Driver's Rights to be Celebrated in Colorado

It takes a lot of gumption to be the favored class and still show up to plead oppression, but that's just what some drivers in Boulder, CO plan to do on July 25th during the Sunrise Century

The Sunrise Century, which is in its third year, is expecting 1,500 riders to travel from Boulder to Lyons before turning south along the Peak to Peak Highway and descending through Left Hand Canyon. Riders have the option of riding a 75 or 100-mile course.

Drivers plan to "use the Left Hand Canyon Road, drive slowly and many may break down unexpectedly, blocking areas to the cyclists on the return leg of the 'Sunrise Century'" And what are they protesting?

The flier specifically mentions the new state bicycle safety law scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 5. The law will require motorists to keep their cars three feet away from cyclists. It will also allow cyclists to ride two abreast on roads, so long as there is no traffic.

Oh the humanity! It reminds me of a joke by Jon Stewart about the war on Christianity in America:

Yes, the long war on Christianity. I pray that one day we may live in an America where Christians can worship freely! In broad daylight! Openly wearing the symbols of their religion.... perhaps around their necks? And maybe - dare I dream it? - maybe one day there can be an openly Christian President. Or, perhaps, 43 of them. Consecutively.

I've seen this called Car-ticle Mass

The Sunrise Century had already contacted the Colorado State Patrol and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office to provide traffic control and support for the ride. In light of the threat to disrupt the event, law enforcement officers may have an addition role to fill.

"Are you going to have people out there that do try to cause trouble? Maybe. Are we going to be out there to deal with them? Absolutely," Trooper David Hall with the Colorado State Patrol said.

Hall understands the frustrations that can arise between cyclists and motorists, but says both sides need to show restraint.

"This is not a new issue. I understand the frustration that motorists feel sometimes when they encounter bicycles on the road and I also understand the frustration that bicyclists feel when a motorist is belligerent to someone on a bicycle. This issue is a two way street," Hall said.

The Chicago Sun Times included a poll on who was most annoying. At the time I write this, cyclists are considered most annoying.

Here's hoping no one is hurt; and that cyclists in Colorado take this as an opportunity to show that we can behave well. I hope they don't take the bait and either don't engage these drivers - if any show up - or do so only with offers of help. Kill them with kindness.

Comments

[Eric_W.]

I would not be surprised if the NRA gets into sponsoring this "civil disobedience" event.