2012.02.04
Saturday shorts
Another unnecessary, unfunded state mandate
Not that we’d want to add another layer of bureaucracy or impose yet another mandate on existing departments, but wouldn’t it be interesting to require some agency to tabulate the success of every bill passed by the General Assembly in doing what lawmakers intended? Say, check its progress in 18months, then again in five years. And, for good measure, see how much it’s really costing versus initial estimates. …
Rough ride in Senate for King’s Dominion law
During last year’s round of redistricting, the 23rd Senate District, represented by Lynchburg Sen.Steve Newman, was stretched toward Roanoke. He now represents school systems that share programs with Salem and Roanoke schools. So he might want to understand better the dynamics at play before he is called upon again as a member of the Senate’s Education and Health Committee to vote to repeal the King’s Dominion Law. …
The last bastion of open bicycle hostility
Bicyclists drive good, gasoline-loving Virginians crazy when they take up space on roads meant for cars and trucks, not pedals. …
“Virginians can take pride that the commonwealth treads bold legal ground by empowering motorists to drive like jerks and put bikers in danger.”
I would say that it is just the opposite! It has been my experience that bicyclists are the ones who drive like jerks and do not obey traffic laws.
They frequently run red lights, stop signs, and pedestrian crosswalks. Two incidents come immediately to mind.
About 2 weeks ago I was stopped at a red light in the left turn lane signaling to make a left turn. It was early morning just before dawn and still dark. When my light turned green and while making the left turn, I almost hit a bicyclist who ran his red light. His bike had no lights and he was dressed in black with a black helment.
Once while crossing Jefferson St. in downtown Roanoke at a pedestrian crosswalk, I was almost struck as I stepped from the curb by a cyclist speeding thru the crosswalk.
And that doesn’t include the countless times cyclists refuse to yield the highway to auto traffic.
I sense that bicyclists have contempt for other vehicles and think we should watch for them and they can do as they please.
Comment by John R — February 4, 2012 @ 12:24 pm