Perhaps you can help. In this, the first issue of Cycling News for 2001, it seems only appropriate that we bring in the new millennium with another attack on the roadways of Texas. Senate Bill 238, introduced by Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio, is not the first proposed legislation of its kind in Texas, merely the latest in a series of actions making it perfectly clear that the automobilization of America is more insidious than ever. It says bad news for bicycling, for bike shops, for communities which are the frequent destination of groups of cyclists and for many others. It is dangerous to come around a curve or over a hill and find a gaggle of bicyclists and no time to stop.
Somebody has to go into the ditch.
M ore specifically, Senate Bill 238 changes the wording of Section 551.103 of our Transportation Code. But wait, theres more. And, I'm sure they would find themselves holding a buzz saw by the wrong end if they tried to put the Kibosh on the whole city of Wichita Falls by cutting off their Hotter'n Hell dollars. No this bill seems to be aimed right smack dab at recreational riding and training rides in the countryside and it's driving force is some sort of mindless insensitivity to anything but the priorities and convenience of the motorist. As if our good roads were initially and solely intended for motor vehicles, which they weren't.