I think anyone who has ever ridden a bike at more than 10mph for any significant mileage will agree that riding on the road is far safer than sidewalks. Every driveway is a new opportunity to get run over. Drivers aren't looking for something traveling 10-15-20mph+ down the sidewalk, nor are they prepared to accurately anticipate your speed and deal with crossing paths in a safe manner. Riding a bike through a crosswalk is also legally ambiguous, and in my experience a huge risk of getting run over by a cars turning right on red.
I think the issue with regards to this legislation is that current laws aren't particularly clear with regard to passing bicycles. Some states have a minimum breadth a passing vehicle is required to allow a bicycle, but I don't think there's really any guidelines in Iowa. I think this legislation is a good idea, because if a car can't yield the whole lane while passing it's probably not safe for them to pass at all.
I agree some cyclists don't help the cause... but try not to take it out on those of us who do follow the rules and kill someone.
Just think about all of the seconds that drivers will lose in getting to their destination though. I mean, if you're going from your crappy cookie cutter in Johnston to Jordan Creek mall in your Toyota Siena it could be the difference between nabbing that hot new Gnaw by Vera Wang flat you've had your eye on at Payless or looking super janky at the next 31 bag party at your newly divorced friends new condo.
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