Quote:
Originally Posted by Brando
Emphasis added by me. You should read my thread on my most-recent interaction with a cyclist. They most certainly are not liable for damages they cause. There are no ramifications in the CVC for this, no licensing requirements, no insurance requirements (liability, uninsured, etc). As stated above, some of these bikes are worth as much or more than cars. Direct purchases related to bicycles do not go towards maintenance of the infrastructure they use. If someone owns a car and a bike then maybe, but thats inderect.
Any relief you seek against a cyclist has to be through criminal courts (if DUI, theft, negligence leading to GBI), or Civil court for damages. I can speak to this from first-hand knowledge as I am living it right now.
So nobody should say they have the same requirements or responsibilities as motorists. They are extra-privileged.
Oh, and no-one has a RIGHT to drive or cycle. Licenses to drive are a PRIVILEGE, not a right.
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Brando- I did read your thread. Surely sucked but glad you survived the whole ordeal.
Anyhow, I think one needs to review laws and regulations in each state.
I know for a fact and of someone who while riding a bike, hit a car. The police arrived and a report was made. No ticket was issued. Car driver was innocent of any wrong doing. The bike rider was required to exchange info with the driver of the car. He didn't bother with submitting to his insurance company but indeed was liable. The car owner later sued him in small claims court for damages. That police report and pictures was all that was needed. I don't know of the details and wasn't there and for all I know, bad cyclist could have simply lied and played the game, but that's beside the point. Regardless, jerk head bike rider didn't and was court ordered to pay up. What I understood later, bike rider told me that the claimant had the damages inflated. Had he just provided his car insurance, he probably would have been better off. (BTW: I'm glad this guy doesn't hang around anymore or join the group for bike rides.)
Next- The cost of bike lanes, trails and paths. As I mentioned above, it depends on the state, county or local tax revenues. Sales tax on goods, income tax could very well be part of the means in funneled funds for public bike lanes. Even little 10 yo Johnny saving money on his paper route and then spending for a new bike + tax collected, may be a small amount but it counts.