When it comes to politics and marketing, perception is reality. Unfortunately in Palm Beach County , the image of bicyclists is not exactly shining these days.

Bicycles are not all that dangerous to other roadway users, so why all the anger? It is an indisputable fact that cars hit about 700 pedestrians and 600 bicyclists a year in Palm Beach County . But it is also true that disrespectful cyclists, especially those who ride with little or no respect for traffic signals and have complete disregard for other roadway users, have engendered tremendous ill will among the motoring public. To put it bluntly, many drivers are pissed as hell that cyclists flaunt their ability to do what they want, when they want, regardless of what the law says.

This public anger is especially powerful along the barrier island and A1A, where cycling activity is heavy. Lawless behavior by cyclists has hit a nerve, and elected officials, community boards, and citizens' groups representing these areas have waged political warfare against building bike lanes on this popular cycling route. This polarized battle has undermined efforts to improve conditions for cyclists and has spurred anti-cycling sentiment in cities and towns, and has hardened community opposition to bicycle lanes. The Town of Palm Beach went so far as to adopt a resolution limiting the widening of State Road A1A to three feet - specifically to prevent the addition of a bike lane.

Fortunately, reality doesn't jibe with the notion of bikes as Public Enemy Number One. Every day in Palm Beach County , two pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles. In contrast, in the past year there have been three reported bicycle vs. pedestrian accidents. Quite a big difference in the level of danger to others, but again, it all comes down to perception.

Just because bicycles are less dangerous to others does not excuse illegal, dangerous, or even discourteous cycling. W hen some cyclists act like jerks, all cyclists get treated like jerks. Not surprisingly, this makes generating community support for tougher traffic enforcement on drivers who endanger cyclists, new bike lanes, bike racks, and greenways much tougher.

We need to clean up our act. If we want respect, we have to give it. No ifs, ands, or buts. We get hassled by cops, yelled at by drivers, and run off the road by trucks, but we've still got to stand taller than everyone else and prove that we belong on the roads and are entitled to the same rights as every other vehicle. If we don't we'll never get what we deserve.

To be more specific, I'm really fed up with the conduct on some of the group rides, particularly the Tuesday/Thursday Boca ride. Those guys are totally out of control and are doing serious damage to the image of cyclists and cycling in general. I don't usually point the finger, because at times I've been less than lawful in my 16 years as a cyclist. But for the Boca ride, red lights, pedestrians, oncoming cars, and personal safety mean absolutely nothing to the vast majority of riders in that group. The ride is treated as if it were World Championships, with a do or die attitude. Give me a break! It's a group ride that happens twice a week, every week! If the men and women on that ride want to test themselves and really go for it, let them enter a real race. In fact, I rarely see most of the riders who do the Boca ride at USCF races. I do, however, see them blowing through lights without even slowing down and pissing the entire world off twice a week. And like it or not, it is due to the conduct of many of those on the Boca ride that the Frank Stark ride is in jeopardy of being banned from using the roads of Palm Beach.

I have two fears. The first and most troubling is that one of these days someone will die as a result of the entire Boca group blazing through a red light at 30 mph. This would be devastating and ruin the lives of many people - family, friends, and loved ones. The horror of seeing friends and fellow cyclists crushed to death under two tons of steel is something that would never go away. We would all feel the pain of that moment for the rest of our lives.

My other fear is that as a result of the completely idiotic behavior of some riders, the towns up and down A1A will pass laws preventing large groups of cyclists from using the road, such as requiring permits, etc., which would ruin everyone's fun. We are already seeing increased harassment from law enforcement as a result of the lawlessness of the Boca ride, and it's only going to get worse.

I'm not saying that all cyclists break the law. What I am saying is that we all suffer because of those that do. If you're riding with someone who runs a light, doesn't share the road, or is needlessly disrespectful of other road users, let them know their behavior is hurting us all. Peer pressure is an effective tool in changing behavior patterns, so don't be afraid to speak up. Sure, you'll occasionally be told where to stick your comments, but at least you'll have planted a seed.

To address this issue on the group ride that I often do, a few of us got together before a recent ride and pulled the entire group over into a parking lot. A five minute speech on the importance of safer riding and courtesy was all it took to get the ride back under control. Since that time I regularly see and hear others policing the bunch, making sure everyone knows we all rely on each other for safety. We still go fast, sprint, and have plenty of fun, but we know the limits and when it's time to cool it.

Give respect to get respect. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Bad cycling makes cyclists targets of public anger and police harassment. Respectful riding will help cyclist win back respect, and it's and investment in better bicycling in Palm Beach County .