Bikers Have To Be Respectful of Traffic Laws

Dear Editor,
    Several law-abiding cyclists have worked for years promoting existing/new laws that protect cyclists, for greater acceptance of cycling as a transportation mode, and for new cycling facilities (bike lanes, new signage, etc.).
    Some subcommunities within cycling follow their own drummer. Bike couriers, pedicab drivers, and most everyone who spends time jumping obstacles seem to believe that traffic laws do not apply fully to them.
    On October 3, on my way to speak at a City Council meeting, a bike courier I recognized was riding north against traffic on Colorado Street, which is a one-way street going south.
    Drivers take out their frustration and rage on law-abiding cyclists as well because we are all part of the same community. Some drivers will never accept cycling as an equal transportation mode due, in large part, to scofflaws. Please ask them for their opinion and they will tell you.
    If you move here for the “Austin scene” or for work and cannot follow simple traffic laws that apply equally to bikes as well as vehicles, then please find another home.
    I hope the bike couriers from other cities are more respectful of their traffic laws.