Smith letter: Bicyclists

I started reading the article concerning bike laws in Idaho and wondered what has happened to our state. Bike riders now are a “entitled group.” They want to use 10 to 30 percent of roadways and pay no fees... all the rights of a vehicle without needing to follow the laws for other vehicles. All vehicles must go around them at a 3-foot minimum. Vehicles must watch for them on their right when turning, so they don’t need to follow yield rules. And the ability to whine about vehicles when they are not maintaining the traffic flow speed. We spend thousands to paint lanes, bike logos and reduce traffic lanes just to accommodate a small group. Our government agencies are spending money with the “Share the Road” message and the issue of being bike-friendly communities. So quit spending tax dollars telling me why I should love the freeloading, whining bike riders. You want respect? Follow the same rules on the road the other vehicles do. Quit whining. I don’t like sitting in traffic either. And lastly, you want to “Share the Road,” then Share the Cost.

This story was originally published September 28, 2017 at 11:06 PM with the headline "Smith letter: Bicyclists."