I disagree with this line of thinking. Yes, there are bad cyclists. But, as has been pointed out in this thread, it hasn't been shown that their numbers or effect are any larger relative to the bad drivers out there.
And the two are very different. Bad cyclists largely put themselves at risk. Bad drivers put other drivers/cyclists/pedestrians at risk.
In short, I don't think us good cyclists need to go through a lot of hand-wringing about the behavior of all cyclists before we can advocate for reasonable bike laws. Agreed all around.
I may have been slightly misunderstood.
In some jurisdictions in North America there is starting to be talk of Vulnerable Road User Laws/Legislation - that will swing significant responsibility back to motorists for any altercation/collision between motorists and cyclists (and pedestrians).
Many motorists drive with a completely cavalier attitude, that by their actions/behavior, they seem to care little for the safety of other road users - in particular vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. This is born out and supported in decision after decision in the courts, where motorists are released from any responsibility for their actions. Even when there has been a fatality, it's like the motorist has struck a road cone! They are given some minor sentence/fine (a slap on the wrist), and sent back out on the road!
Vulnerable Road User Laws/Legislation will be VERY difficult to pass and implement, but it is the commonsense, rational and right thing to do.
Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog