"The Forum" on bicycle safety

I previously posted my quick notes on the important bicycle safety show on KQED in San Francisco this morning. I've now had a chance to edit my notes and provide greater detail about this important discussion with a multimedia component in this modern age so you can picture the players!

Michael Krasny is host of the "The Forum," a radio show about local issues on public radio KQED in San Francisco.

Guests on the show included:

• Leah Shahum, executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
  


• Sean Co, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for the San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
  


• Sean Comey, spokesman for the AAA of Northern California.
  


• ...and last there was Rob Anderson, that wonderful upholder of Truth, Justice, and the American Way, who filed a successful suit that's now holding up the San Francisco bicycle plan.
  

Now here's my carefully editted transcript of today's show.

AA sockpuppet: "Cyclists should be more CAREFUL. When a driver falls asleep and careens over to your side of the road at 60 mph, it's YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to get out of his way. Cyclists really should do a better job of being good ambassadors!"

Leah Shahum: "FUH2."

Sean Co: "FUH2. Cars kill. Bikes are best."

Rob Anderson: "You maniacs are insane using an inherently dangerous toy to get around. Grow up. Kids ride bikes, adults drive big trucks. Get out of my way or I'll run you over!"

Shahum: "FUH2. And SUVs suck! Cars are deadly death machines that kill."

Nick Carr (of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission): "Critical Mass forever!"

Krasny then takes calls from listeners.

First, there's John from San Bruno.

"I ride a bike, and cyclists must obey the laws, come to a complete stop, wear helmets with propeller beanies on top, flashing lights, flash flags, safety vests, and full body armor for the inevitable accidents."

Shahum responds: "Let's talk about scofflaw motorists instead. FUH2!"

The second caller is Helen. Helen doesn't like the cyclists on Cesar Chavez.

"Bikes are a menace! They get in my way. I own the road!"

Shahum responds: "FUH2! Cyclists take the lane! One less car!"

Derek Liecty of the East Bay Bicycle Coalition then came on the air.

"Drive your bike. Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. Read John Forester's Effective Cycling daily for good mental health, Right Thinking and strong bones."

Finally, Michael came on the air. He's a frequent caller to the show and he's been a cab driver in San Francisco since the Vietnam War.

"We should be more like China. FUH2! I love cyclists, even the ones who flip me the bird."

Final words from Shahum ("FUH2! More bikes, less cars!") and the AA Sock Puppet ("Wear a helmet to protect yourself from out of control dozing drivers") closed out the hour.