Who's Trash Talking Bikes?
From the League of American Bicyclists:
“There's a perfectly good path right next to the road you stupid cyclist!” Facebook Fan Page
What the page says:
The Facebook Fan Page "There's a perfectly good path right next to the road you stupid cyclist!" (which frighteningly has more than 30,000 fans) is an Australian based anti-cyclists forum. The page is filled with violent comments about hitting cyclists, who the page refers to as "road hogging rats." The profile picture is even of a car dooring a cyclist. The page claims that bicycles only belong on bike paths and should not be allowed on roads. The about me box states, "No matter how far to the left you are, you're taking up my road. My car is hard, and i am not slowing down!"
What’s the issue:
Cyclists have the legal right to be on the road in Australia and are considered vehicles, as are cyclists in all 50 US states. Endorsing violence should not be tolerated, and the ignorance endorsed on this Facebook page simply begets more ignorance towards cyclists. Or as Charles Darwin said, "Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge." The page's crass content, "The road belongs to engine driven cars," and photos are legally incorrect - and offensive.
What are the facts:
The sad reality is that every year an average of 700 people are killed while riding their bikes and round 45,000 riders are injured each year in collisions with motor vehicles. These accidents are usually caused by distracted driving, speeding, recklessness and drinking and driving. These reasons are not comforting and can be prevented. However, road rage and a violent disregard for human life should NEVER be the reason a cyclist is killed or injured. These types of incidents are not "accidents."
What they could have said:
Frankly, the page should have never been created. If the author said anything, he should have provided information about sharing the road safely. Unfortunately, incorrect or hateful information is easily shared on Facebook. The social networking site allows people to network, post pictures and comment without pre-approval.
However, this page crosses the line into inappropriate content and there is something we can do. First, report the page for inappropriate content by scrolling to the bottom left hand corner of the fan page and clicking on Report Page. A dialogue box appears. Click on Inappropriate Content as your reason and feel free to add comments.
Sample comment: Australian cyclists have a legal right to the road as do all American cyclists. We are considered vehicles. Advocating violence against anyone, including bicyclists, is reprehensible. Some 700 bicyclists, nearly 200 of them children, are killed in traffic crashes every year, and some 45,000 are injured. Both cities and states are passing laws to protect cyclists from the despicable mentality that is exhibited on this page.
Secondly, you can join the "Help Remove This Hate Group Against Cyclists" page. Most importantly, advocate for cyclists rights and spread the word about our legal and rightful space on roads and highways. Attending the National Bike Summit or supporting the League is an easy way to participate in the national bicycle movement.
<a href="http://www.bikeleague.org/action/trashtalk/#Facebook">http://www.bikeleague.org/action/trashtalk/#Facebook</a>;
If you are FaceBook you can report this page by clicking "Report" lower left of the page.
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theres-a-perfectly-good-path-right-next-to-the-road-you-stupid-cyclist/190080667052?ref=mf">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Theres-a-perfectly-good-path-right-next-to-the-road-you-stupid-cyclist/190080667052?ref=mf</a>;