So, are you supposed to ride your bike on 1604? (San Antonio: insurance, costs)

[PopsGuysRule]

Is it even legal to ride your bike on Loop 1604?
Isn't it a freeway, a thoroughfare?
I'm not sure I feel terribly sorry for these two cyclists.... I would never bicycle on the side of a road where the posted speed limit is between 65MPH and 70MPH.
??? Or is it just me???

Pair of cyclists hurt on Loop 1604 ride (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Pair_of_cyclists_hurt_on_Loop_1604_ride.html - broken link)

[Bo]

Looks like most of your questions were answered in Lisa D's comment right below the article.

[rd2007]

It's legal to do a lot of crazy things, like riding a motorcycle without a helmet. It's bad enough to drive a car around the idiots here, so there is no way in hell I would risk my life on a bicycle.
and I have little doubt the moron driving the SUV was on the cell phone. How many more reasons is it going to take for us to ban them in all vehicles?

[PopsGuysRule]

Originally Posted by Bowie

Looks like most of your questions were answered in Lisa D's comment right below the article.

ahhhh, so they were... mybad.....
however......

[OzzyRules]

It doesn't matter whether it's legal to ride a bicycle or not. It's always taking a chance...and even sort of stupid. Sorry.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by PopsGuysRule

Is it even legal to ride your bike on Loop 1604?
Isn't it a freeway, a thoroughfare?
I'm not sure I feel terribly sorry for these two cyclists.... I would never bicycle on the side of a road where the posted speed limit is between 65MPH and 70MPH.
??? Or is it just me???

Pair of cyclists hurt on Loop 1604 ride (http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Pair_of_cyclists_hurt_on_Loop_1604_ride.html - broken link)

In that southern stretch it's hardly more than a 2 lane road, and not many other roads around for cycling.

[Cyclommuter]

The mentality of vehicles is that bikes are a nuisance. But bikes are legal vehicles and a few (like myself) are commuting on them to get the grip of oil producing nations of our cajones. Gas prices have gone down along with the millions of miles that Americans are driving, why do you think that is? Supply and demand. I leave my 19mpg sports car in the garage for rainy days, but let me tell you, a wheel chair accessible van will use a lot more gas and it will add a little more traffic on the I-410 if I get hit and have to use it. Trust me, I'll stay off the freeways and try to stay out of your way on my 1 hr commute to work. I hope you will avoid running me over, and enjoy your cheap gas.

[BenjaminNicholas]

Preface: I have no issue with those who want to cycle and bike from point A to point B... More power to them. It's admirable when people talk the talk and walk the walk when it comes to the environment.

Now, what I despise are those people who bike irresponsibly, not caring that they're legally considered a vehicle once on the roadway and cause others around them to have accidents. I say if you're going to ride in busy areas, you need to be totally familiar with the rule book. No different than getting your license to drive a car. It's all about personal responsibility.


BN

[verybadgnome]

Hopefully there will be a civil case against the motorist for injuries and pain/suffering since she was the one cited and the cyclists were not. The ticket does nothing to help the cyclists get their just due. If this pushes up insurance rates so be it as it driving is a dangerous activity that should have costs associated with it commensurate to the risks.

Also unless it is an interstate or other road with specific signage saying cyclists are not allowed there is no question that cyclists are allowed to be there.

[majormadmax]

Exactly, VBG! I can't believe anyone would complain about bicycles on the road when the driving around here is a lot more dangerous!

I have biked on small sections of 1604 before and to be honest, it is legal but I am not sure it is something I would do on a regular basis. But as OzzyRules stated, bicycles have just as much right to be on the road as any other vehicle (unless bicycling on the roadway is prohibited, such as it is on interstates). And bicycle riders can be cited for infractions of the law just the same as any other vehicle. But considering the fact the size, weight and threat difference, it should be the drivers looking out for them, and not the other way around!

The bottom line is that there are far too many moronic drivers in San Antonio, and there needs to be a more concentrated effort in citing and charging these people. That is the only way our raods will become civilized again...