news.volyx.in

Things people blamed on bicycles (twitter.com)

780 points by the-archivist · 1478 days ago · 817 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses a list of things people blamed on bicycles, including appendicitis, a decline in grain consumption, and immorality. These claims were often made in the past and seem ridiculous today. The list highlights how people have historically been skeptical and even hostile towards bicycles. The article does not provide a clear explanation for why people blamed these things on bicycles, but it suggests that it may be due to a lack of understanding or fear of the new technology.

Main themes

  • cycling safety
  • traffic violations
  • urban planning
  • pedestrian safety
  • cycling culture
  • statistics and data
  • electric scooters and wheeled devices

What commenters say

  • Some people believe that the behavior of cyclists, such as running red lights, can influence the behavior of car drivers and lead to more traffic violations.
  • Others argue that the increase in traffic violations is not related to cycling, but rather to other factors such as a relaxation of police enforcement or an increase in the number of cars on the road.
  • There is a debate about the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, with some arguing that cyclists pose a threat to pedestrians, while others claim that the risk is exaggerated and that cars are a much greater danger.
  • Some commenters think that the design of cities and roads can contribute to conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians, and that separate bike lanes and proper urban planning are necessary to ensure safety.
  • Others believe that cyclists and pedestrians can coexist safely if everyone follows the rules and is mindful of each other's space.
  • The behavior of cyclists is often seen as a reflection of the culture and values of a society, with some arguing that a more cycling-friendly culture would lead to safer and more respectful behavior on the roads.
  • The statistics on accidents and injuries involving cyclists and pedestrians are often misleading or incomplete, and more data is needed to understand the true risks and benefits of cycling.
  • The use of electric scooters and other wheeled devices on pedestrian paths is a growing concern, with some arguing that they pose a significant threat to pedestrian safety.