Cyclists are not equals on the road

[This is so outrageous!]

Let's get something straight: travelling our streets by bicycle or motor vehicle is not a right but a privilege, according to the state. We motorists and motorcyclists pay heavily for that privilege in the form of vehicle registrations and required insurance.

Our self-righteous pedallers will argue that they are reducing emissions by having one less car on the street. They neglect that the hundreds of motor vehicles they impede burn far more fuel following them in first or second gear than they would in fourth or fifth gear if the bikes were absent. Let them ride public transportation, which would certainly benefit from more fares.

Bicyclists trumpet their "rights" and "equality" while paying no heed to traffic laws and especially those red lights that must only be for motorists.

It's true that our roads are not set up for both motor and bicycle traffic. If bicyclists want to travel by their preferred mode, let them be licensed, taxed and insured so the state can provide them with proper lanes and trails that they have paid for, just as we motorists have.

Jack Conahan, Baltimore

Send your comments to talkback@baltimoresun.com. <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/letters/bal-bicycleletter0810,0,5957289.story">http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/letters/bal-bicycleletter0810,0,5957289.story</a>;

by B' Spokes

Like most people I live a hectic life and who has the time for much exercise? Thanks to xtracycle now I do. By using my bike for daily activities I can get things done and get an hour plus work out in 15 minutes extra of my time, not a bad deal and beats taking the extra time going to the gym. In case you are still having trouble being motivated; the National Center of Disease Control says that inactivity is the #2 killer in the United States just behind smoking. ( http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/bb_nutrition/ ) Get out there and start living life! I can carry home a full shopping cart of groceries, car pool two kids or just get lost in the great outdoors camping for a week. Well I got go, another outing this weekend.
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I cycle for recreation, and have already paid to title and license 4 vehicles, and already pay gas tax. Most cylists have licensed vehicles. I fail to understand your arguement.