A Response to "NPR’s Scott Simon: ‘Cyclists think they’re above the law.'"

This article notes that NPR reporter Scott Simon tweeted these words:

As one can expect, this drew an enormous response from cyclists and anti-cyclists alike. Many agreed with these comments, including drivers and pedestrians, and many bikers came out to their own defense as well.

But the primary topic of this article was not about who was right and who was wrong in regard to Simon's tweet. Instead, the disturbing realization was made that more people are concerned about this war between drivers and bikes that is seen as mostly an irritation; rather than the 20,000 deaths that occur as a result of drunk, distracted, or fast driving.

I find myself agree and disagree with the author of this piece, because I think that both situations are important and can lead to fatalities. Where was the number of deaths as a result of cars hitting bikes? Cars are constantly hitting cyclists, either on accident or as an act of rage. So the argument brought up by Simon's tweet is actually quite important; as is the number of deaths resulting from poor driving.

But another interesting aspect I found in this piece was in response to Simon's following tweet:

Pedestrians feel irritated by cyclists? I had never heard of that concept before. If anything, I could see cyclists being irritated with pedestrians.

From personal experience at University, cyclists are constantly working to maneuver around walking students who, more often than not, run right into the bicyclists. I don't see the reverse happen often, if ever.

My first thought when I read that pedestrians feel irritated by cyclists was because it came from a place of envy or jealousy. Cyclists are clearly getting more exercise and can get to and from their destinations faster than pedestrians who have to obey walking signs and cross walks. However, biking is not an exclusive activity, anyone can purchase or rent a bike to get to and from places, so their I don't quite understand or agree with those pedestrians who agree with Simon's tweet.

The relationship between cars and bicyclists is often more easy to understand, however, this article pointed out the less obvious relationship between pedestrians and cyclists - a relationship I would like to read more about.