Vulnerable Roadway Users

While running through downtown Louisville this afternoon (during rush hour), I noted several disturbing instances of reckless driving. I saw two drivers disregard red lights and speed through intersections. I saw a woman with a cellphone in one hand and a cigarette in the other turn right on red (with a "no right on red" sign present) - presumably steering with her knees - without bothering to look for pedestrians in the crosswalk (if she had, she would have noticed me).

Had any of these reckless drivers been observed by police officers, they would have been pulled over and cited for these traffic violations. Had a police officer observed any of these reckless drivers committing the same offense and killing a pedestrian or biker while in the process, they would have received only the same citation. As the law is currently written, there is no additional penalty for killing a vulnerable roadway user with a car. If the driver is intoxicated, then he or she is a murderer. If he or she is not intoxicated, then he or she is merely a corpse-making reckless driver who has to pay a small fine.

As a person who uses the state of Kentucky's roadways, often without the encumbrance of a hulking hunk of metal, I feel it is important that the state provide protection for roadway users who do not operate automobiles.

Oregon has already passed a bill protecting vulnerable roadway users (House Bill 3314). Michigan has two proposed bills before congress.

For more info on biking safety in Louisville, check out Bicycling For Louisville, a local bicycle advocacy group.

Oh, and I managed to survive today's 4-miler, in spite of the recklessness of the aforementioned drivers.

Updated 08/06/08 - Boston's Bike Lanes Nearly Set for Riders. Glad to see Boston is moving in the right direction.