
gradients.
I'm amazed that it works in the Netherlands (if it still does).
Drivers can't resist a relatively empty lane. Look at the UK where
there is misuse of designated bus or taxi lanes. Here in SA, where the
man in the street has rather less regard for the law, reservation of
lanes isn't going to work unless there's a physical barrier. Can you
spell "cost"? Then, of course, COSATU would call a national strike
because the government is favouring the filthy bourgoisie and their
recreational activities.

Well, "the revolution is about solutions." Tell Big Brother, "Fix it,
or face the fact that you are a stupid predator who only knows how to
eat."

We set a goal: "PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO RIDE A BICYCLE EVERYWHERE."
We expect that --at least-- government officials commute by bicycle
once a month to set the example. They are not above the people they
claim to represent, which is the case when they drive SUVs with tinted
windows. It blocks the reality of the jungle.

In the case of the Netherlands, government officials can claim that
anyone that wants to ride a bicycle can do so. Even Germany is working
hard to catch up, though they are working with the present
infrastructure, ie. making bike lanes instead of separate bike paths.

Something funny since you live in South Africa: Some cyclists claim
that "separate bike facilities" represent "Apartheid"... In other
words they reject bike paths altogether to favor the status quo. But
the status quo means the Law of the Jungle.

[His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher]

On Mar 14, 2:25 pm, "TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher"

Post by His Highness the TibetanMonkey, the Beach Cruiser Philosopher
When you think about it, democracy has made a mess out of human
rights: It prosecutes prostitution, it legalizes gays and it denies
space to cyclists.

Which is why you don't see many hookers on bikes.

Very sharp observation. I can see you are another sharpshooter. ;)

Image is a thing that even prostitutes try to improve. But I don't
think it would be a problem in the Netherlands where anyone rides
bikes. Anyway I was watching this crime series where the prostitutes
and homeless are disappearing into thin air. Of course, behind it
there's this serial killer who claims to be "cleaning house. The lady
politician covers up the crimes til the last minute not to lose image
--another one taking care of her image-- but everything finally
explodes and goes public. Funny thing is this is taking place in the
FILTHY ALLEYS OF WASHINGTON DC, and cleaning house should mean
cleaning the alleys literally and having the prostitutes be displayed
on a pretty Dutch style red light district, right on the window for
clients to go "window shopping" in a clean safe environment. In other
words, filth is the true crime to me, not prostitution.

But that's only my humble opinion.