Dear People on the Road Lately:
“It is unlawful to harass, taunt, or maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle; and
A person who commits the above offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not less than two hundred fifty dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both.
Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle and shall give an audible signal when necessary. “
Source: S.C. Code Ann. §§56-5-3445; 56-5-3230
Sec. 26-37. – Bicycles.
No person in or on a public mall only shall:
(1) Riding in other than designated areas. Ride a bicycle other than on a paved vehicular road, street or path designated for that purpose.
– City of Greenville Ordinances, Chapter 26, Article II, Sec 26-37 (Code 1985, § 3-1-4; Code 1997, § 26-37)
(Not in South Carolina? Here you go.)
Phrased alternatively, do not yell at a bicyclist to “get off the road”, “use the $%&@! sidewalk”, swerve toward them aggressively, etc.
We are road users. We are sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, offspring, teachers, students, business owners, neighbors, friends and spouses, and we’re taxpayers (don’t even start with me on that one). We’re fellow humans doing something different than you, not to be confused with your Mortal Enemy or someone you need to lecture.
We’re not going anywhere, and we’re not going to stop asking you: please be nice, and just try not to kill us. That’s literally all we’re asking of you.
(The fact that some cyclists run stop signs, get in your way, are hard to see, or generally piss you off has nothing to do with what I am talking about here. Don’t take out your road rage on the rest of us.)
Still too many words? DBAA.
Also, I’m getting really good at memorizing license plates.
Thanks,
That cyclist who yelled right back at you today
rebelwithoutacar 