SIGH - WTF Tampa...Really?

Another cyclist was killed today, this morning..right by my work area (Spruce Street)

This makes the fifth fatality in the Tampa Bay Area for cyclists in a month's time.

This is so..embarrassing..and also motivation that I need to get the HELL out of this area as soon as possible.

But ..>Tampa isn't going to do anything about it.  NO no, there's 'nothing they can do' I'm sure /end sarcasm.

I drive and I cycle.  I am aware of the rules of the road for BOTH aspects of transportation and know when and how to change them accordingly.  I know that is is not my RIGHT to drive, it is a privilege that is given to me by the state I live in based on me following the rules of the road and taking a competency test to show I do know and can obey these rules.  Everyone around us thinks that they are ENTITLED to drive and that is not the case AT ALL.  It can be taken away from you ...(well, it seems not in Florida since that jackass Congressman who has 5 DUI's got the ok from our State to re-apply for your license AFTER YOU'VE HAD 5 DUI"s) but it is not in the Constitution or anything else that you HAVE to drive - and it is your RIGHT to drive.  NO, it is a  privilege and it is your RESPONSIBITLY to drive safely and responsibly.  PERIOD.

That goes for cycling too.  There are rules of the road for cyclists as well (I even have them tagged in here on one of my entries per state should you want to read them).  And cyclists need to follow those as well.  Don't be dicks, don't be rude, just ride and enjoy it.  I know there are a TON of people who don't follow the rules, I have rode with them on occasion and it has made me feel uneasy and thus, I stopped riding with them.  You need LIGHTS if you are out at night - you need to go WITH traffic (and not against) and if you do use the sidewalk, you need to understand that NOBODY sees you on the road OR SIDEWALK and do not assume that ANYONE sees you EVER...be on alert, be on lookout and be SAFE.  Please.

I know that this just gives me more incentive to move out of this State and get to a better place.  One that recognizes and acknowledges that bikes are around and bikes are here to stay and ...they are good for the environment, society and everyone as a whole and they CAN be in a community with cars just as easily.  I hope one day very soon to get there.  For now, I'm starting to wonder if the Tampa Bay Area is ..well for lack of a better terms..just FUCKED in this aspect.