Must be horrible living in a cyclist’s paradise

Opinion in the Gazette:
This is in response to Michael Klein’s error-ridden letter of July 20 complaining that cyclists don’t pay "road taxes" “Cyclists a menace in Poolesville;.”]
First, there is no such thing as "road tax." Local county roads such as Hughes are constructed and maintained with money from Montgomery County’s general fund, and the majority of money in the general fund comes from property and local income taxes. Second, there are no bike lanes on Hughes. Third, cyclists are not required to get out of the way of impatient motorists at the toot of a horn (and motorists who honk angrily at cyclists shouldn’t be surprised to get an angry response in return). Fourth, no matter where the cyclists live, they are entitled to use public roads. (Mr. Klein, even though you reside in Poolesville, you are allowed to drive in Washington, D.C.). Sixth, most every cyclist Klein is complaining about also owns a car and is a licensed driver who pays gasoline taxes, registration fees and the like. In Maryland, even a portion of sales tax is now going toward state road construction and maintenance, because gax taxes and other vehicle fees don’t cover all state road expenses. Seventh, though some cyclists may roll through stop signs (as I see motorists do every day), I have not heard of any incidents where drivers were endangered.
Finally, the cyclists on Hughes undoubtedly were on their way to or from businesses in Poolesville, where they spend money. I can understand that Klein is frustrated by the popularity of his particular road. It must be horrible living in a cyclist’s paradise. Maybe Klein should get out on a bike and see what all the fun is about.
Nancy Taylor, Bethesda

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https://www.gazette.net/article/20110810/OPINION/708109610/-1/must-be-horrible-living-in-a-cyclist-s-paradise&template=gazetteoldId.20110811031715962