[funetical]

Sorry, I didn't see the link to the original article.

[SUX VR40 Rider]

Originally Posted by LarryM

According to this
decorahnews.com - Decorah news NOW! Decorah, Iowa | Traffic charge has now been filed against motorist in car/bicycle accident
on Monday she was charged with Following to Closely.

I can almost guarantee that the reason heckstein was charged is there was pressure put on law enforcement by cyclists. Who or what group of cyclists, I don't know. I do know the Iowa Bicycle Coalition has put pressure on law enforcement in the past to make sure justice is done as it should be. Did the IBC act on this incident? I do not know.

[TxCyclist]

Do you have a local advocacy group?

[Industry_Hack]

Well, I have yet to meet a perfect motorist or cyclist. That's an odd charge, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

For what it's worth, getting a ticket rarely changes behavior.

[TxCyclist]

I got a speeding ticket once when I was a teenager, never again, but I guess I'm the exception.

[SUX VR40 Rider]

Originally Posted by Dean

Do you have a local advocacy group?

Yes: Iowa Bicycle Coalition

[CTD50]

Good thing for drivers like this one that no one has a law on the books about "driving stupidly."

Sorry, but the visor isn't the glovebox or console.....

[tomk]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

Well, I have yet to meet a perfect motorist or cyclist. That's an odd charge, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

For what it's worth, getting a ticket rarely changes behavior.

I'd have to agree with you, myself included as both cyclist and motorist. As I have gotten back into riding I have become much more aware of the issues that face both cyclists and motorists sharing the road. I see a lot of cyclists do really dumb things and understand that they give us all a bad name. I have seen more than a few cyclists do really unpredictable things in traffic such as swerve to avoid pot holes. Just yesterday I overtook another cyclist on a busy two lane with almost no shoulder...he had the mirrors and the Yellow Safety Jersey but could not hold a line to save his life - he was wandering within about an 8 ft area and was completely unpredictable. He had no clue what to do when a car was pacing him and trying to pass. This guy belongs on a MUP - not the road!

I don't believe there are any laws punishments or enforcements that will make cycling any safer. I would never assume that any law or regulation would protect me. My best protection is my own education, training and awareness. As another asked - what law or regulation would have prevented this? How does a blog entry calling the police lazy help the situation?

It sounds like your area is a tough place to ride in so I definitely appreciate how bike friendly my home is!