“How do you expect me to react to being called 'arrogant' merely because I submitted my reasons for not agreeing with the bicycle 'right to the road' article? It wasn't nearly as uncalled for as your response in your second post.”

Because to me you sounded arrogant in your statement of bafflement at the whole “share the road” bit. You came off as a crusty (no offense to the crusties out there) road-hogger. So I was pissed because of what sounded like to me was self-righteous car privilege being used in some fashion to question the reality that is bikers on the roads. I mean, regardless of your opinions on bicyclers, we’re there. And if you’re the type of person that voices bafflement it makes me wonder how you deal with bicyclists when you approach them? It’s not like bikers sit in the middle of the road constantly so no one can go around them. Usually we are off the side and the smallest courtesy like slowing down from your 40mph to go around us either fully in the other lane or half in the other lane makes me feel like I’m respected and that attention and care are being used because I’m not a few ton vehicle that could kill me with impunity.

”I wasn't ignoring your answers to my questions, I just didn't realize the distinction between 'vehicle' and 'motor vehicle' was what dictated the need for a license or not. I still think that's pretty silly, because anyone who expects to share the road should be tested so as to assure they are a responsible 'driver' who is aware of the rules of the road, not to mention paying the licensing fees that go towards supporting maintenance of said roads. And once again, no mention of speed limit considerations- if the speed limit somewhere is 40, and most bikers can't keep up with that, do you expect cars to just pile up behind the biker and wait for them to peddle along? If you're going to be on the road, you need to realize that people are going to pass because we don't all have the luxury of allotting 2 hours to get anywhere.”

Do you understand the difference now between a “motored” vehicle and a “non-motored” vehicle now? Again, your arrogance shines through when you claim it’s silly for people to ride bikes if they don’t know the rules of the road and aren’t responsible drivers. Ever thought that maybe there are people that a) can’t afford to buy a car and b) can’t afford to get license? Probably not. At least that’s what I’m hearing. So there are people who don’t follow motor vehicle rules because they may be ignorant of those rules and were never able to receive the training for whatever reason. People still have to get to work, run errands, etc, and if a bike gets them there that much quicker while easing their burden then so be it. Motor vehicles still need to be aware and pay attention! And not enough of them do! I was almost hit yesterday because a guy pulled out of a shopping plaza without looking in my direction first and saw me at the last second and gunned it. See above for my comment on your passing garbage. Oh and I’d argue that biking reduces my commute, not lengthens it like you seem to suggest. You might try it one day!

”As well, instead of just complaining about my fossil fuel hamster death machine (which, quite obviously was a joke that you need to get over...but even if it were true, don't you know that hamsters love to run? It alleviates stress.) perhaps you could get involved in coming up with a practical alternative for those of us who have jobs that require a lot of travel and can't afford electric vehicles?

And as a general note, I would highly recommend you dismounting your self-righteous high horse (or should I say high bicycle?) because your attitude is unlikely to win over anyone who disagrees with you.”

First off, let the hamsters run free of your death machine. Why should they be exploited to get you places? More arrogance sounds like to me… but I digress from the issue of “practical alternatives.” What is it you do? It’s not like I’m going to have the answer. But perhaps you could use that thing on your shoulders (brain?) and come up with an idea of your own. You must have some downtime from work right? Or breaks? Like I said, it’s not so much that you drive as it’s that you drive with an attitude that claims the road is for cars and nothing else, which is false.

As far as “winning people over,” that’s not really my intent. I’m not trying to win a debate with you or try to figure out the best logically sound way of proving my point philosophically. I’m talking truth and I’m taking you and your driving arrogance down a few notches. Don’t like it huh? Well, neither do bicyclists that have to deal with drivers and their shit on a daily basis while riding our bikes. My intent is to scold you like the spoiled, privileged car driver you are for saying things that are demeaning not only to living, working, and commuting bicyclists, but also to the many thousands of bicyclists killed every year because of motor vehicles that don’t watch the roads and aren’t aware of the kind of power they sit behind. If I sound self-righteous, it’s because everyday there is an injury or a death. I wouldn’t sit here and be pleasant with you about the shit going on in Iraq either. The reality is far too disturbing to have a pleasant conversation with you and try to win you over. If you want to win at something, go play a game.