(If the video doesn't work, you can read some of the edited text here.)
Cyclists are often opposed to rumble strips because of the hazard they pose. I once nearly killed myself when I drifted left to avoid trash in the shoulder and into the nearly invisible rumble strips alongside US Highway 66 near Lyons, Colorado. The Amish in Michigan don't like them because rumble strips are positioned perfectly for the left buggy wheel, resulting in a very unpleasant ride.
Via Spokes Rider and RJ on the CABO discussion list.
Ah, love it. More folks who think that roads are paid for solely by gas taxes and registration fees. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteThe amish, as much as I love and respect their way of life, pay no property or income taxes. All they pay taxes on are purchases they make. So I argue they should not have a say. Cyclist on the other hand presumably do pay the aforementioned taxes..... not the same boat.
ReplyDelete@Anon - of course the Amish pay property and income taxes, and they mention as much in the news article.
ReplyDeleteThe only tax they're exempt from is the Social Security system, but they also receive no benefit from Social Security (they have their own mutual aid society for that).
To be honest, the article is very balanced. I'm impressed. But the car lobby in either the UK or US will never listen to such reason. No point in getting exercised about it- it's simply fact.
ReplyDeleteBut consider this: Why should I pay (through general taxation) for rumble strips for motorists when I'm not likely to fall asleep/ be inattentive/drive drunk enough to ever benefit?
Why not let the sleepy, distracted and intoxicated drive straight into the beautiful cornfields of Michigan? Maybe it would teach them a lesson!
When did that news story get broadcast? I don't watch TV news, and that's an example why. It said a "growing number of people" in St Joseph County think the Amish shouldn't have a say. I question whether the news people have any data on that. I've run into people around and near St. Joseph County who resent the Amish on the roads. But a growing number? I doubt they know that.
ReplyDeleteAlso, to say that the roads are paid for largely with road taxes is misleading. Why couldn't they have said 57 percent, like your article does? The Amish use less than 43 percent of the road.
BTW, I ride on those roads, but last summer didn't do much west of Colon. East of Colon the rumble strip was only in the center. It helped me hear the cars passing me from behind because the vehicles tend to cross the center line and make noise as they do so.