“Readers support the rights of cyclists to use the roads”

Do they support the responsibilities of cyclists to obey the laws as they now stand?

I doubt it. As Sockpuppet is alluding to, bicyclists think that a separate list of rules apply to them while on the road–even though the law clearly states they do not. Bicyclists will NEVER win the respect of motorists as long as they continue to break the law in front of motorists' faces.

I would be perfectly fine with bicyclists being able to yield at stop signs, BUT THAT REQUIRES A CHANGE IN THE LAW. As it now stands, most bicyclists I see sail through stop signs at full speed. Don't give me that crap about how it's just a minority of bicyclists who don't follow the law; the vast majority constantly break it right in front of me.

I understand why our rural country roads appeal to bicyclists due to the challenge of the hills and serenity of the country, however most of these roads don't have a shoulder and it can be quite dangerous for them when it comes to a hill. I have lived in the Jospehville/St. Paul area since 2004 and yesterday was the first time that a bicyclist waved me past them as they were cresting a hill. Most of the time they ride two abreast and I end up slowing down practically to a crawl before I can safely pass them. This is no different than getting stuck behind an elderly driver that is going well below the posted speed limit on a windy, hilly road where passing lanes are rare. I feel that if they take the risk of riding on these roads (or roads in general) then they must adhere to the laws as written. I'm not sure if there are minimum speed limits for these state highways but if there are then they should be required to obey those laws for the safety of everyone.

There are minimum speed limits, but they only apply to motorized vehicles: “304.011. 1. No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.” http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C300-399/304000…

So, do you also favor banning elderly drivers, because they tend to be slow, as well? Rural mail carriers? Farm implements? Wildlife? Stock? Pedestrians? I know it's a pain having to slow down, but the law's clear: “304.012. 1. Every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of this state shall drive the vehicle in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person and shall exercise the highest degree of care.” http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C300-399/304000…

Frankly, counties need to take over a lot of these lettered “state” highways that in most states would be county roads…. MODOT likes to mention the extremely high number of highway miles in the system when seeking funding, but they really need to devolve many of these roads to locals. I'd be a bit more sympathic to Joe Brazil if he wants to take it over.

GREAT! I can't wait to tell my friend who lost her teenage daughter on that road. She was coming around a curve and a bicyclist was there. She only had time to swerve, hit a tree and died on impact.

Find me a bicyclist who can go the posted speed limit and I might call it a vehicle. But that still doesn't bring back my friend's daughter.