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Community Corner

Al Franken Bicycle Initiative

Dear Senator Franken;

 

Thank you for taking up the important issue of bicycle safety; it has been a large concern of mine for many years. I am sure you have an idea how to improve this issue, but I would like you to consider what I believe are essential elements to solving this problem. First; while bicyclists correctly assert equal rights to use our roads, they do routinely break the laws of the roads causing danger and frustration. I do not care if bicyclists break the law when using the roads as long as they do not create danger or inconvenience for their fellow travelers. Please consider equal application of the law to all road travelers as part of your campaign to assure safety to bicyclists.

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Secondly; motorists are only allowed to use the roads after proving they know the laws and can travel safely within the law. Equal treatment under the law requires bicyclists to carry this same responsibility while using public roads. In addition, motorists are required to have insurance to guarantee restitution of damages. Why are bicyclists not held to this same standard while using the same public roads? The medical and property liability while riding a bicycle is an expense that should be born equally.

Lastly, why are bicycles exempt from road use taxes? This is another instance of unequal treatment under the law. SHARE THE ROADS MEANS SHARING THE RESPONSIBILITY. Please make this a bipartisan issue to make the roads safer and better for all who use them.

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