Breaking the Law...

The Washington Post ran an editorial today entitled, "Bicyclists are welcome in DC, but they, too, should obey the law." 

For a full-on critique of why this seemingly even-handed article misses the mark (and the facts), check out Washcycle's response post, "Drivers are welcome in DC, but they, too, should obey the law."  But let me offer my quick reaction:

Yesterday, I was honked at, cursed at, and almost hit (intentionally) by a driver who thought I shouldn't be in "his" lane - this despite an EMPTY lane to my left.  This occurred approximately 100 feet behind a county police cruiser that had just passed me (disappointingly, no action on the part of the cop).  I was then passed too closely by the next vehicle as well (VA law states there must be 2 feet of passing distance), and about 1/4 mile down the road discovered I was being "tailgated" at a distance of 2-3 feet - right where I needed to slow down and turn. 

This wasn't a typical day (thank God!), but nonetheless I'm angered by the Washington Post article, which seems to view the actions of drivers such as I encountered yesterday as merely "churlish," rather than recklessly life-endangering.