Bike Texas - Cycling Bans Prompt BikeTexas Response
This is from the Bike Texas website. A few years ago, a Texas legislator introduced a bill to ban cyclists from all the farm-to-market roads in the entire state. The FM designation covers virtually all of what are referred to in other states as county roads. The ban was 'for their own safety', of course, because the cyclists were threatened by the traffic on those narrow county roads.
At the same time, someone argued that we should be banned from busy arterials and highways as well, again, 'for our own safety'.
Why is it that people who object so vehemently to the Nanny State are so willing to use its power to impose draconian rules or outright bans on cyclists?
Here's the piece:
Bike Texas - Cycling Bans Prompt BikeTexas Response
Cycling Bans Prompt BikeTexas Response
Thursday, 29 September 2005
BikeTexas members have informed Texas Bicycle Coalition of two bike bans recently posted in north Texas, one on FM 455 in Anna in Collin County and the other on FM 1709 in Keller in Tarrant County.
Coalition staff is consulting with transportation attorneys and working on a response. Staff plans to contact city officials about these issues. Depending upon the response from officials, the Coalition may need to ask for member action, so please stay tuned for an update in the near future.
At the same time, someone argued that we should be banned from busy arterials and highways as well, again, 'for our own safety'.
Why is it that people who object so vehemently to the Nanny State are so willing to use its power to impose draconian rules or outright bans on cyclists?
Here's the piece:
Bike Texas - Cycling Bans Prompt BikeTexas Response
Cycling Bans Prompt BikeTexas Response
Thursday, 29 September 2005
BikeTexas members have informed Texas Bicycle Coalition of two bike bans recently posted in north Texas, one on FM 455 in Anna in Collin County and the other on FM 1709 in Keller in Tarrant County.
Coalition staff is consulting with transportation attorneys and working on a response. Staff plans to contact city officials about these issues. Depending upon the response from officials, the Coalition may need to ask for member action, so please stay tuned for an update in the near future.
posted by Ed W at 9:40 AM
2 Comments:
I used to live not from from Keller, TX. FM1709 is THE primary east-west route in that part of northern Tarrant County, and it's a popular roadie route besides. It's ridiculous to close this road off to cyclists.
They should insist that people ride bikes on these roads. Have you seen the weight of the people driving cars on these roads and for that matter throughout Texas. Alot more people die from diseases caused by obesity and being out of shape than from bike accidents. Maybe we should encourage people to be more aware of bikers and pedestrians. Brig a friend on your next ride and keep em' alive.
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