To make cyclists first class citizens of the road would imply they were going to pay for said roads and be the primary users. In the US they pay for virtually none of the road system (less than 0.0001%). We fund our roads via taxation on fuel, which they do not purchase, therefore they are an after thought on the road…

That's exactly why I suggested the tiered license system and core classes for drivers as well. Remember, no matter how bad drivers are, they are statistically better than cyclists... and they both should be following the same regulations.

That's because most other cyclists like to have the pitty party and blame everyone else. Same thing happen on my group motorcycle rides. I on the other hand do not. I spend too much time on my bikes to complain about who's fault it was. I would rather just not be street pizza. People hate to acknowledge when they get…

In some states, not most.

Why do the conflicts occur? Is it because you are not seen, you are competing for space, or the other vehicle fails to obey a regulation?

I completely agree, but your observations suffer from the same flaws most do. You are not accounting for statistical sample size. Motorists, while soccer moms seem like they are everywhere driving their SUVs while putting on makeup and talking on the phone, are actually a lower probability of crashing than other…

How do you know what my head looks like? Are you stalking me?

That's the point. Technically a three year old can't legally be on the road. All of the things you listed are either already illegal. Jay walking, underage cyclists on public roads (in many states), etc. The problem is that it's let slide because it would be harsh to arrest every kid riding down to buy snacks. What…

Ah, and I hear banjo music again. Do you happen to have a mullet? Skullet maybe?

That's exactly why it's your duty as the vulnerable party to not make the situation occur. It's the same reason I wear bright clothing, reflectors, lights, and whatever else helps me not be run over. As it has been proven time and time again, collisions that are completely one sided are quite rate outside of a person…

This is actually a perfect example of the problem. The line of thinking "I only risk myself" is the same reason the accident rate is so high. It's not the cars responsibility to make sure you are acting in a safe manor, it's yours. When I am on my motorcycle or bicycle it's my job to make sure I am obvious,…

Can you elaborate how it was not at all their fault? A single fault collision is actually quite rare outside of someone running a stop sign. I can admit when I have crashed or nearly crashed, the problem was avoidable if it weren't for a combination of my actions and a driver.

Who said it was one sided? I simply am pointing out that the vast majority of the problems involve either both parties or specifically the cyclist. As the slower vehicle in most situations it is their role to give right of way, and failing to do so results in crashes. It's the same observation I have made since riding…

Exactly, although the purpose of the test is to force people to prove they know the basics. This is what they do in many states for motorcycle endorsements and it makes a huge difference. As for the purpose of the license, it would be in order to justify the cost of bicycle lanes, the classes, etc. Just like drivers…

They already are paying the people to not work... how can being paid to do nothing for x be BETTER than paying someone to do work for the same x?

They just need to require cyclists to have licenses and pass safety tests and training. Most of them have no idea what they are doing on the road. They run stop lights/signs, don't signal, lane split, cut on cross walks, and randomly decide it's a good idea to head out on country roads.

That's true as long as the cyclist is actually not being a dick as well. I'm always perplexed by cyclists who try to get pushy with cars, get hit, and then complain. That natural selection at work right there.