Cycling is a healthy and green way to commute for work or pleasure, and although many states are taking steps to help make cycling safer with bike lanes, hundreds of cyclists a year are still being killed in fatal collisions with inattentive or aggressive drivers. Many of these drivers aren't even punished for their crimes. It's time for harsher penalties for these types of car on cyclist attacks.
In addition to tougher penalties, there needs to be more public service announcements targeted toward motorists reinforcing the rights of cyclists and encouraging both parties to Share the Road. Cyclists have a legal right to use the roadways in all 50 states and shouldn't have to endure the road-rage of drivers who think that they alone are entitled to it. The majority of cyclists follow the rules of the road; it is only a small handful of bicyclists, either through ignorance or impairment, who chose not to follow the rules. That handful should also be held accountable for not following the rules of the road.
Just as with motorcyclists, bicyclists need our help too. Look twice, save a life.
