Hey Floyd, Pass The Beers

Well gosh, that was exciting. I guess Landis had some Guinness last night. Meanwhile back in Portland, a little more light is shed on the topic of the talkshow hosts and their alleged anti-cyclospeak. Excerpts follow from this link.
"You want to know why so many people have a poor opinion of cyclists and thier advocacy groups? This is a perfect example. 99% of you never even heard the show. You heard about the show, third hand, from someone with an axe to grind. I did hear the show. P.K. did not endorse chasing down bike riders with a car and running them over. P.K. gave his opinion, as crudely stated as it was, that when cylists are weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring stop signs, and cutting off a car, that he wouldn't feel the least bit bad about those people getting creamed for riding like idiots. That's it. Agree with him, or not, it's his opinion and he has a right to it. You supposedly bright, articulate, community conscience, civic minded individuals sound more like a bunch of humorless Nazi's. Do I have an axe of my own to grind? You bet I do. I'm close friends with someone who works there, and you know they've been dealing with from the “bike community”? Threats of violence, threats of vandalism, profanity laced phone calls, etc. Classy! Well done! You guys are awesome! /end sarcasm. Don't like P.K. or that show? Don't listen. Oh, wait a minute. That's right. You're already not listening. Which is why none of you have the faintest idea what you're talking about."
Another poster wrote:
" My feelings on the situation are mixed. Not only have I been and will I continue to be a fan of the Playhouse, but I AM ALSO A PROUD BIKER. I commute an hour a day to and from work 5 days a week. I can understand PK's frustration with bikers who do NOT follow the rules of the road, which is who those comments were aimed at. I personally had a fellow biker ride so close to me trying to pass (so he could go faster) that I veered off the path and fell and broke my wrist. Not only were his comments aimed at inconsiderate biker citizens, but I happen to agree with them AS a biker myself. The same sentiment DEFINITELY goes to inconsiderate CARS. Bikers who try to power trip on cars make us all look bad, are we so high on our soap boxes that we have chosen to ignore this and become martyrs? If you ARE following the rules of the road, those comments weren't aimed at you so why are you upset?! If he said Nazi's should be shot- would you take offense to that as a NON-Nazi??? Of COURSE not, those comments were not aimed at YOU. Same holds true for this, if you are a biker who holds cars in respect they way they need to for US, then you have nothing to be offended by. I heard the original broadcast, since I am a fan of the show, and as a biker- paid special attention to the topic when I heard it brought up. Let me assure you that it was VERY clear who the anger was aimed at- bikers who have put people in cars in danger with their lack of saftey and lack of respect for others on the road. I understand that the podcast isn't available for download? Honestly, if you didn't hear it because you don't listen to the show, then it shouldn't concern you. I wouldn't be offended if some other morning show said they hated girls with brown hair and wished they were dead-because I understand that opinions can't be judged, just disagreed with. I guess the point is that no one is really unintelligent enough to take one guy's opinion of inconsiderate bikers to the point of actually trying to HURT another human... Just like we have the right to commute safely on the road and express our thoughts- so do OTHER citizens have the right to commute safely on the road and express their thoughts. I am actually EMBARRASSED by the way our community is reacting in such a violent and childish manner- actually threatening to HARM someone after CRITICIZING them for doing the same? Protesting at a community event for CHILDREN? Did I see someone actually suggesting on another forum here FORCING the host of the show to HIT a bicyclist so that he could go to jail- boy doesn't THAT go against your plight?! How about if you feel strongly enough about this- file a complaint, write a letter, contact the station manager. You all don't realize that people who DON'T bike read this (in light of the current situation) and that we now look like massive hypocrites- rising up against violence against US but PROMOTING it against others? LET'S BE CIVILIZED if we don't agree with their LACK of civilization? Just a thought from someone stuck in the middle."
Which all kind of reminds me of this comment on BiciBlog related to our most recent and beloved Midnight Ridazz:
"went on the ride on friday and thought the conduct from both parties (bicyclists and motorists alike) was rather appalling. i thought we were trying to create a positive relationship and reputation for bicyclists in la. i don't think this caused was helped what with the threat of tossing cars onto suvs and further provoking already irate drivers who were in about to engage in street fights --not cool. don't get me wrong: i'm a big fan of bicycling and believe that the bicycle kitchen does great work, but i'm not a fan of antagonism, especially on these rides which are supposed to be fun and not scary. i'm probably going to get flamed for this, but think about this: how many of you had to drive your bikes to meet at the corner of echo park and sunset? would you be angry if a group of hell's angels (or SOMETHING) prevented you from getting to your destination on time? many of us live in southern california and we all drive in some capacity. i'm rather freaked to ride alone at night now, especially through the neighborhoods in which we were traversing on friday. i'm afraid that a motorist who was held up in traffic on friday will remember the bicyclists who antagonized her/him, and that i will be plowed over in an act of revenge."
No simple sollution; we all need to ride respectfully - of each other and of traffic - if we are traffic, we need to behave like traffic if we want the respect of the motorists. That said, every cyclist is inclined to roll a stop from time to time, or ride in the wrong lane, etc. We at the Squadra believe temperment is a major factor at play in this behavior. Mob rules start to apply when you get a bunch of cyclists together. Hell, even solo riders on a bike path are familar with the alpha-aggressor who burns past in anger on a time trial rig in full tri-guy regalia; cycling is a way for folks to get their frustrations of the day out, and it's not always healthy when that energy is manifested in an altercation with a car or through the rider's sense of entitlement to ride however the fuck he/she wants. When you put a number of folks with this kind of energy together in a mass ride, people start feeling cocky and take risks with their comments and actions because they feel safe surrounded by other folks who they assume will jump to get their backs if the shit hits the fan. All of which probably has something to do with why authorities in NYC are trying to force groups of two or more cyclists to get parade permits. Like we said before - ride safe, look out for fellow cyclists, be smart and ride on. Viva.