At 12:02 PM 2004-09-21, Serge wrote:
>But then there is some other perceived debate that I cannot quite
>understand. On one side are the Vehicular Cyclists - those who
>believe cyclists fare best when they act and are treated like drivers of
>vehicles. It's the other side that is murky for me. What does it stand
>for? What is the cycling alternative to vehicular cycling?

The opposite of VC is Individual Cycling or Anarchic Cycling. The highway
system is built around the idea that for traffic to move smoothly and
safely for everyone, all must operate predictably according to
well-understood and logical rules. AC's don't believe that this system
applies to them because

1. It's too regimented, requiring things that aren't really needed. Leave
the lights off for a short night trip. Travel a block down the wrong side
of the street because it's shorter. Who am I hurting?

2. It's not fair, giving priority to motorists or not giving special
treatment to bicyclists who are "better" because this mode of transport is
"sustainable". For example, why should I be required to stop at traffic
lights or signs. I can see when it's clear, and I'll only hurt myself if I
judge incorrectly.

3. It doesn't work at all, because nobody's really looking out for me.
Drivers of motor vehicles are all careless or purposely menacing and unless
I stand up for my own right to safety, who will? I'll end up dead unless I
choose to ride where I think it's safe, even if that's not what the law says.

4. It's a dead system, or ought to be. We should purposely do everything we
can to muck up car transport systems and make sure that bikes eventually
take over. Otherwise the environment will be irreparably destroyed.

5. Cars and their drivers are all alike. The best thing about biking is
that each person expresses their individuality. My bike is different, and
the way I ride it is different. Since I'm not hurting anybody, just leave
me alone to do my thing.

>We VC advocates believe that cyclists fare best when we act and are
>treated as vehicle drivers.

We AC's believe that you VC's are deluded or misguided. You're trying to
fit us into a system that's going to destroy itself and us with it.
Everything you do to force me into riding amidst metal death traps is a
personal assault on my safety. Why do you people fight our attempts to
build a new system where bikes will reign supreme?

Devil's advocate,
-- Trevor

This is just my interpretation of various issues I've seen expressed.
Someone who doesn't believe it's best to drive your bike like you would
pilot your car will surely speak up if I've got it all wrong.