Are some cyclist just too dumb to be alive?

This has to be the most infuriating thing for other cyclist and motorist there is. You are say driving you car either in day time or night and coming the wrong way at you is simple Fred riding a bike. Now simple Fred is merrily going along like they are totally safe happy and doing something correctly. Unfortunately here in California wrong way cycling has become more popular, not to mention it is illegal. Which brings me to a very good point. I see a lot of Mexicans doing this and they give you the stupid look when you let them know they are on the wrong side of the street.

The sad part is this gets worse as the evening approaches. Cyclists are treated as motorists here in this State, which means you are required by vehicle code to have a front and rear light. With that simple point of law these say people at night violate two sections of vehicle code at the same time. The good part is for a motorist IF one of these simple Fred wrong way cyclists hit you they are 100 percent at fault. The bad part is trying to explain that to law enforcement, the insurance company, and most likely a jury. So how does this effect cyclist you ask.

For those of us who ride this is a two pronged sword, first we have to avoid simple Fred, second we have to deal with motorists who have no clue which cyclist is riding the wrong way. I have had the pleasure of having a simple Fred cause a wreck for me then ride off like they had no care in the world. I was able to find simple Fred a few days later put my bike sideways in front of him and let him know in no uncertain terms he caused my crash and was violating the vehicle code. The best part was there was a local Law enforcement type there who offered to ticket this person! FINALLY SOMEONE WHO GOT IT! That was the last time I have seen simple Fred, poor simple Fred was run over by a car while riding against traffic. Guess his stupidity is now out of the gene pool, and a motorist has a nightmare to live with.

Night riding can always be a challenge. They passed a "new law" to make cyclists here in California use lights, this was and is already a vehicle code requirement. The only problem is that that law and the requirement to ride with traffic are never enforced until a car enforces it and kills the cyclist. I think it is time cyclist as a whole begin to police themselves and take the time to try and educate simple Fred and his sister simple Freda. Cycling is a wonderful thing. If you ever had the joy of riding as a child remember how much fun all kinds of weather were. They are better now as an adult, it brings out the kid in you. So get out ride and enjoy the world. See the quiet wonder of a light rain, or evening sky. Bring the lights for the night so you can see the path and people can see you. and always ride WITH traffic, it is the safest place to ride!