The views of motorists are emboldened by police.

Origionally written in August, 2014.

Recently some friends were in town from the bay area. We had some interesting discussions about biking in the different cities as well as laws regarding behavior such as filtering, jumping lights, etc.

Their personal experience led them to be shocked and worried when I said I talk back to motorists, that I express my thoughts and opinions like an equal road user. Apparently they have seen cars chasing down cyclists, forcing them off the road, and otherwise assaulting their fellow people. Predictably, one of the non cyclists in the group piped up about how all cyclist break every law and are so annoying to be around. "[She] is just so nervous to drive around cyclists." This was used as a defense of drivers acting like asshats.

First off, let me say that if you do not feel safe operating a multi ton vehicle around other people, then you should stop driving. You're being nervous because there is a bike somewhere is not the fault of the biker, and the solution is not to make everyone drive or stay home. Maybe get a smaller vehicle, maybe ride the bus, maybe ride a bike yourself.

During the conversation I brought up the need for better infrastructure, the need for safer roads. I also explained how drivers seem to ignore the dangerous behaviors of other drivers (speeding, rolling through crosswalks, generally not looking for pedestrians), and instead focus on the much less dangerous acts that cyclists will do (rolling through stop signs, jumping lights, filtering to a visible spot in the roadway). This week I got a first hand lesson in the blind eye that is turned on drivers.

Police in cruisers: Every day as I ride down the 16th ave and 15th st bike lanes I see cars illegally parked, blocking bikes, forcing bikers in with the cars. Twice this week alone I have seen cops roll by these illegal parkers and not even turn their heads. Not to mention when the cops are blocking bike trails themselves.

Cop blocking a bike trail in 

order to talk to a bike cop...

 
Police on bikes and segways: Are police supposed to follow traffic laws to the letter? Or do they fudge them like many cyclists do? This past week I saw a segway cop (useless) jump a light while...motoring(?) down a bike lane. The next night I saw 2 bike cops patrolling downtown without any lights on their bikes. Great job following the law! Maybe they think they are ninja cops. It strikes me as to hypocritical to ride around, looking to ticket people for not having lights when you don't have any yourself.

In all events, the acts of police only move to strengthen the belief held by motorists that they can do whatever they want, without regard to the consequences. But damn you bikers for rolling through a stop sign!!!