In reality- the article is incredibly irresponsible for the reasons pointed out by the main Boston Biker response- namely the threat posed to cyclists (and others) by drivers of 4000+ pd. vehicles.

I have had on several occasions- in Boston and other cities been threatened by drivers- verbally (literally “I should run you over”) and in a couple of cases- physically- as they “pretended” to accelerate into me- and stopped at the last moment- with a level of glee akin to a psychopath.

The Filipov article is fodder for these same sorts of people. Again, instead of providing a coherent, balanced look at the road situation- it provides those with a bone to pick about cyclists- even more reason to act, and do as they please- because “all those cyclist are a bunch of unruly bastards anyway”- why not cut them off- why not yell at them?

To put forth that the “intent” of the article was not so- without consideration of the environment in which bikers regularly find themselves on the streets of Boston and other cities is negligent. But I don’t suppose Mr. Filipov rides a bike (though I really don’t know).

Further- perhaps Filipov should have taken some of the “reporting” he did on car behavior and integrated it with what he found regarding bicycle behavior to provide a better analysis. Posting a link on a biker blog- likely only read by bikers- about the supposed balanced approach being taken by the author is way too little- but hopefully not too late.

Perhaps Filipov will consider writing another article with a little bit more research on his part regarding the positive public health, economic, and environmental implications of biking?

Let’s call a spade a spade here okay?

The problem is everyone in our society is so self focused and unaware of how their actions affect others.

Yes I am a cyclist. A messenger at that! I spend more time in traffic in one day then you do in a month. I’ve seen it all, from cars double parked in bike lanes to cyclists running red lights to cops NOT doing anything when someone gets knocked off their bike when a car hits it.

Unfortunately our lovely law enforcement is not something we can trust. For some reason they don’t ticket people for parking in bike lanes or double parked in general. In fact when there’s signs that say they will tow you, they don’t tow you or ticket you. How do I know this? I see 5-10 cars in a long row all the time committing these infractions at the same time.

I call the local police and complain about people parked in the bike lane and they show up and tell them to move. I thought it was a $100 fine? Apparently that was just show for the papers.

One of the most major problems is cell phones and radios. People listen to music so loud they can’t hear others honk at them, police/fire/ambulance sirens/or the screams of an old lady they just hit. Cell phones and driving need to be banned, not a here’s a ticket. How about you lose you license for 6 months and have to take driver’s ed again and pay fines. I’ve been hit by drivers on their cell phones who had NO IDEA they hit me because they were too busy chatting. I’ve had people run red lights and almost hit me (while I’m in a car) because they were too busy on their phones. I’ve had cars hit me from behind while I’m stopped at a red light. People don’t pay attention. Its sad.

Fines that will hurt people’s pockets like $500. Tow more, ticket less, or do both. Suspend licenses. This isn’t a car vs. bike issue. This is a horrific motorist behavior/mentality issue.

And there was no need to end your email to Shane with a snarky comment, it just makes you look like a jerk.

The fact remains this was a poor article that provides little but anecdotal stories and serves no purpose but to provide drivers with some justification for acting out.

When the next car runs down a bike, what role will he think this article played?

Why not just write one good article?