Comments on: Evers Bill: Motorists Should Face Tougher Penalties For Hitting ‘Vulnerable Road Users’

By: Ken

Ken — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 01:17:16 +0000

Two questions come to mind. One what about the bikers who drive their equipment in and out of traffic at times exceeding the speed limit by 30 – 40 mph or more. What about the clown on the motorcycle who rides down the street doing wheelies. What about the bike riders who ride their bikes with total disregard for their own safety or those on the road with them?

When I was a kid and approaching the age where you could ride a 5 hp or less motorcycle or motor scooter, I hit my dad up with all the reason’s I should have a bike. His response was simple: It takes one mistake on a bike, yours or someone else’s and you are dead. As he was making that point a friend of mine passed us on his Cushman Eagle bike. I said look, there goes Kip and he is being safe. We got about three blocks down the road and Kip was laying in the middle of the road dead. A car failed to see him and pulled out in front of him.

Many bikers are safe and responsible individuals. However there are a certain group that gives them all a bad name.

By: Dad

Dad — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 16:14:12 +0000

I echo all Marshall’s statements. Think about the things you people are saying. It’s total disregard for other people lives because you don’t agree with the law. Take a moment and read http://floridabicycle.org/bicycle-traffic-law/ . You “lose” only seconds to slow down for a bicycle till it’s safe to pass. The same time could be lost to someone pulling out slowly ahead towing a trailer full of horses. I’m not going to get behind them and lean on my horn because they slowed me down.
There are also difference between “cyclist” and “people riding bicycles”. The people on Munson Hwy are most probably enthusiasts or athletes training—cyclists who know and follow laws. The people riding the wrong direction or in the median on Davis Hwy are just riding a bike to get around and may not know the laws. Respect all of them because your moment of ignorance could end their life.
I don’t feel this bill will change the way people think when they drive, but anything to help bring your focus back to the road is very important. The Share the Road signs, Look Twice stickers, etc all should remind to LOOK for those “vulnerable road users”. To glace at a stop sign and hit the accelerator quickly when you don’t see an immediate large object is what causes these “accidents”. “I just didn’t see him” is no accident. It’s irresponsible and ignorant.

By: MsRider

MsRider — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 15:07:15 +0000

I’m reading so many comments that everything is laid blame on the bikers because they “chose” to put themselves in that risk…
I like to ride because of HUGE difference it cost to fill a bike tank vs my “eco friendly” car and get almost the same miles in.

However, it is not just the bikers faults. There are faults in both parties. Both groups have good and bad apples, some people should never lay an eye let a lone a finger on a bike…and some people should never EVER get behind the wheel of a car. however, we are both on the road. If everyone would just open their eyes and pay attention we might be able to get somewhere one day.

By: marshall

marshall — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 05:29:49 +0000

I think, from reading the comments, that I see the problem. It is the ATTITUDE that many of you have. Like the ” The bikers need to move not me” and “YOU better be prepared to face the hard reality of being smashed”. You are not going to lose much time waiting on the opportunity to pass a Cyclist on a two lane road. It is FLORIDA LAW that the Cyclist has as much right to the lane as you when there is no marked bike path. You also must allow a 3 Foot Clearance when passing a cyclist. Maybe if people would get their attitudes in check then everyone could share the roads. As long as some of you keep this “It is MINE and you should NOT be there” attitude, nothing will work! Some just need to CHILL and RELAX when on the road!

By: mike Z

mike Z — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 01:23:43 +0000

Is this a joke? How about putting the responsibility on the motorcyclist. YOU choose to go on a road dominated by 2,000 pound plus moving masses of metal. YOU better be prepared to face the hard reality of being smashed, smushed, folded, snapped and mutilated beyond recognition like many already have and meet your painful demise no matter how stiff penalties or laws are. Its not like its some big secret. They ALL know the risk is higher to die on a bike than in a car. YOU take that risk of losing your legs or life on a fender bender.

Its not a matter of laws, its a matter of physics.

By: RN

RN — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 23:03:43 +0000

Greg Evers needs to be replaced. I drive down roads with big trailers, including loaded horse trailers with equine athletes inside. There are some roads that don’t have bike paths…LIKE MUNSON HIGHWAY…. I’m sorry when I am loaded with 4 horses in a trailer driving 55mph on the highway with a car coming my way. The bikers need to move not me. And about the farmers. I am all for sharing the road with farmers, best friends are farmers… But when someone is driving down the road with a tractor at night with no lights or caution tape or flashy caution sign.. IT IS THE FARMERS FAULT!

By: MIC

MIC — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 21:41:13 +0000

This comment is for people riding motorcycles. I was taught to ride, on a two lane road, to the left of the oil line, near the center line. On a four lane road, you ride near the line separating your two lanes of traffic. This puts you in the area of greater visibility of the people in second or third vehicles behind you. People these days seem to like to hug the outside of the right lane, where no one can see them. Example: you are on a two lane road, with a semi following you. A car behind the semi gets in a hurry, looks ahead at an oncoming car and thinks, I have enough room to pass this guy. He passes the semi and starts back into the lane and what does he see….you sitting over on the right side of the lane. The two options he has, hit the oncoming car, or cut into your space. What do you think he’s going to do? Guys and Gals, stay as visible as you can and drive defensively! If it comes down to you and a car, you’re going to get hit and the driver of the car is going home that night. As many people have said, these idiots don’t see you! Heck, some of them run into great big yellow school buses!

By: MIC

MIC — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 21:28:10 +0000

I totally agree with the idea, however, I also wish something would be decided on just how much of the road a bicyclist is entitled to. I was on Davis Highway, during rush hour traffic, in an area without a designated bicycle lane. There were two bicyclists riding side by side, one near the curve and one on the oil line in the middle of the lane, with traffic back up severely. While they do have the right to the traffic lanes, do they also have the right in impede traffic to such an extent, running in effect a 5mph rolling road block?

By: marshall

marshall — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 21:00:31 +0000

YO billy ray jr jr…

Hate to tell ya, but it is not “YOUR” Road by Florida State Law! And Bike/Walking Paths are restricted to “NON-Motorized” vehicles except for Handicapped Scooters. Sounds like you need to check the law and your attitude toward Bikes.

By: MM

MM — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 16:43:15 +0000

Next time I see a skateboarder going down I-10, I’ll be extra careful.