Blogomyalgia

Recently, a bicyclist was hit by a truck on a local farm road here. The cyclist states that he and a friend of his were riding on the highway when the truck hauling two anhydrous ammonia tanks came up behind them with the horn wailing. The driver of the truck then proceeded to pass the bikers but failed to give the cyclists enough room, passing "within a foot." One of the anhydrous tanks tagged Doug Smith's handlebars sending him to the ground and consequently running Smith over. Smith was sent to the hospital with a broken pelvis, fractured skull and a concussion. As for the driver...he was cited for passing in a no passing zone. Now, Iowa lawmakers are debating a law that would require drivers to give cyclists a five foot cushion when passing. I am strongly in favor of this as I don't cycle alot but I have many friends that do and when I do get out and ride, I was us all to be safe. I own many vehicles, I also own bikes...same for many cyclists out there. Some rather ignorant people commented on this story complaing because cyclists aren't paying road taxes on a mythical "bicycle license." Let me tell you that most of the cyclists out there work for a living like you, own a vehicle, pay taxes of all kinds...just like you and me but chose to ride a bike. Whether it be for fitness, going green or working up to RAGBRAI.

There are many opinions on this story at KCCI's website and has exploded with ties to many controversial issues. For more on this story you can find the original via KCCI News. What do you think? @OverclokT me on Twitter or comment here.