They need to get their butts off the highway. Coming up behind one of them is like suddenly coming up behind a car doing 15 MPH. You can't pass them if there is oncoming traffic so the only thing you can do is slam on your brakes and hope the guy behind you is paying attention.

Bikes should only be allowed on bike paths.

They need to get their butts off the highway. I agree, every bicyclist that rides on a public road or highway, think they own the road. You can’t go around them in heavy traffic, and they will not pull off to the side of the road for a car to go around them.

There should be plenty of other areas to bike in the area. I haven't lived there in over 6 years now but know of plenty of safer places than that. Highways were built for cars and not bicycles. I am not against anyone biking but they need to make sure they are in a safer place for the sake of themselves and others.

You are all dead wrong. True if a car hits a bike the cyclist comes out on the short end of the stick. However, cyclist have the same rights to the road as automobiles. They DO NOT have to pull off the road to let you pass. I don't know what happened to cause this accident so I will not try to blame anyone. However, I have seen plenty of people driving cars and trucks who fly by cyclists (and runners too) without making the slightest attempt to slow down or move over. You don't own the road! Slow down and move over and learn the rules of the roads. Don't try to make up your own to fit your own ignorant ideas of what is right.

Section 32-5A-263

Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.

(a) Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

(b) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

(c) Wherever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway.

(Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §12-105.)

However, this too applies to bikes:

Section 32-5A-260

Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.

Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this chapter, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.

(Acts 1980, No. 80-434, p. 604, §12-102.)

So as to whether or not the bicyclists or the motorist were wrong has to do with the circumstances of the incident. Bikes are granted the same rights as a vehicle; but, they must also use caution and common sense.

I know that it's the law, Jay, and regardless of Gail's accusation of everyone that is opposed to the law is ignorant, it's not safe, it's dangerous, not only for the rider, but for the drivers....as witnessed in the above article. Hell, if they feel real frisky, let them get on !-65 during rush hour and do battle with an 18 wheeler. I'd bet that their lil' pointed hats wouldn't be much help.

Ted I also agree that it is unsafe. I was coming at it from the reality of what the outcome might be because they are not going to look at it that way. They will come at is as "who was in violation of the law (if any)?" And, in response to your I-65 comment: It is illegal to operate a non motorized vehicle on an interstate. There are signs for that. I really wasn't trying to take sides I simply stated what the law was and what they would probably look at in the investigation.

It's funny to read these comments and think about the article I read a few days ago about Alabama being 4th in the Nation for obesity.

I understand your point Jay and am aware of the provisions Title 32. I also know that it is illegal for a non-motorized vehicle to be on the interstate......but really....whats the difference. At least the interstate has a wide shoulder they could ride on and not be a hindrance to traffic.

While they may have as many rights as drivers, they still need to take care of their personal safety. Example. When I'm standing on the corner and the light says "Walk"...I have the right of way. BUT, I still look to see if I REALLY have the right-of-way before proceeding.

And that's why I said in my first post they have to use caution and common sense. You might as well say that going 70 on the interstate is not safe and rant about that too. But until the law is changed it is perfectly alright in the legal world to coast at 70 to your hearts content (unless otherwise posted of course). I think at this point you are just arguing to argue Ted. Unhappy with a law? Quit posting on DD comment page and write your state senator...

I happened upon this accident as the driver was exiting the Ford Explorer, it was very foggy this morning. Anyone who bike rides on Old 24 in the fog at daybreak is nuts.

Spring ave. in Decatur is pretty narrow and has a lot of traffic all hours, When I work night shift and leave work in the mornings there are two bike riders going south down Spring around 7:00am every morning and it causes some of the scariest near misses I have ever seen, in a perfect world everyone would slow down and smile and wave as they passed them, but this not an episode of leave it to beaver, these morons need to find a better route !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 more years of Obama and we all will be riding bikes.

So, some of you are going to blame the bicyclists without knowing what really happened? Sounds about par for the course when it comes to the comments many people make about the stories in the Decatur Daily.

What if these two guys do not have cars and bicycles are the only way to work? I guess that is their fault for working instead of staying home on welfare?

It's hard to text and watch for bicycles. Maybe we should outlaw bicycles.

While you all sit and want to bicker on the computer, these guys were out trying to stay healthy instead of wasting their time arguing over something that doesn't really matter. More of us should take to riding bikes, after all Alabama is tops when it comes to obesity and its obvious why when I sit here and read people commenting on a story instead of being outside and doing something more active.

Reader...isn't that what you're doing?...pot meet kettle.

I commented earlier. If I were riding a bike, I would stick to bike trails. No matter what the law states it is very dangerous for bikes to be on public roads. They are at times hard to see, going much slower, and are much smaller than vehicles. Of course they have the right to cycle wherever is legal but common sense says it is just not as safe as sticking to bike trails. Just my opinion.

Exactly, Michelle.

K