Petetions as a form of expression, and activism

A group calling themselves "Citizens for Safety Coalition of Iowa" created a petition with growing numbers of signers to asking the state legislature to ban bicycles from farm-to-market roads.

These roads are meant for all manner of traffic, motor cars, trucks, farm machinery, equestrians (with and without carriages), pedestrians, even cyclists. But of all the traffic carried on them, only cyclists are being targeted for the ban, and somehow in the name of "safety."

Perhaps because of the stupidity of this petition, or as defence against it, another group, the "Coalition for the Safety of Citizens of Iowa" has put together another petition, this one asking for the prohibition of any motor vehicle from using any defined farm-to-market roads.

Of the two options, the better way to actually increase safety is to remove the motor cars. So that's the one I signed. They're looking to get 10,000 signatures, why not add yours?

Of course, what's most entertaining about both of these are the comments:

• There are sooo many bikers, and it’s only going to get worse—the legislature is going to HAVE to address this issue. A large percent of the bikers are brain-dead or they wouldn’t be caught on these dangerous Co. roads. Then they have the nerve to blame the motoring public because they think it’s so scary when the cars are going the speed limit. You bikers need to get a life and move over to the trails, that you whinned for and we spent boocoo $$$$$$ in order to please a small percent of the populase.- Anonymous
• I dont understand exactly what they are training for but i doubt that its for the tour de france. Bicycling is a hobby, farming is a job. Bikes need to get out the way and let these men and women work.- Ramona Sharp, Iowa
• I know I looked forward to turning 16 and being able to drive so I’d NEVER have to use a bike again!- Anonymous
• I know a man who went to jail because he hit a bicyclist on a country road with the mirror of his truck. Keep the bikes on the paths and off our roads and streets!!- Anonymous
• I would like to extend the petition to city streets without bike lanes.- Nicholas Stone, Iowa
• It is about time someone does somthing sbout these bicycles that ride on roads that they shouldn’t be on. Thank you.- Jon Betts, Iowa
• Stop wasting money on bike trails if they are going to allowed to ride on the roads.- Scott Politte, Iowa
• This is something that absolutely needs to happen. The liberal politicians have sided with the bicyclists and want to pass totally insane laws to protect them on roadways. Roadways are made for vehicles. Bike/walking paths are for cyclists. While we’re at it I think RAGBRAI should be eliminated as well.- Timothy Carmichael, Iowa
• I’m a greedy corporate corn man in Iowa trying to control the world. Bikes must be stamped out like the family farm has been.- Corporate Corn, Iowa

And:

• We pay big bucks for expressways – use them.- Anonymous
• In the last two weeks I have seen two goldfinches hit by cars on farm-to-market roads while riding my bicycle. This is our state bird. It’s a travesty.- Brenda Conry, Iowa
• Entitled Driver Syndrome needs to be stopped. Driving is a privilige, not a right. If you can’t do it safely, then the state shouldn’t allow you to do it at all.- Anonymous
• 4.000 pounds rolling at 55 mph. Collisions with that are not pretty and the safety of the farm to market roads will see a much higher improvement by banning cars instead of bicycles.- Anonymous
• Gas Sucks. Ride your bike.- Anonymous
• Speeding cars scare me, my wife, my children, my pets, and my cow.- Patrick Coughlin, Iowa
• Cars should be strictly controlled as deadly weapons. Which means a thorough background check is in order for motor vehicle drivers licenses, just like gun ownership.- Wendy Peabody, California
• Manpower: I am the engine.- Anonymous
• Please get these dangerous cars off the road before they hurt someone!- Anonymous
• Gosh darn motor carriages! They are the Devil’s work!- Jason Parkin, Iowa
• The dust affects my allergies and the drivers my pursuit of happiness.- Anonymous