Biker Wars

The point of this blog is to show that there is no subject too big (or too small) that can’t turn quickly into a divisive debate about “us vs them” and that the anonymity of the internet breeds more heated discussion than is truly necessary.  Lest you think, dear reader, that I cherry pick obviously divisive issues (suckling breasts on a major magazine cover, or the end of the white race), I chose something this time that I thought…thought…would be more innocuous:  an article ranking states in their friendliness to bikers. 

Well, not really “Bikers.” More like Bicycle Riders.  Yeah, them.  So, what’s the big deal right? When I first stumbled across this little nugget of a story, I thought there might be a few comments regarding state on state competition.  But bicycle riders being known as somewhat “granola-eating” types I thought it might take a little while for the comments to warm up.  Boy was I wrong.  Right out of the box, we come out swinging:

Here’s an interesting take on the “we’re mad as hell and we’re not gonna take it anymore” voter theme:

I mean, I’ve heard lots of reasons over the past couple decades for voting out incumbents, but I’ve never heard anyone, anywhere, suggest to do it against pro-cycling votes.  “Yeah, Congressman Smith does a great job for our District.  He represents our interests, communicates well with his constituents, brings in federal aid when we need it, and courts major corporations to create jobs.  But I can never forgive him for voting for those damn biker lanes down on Main Street!  Hell no, Smith must go!”

Okay, what about you states mixing it up a little bit.  I mean this is the fifth year in a row that Washington has come out on top in this “competition.”  Are you guys just gonna stand there and take it?

Thank you Oregon.  Washington, you gonna defend yourself?

Wow.  Atomic elbow from “Midwtrngirl.”  I thought Midwesterners were supposed to be nice?  What about you Arkansas?

Ohhhhkay.  Nevermind.  Ummm, Wisconsin, how about you?

Yes.  It’s all his fault!  How dare he make your state drop so far in the critical “bike-friendly” arms-race!  Ohio, you look like you have something to say.

Uhhh…don’t look now “jangar” but perhaps you should be checking your mirror because you’re a little too specific about where people might be able to find you.

Anybody want to take this in a different direction?

Well, I don’t know “wyobob.”  I think that getting a ticket for driving on the sidewalk would probably be the least of your worries.  Perhaps it might be what caused you to get your vehicle on the sidewalk to begin with and what you might have come in contact with when you were on the sidewalk that would be more pressing concerns.

I.Don’t.Know.What.To.Say.

Could someone please bring us back around on this subject?

Thank you "Joseph Larson."  Well said.  It’s always nice to be able to hear from someone reasonable on the divisive issue of bike ownership.  Honestly people.

Be Reasonable.