In the United States, the fines on traffic violations are very high, which makes most drivers obey traffic laws. Since, counties and towns get a percentage of

In the United States, the fines on traffic violations are very high, which makes most drivers obey traffic laws. Since, counties and towns get a percentage of the fines--most drivers(who care about money) really do try to obey traffic laws. Plus, Americans are very prone to litigation. That said, we do have bicycle accidents. I think a lot of our problem is narrow streets, and DMV expects bicycles to Always obey the same laws motorists are required to, at all times? For instance, my brother got a $200 ticket for riding on a sidewalk at 1:30 p.m. The street was narrow, it was a Friday, and no one was walking on the sidewalk. He thought, 'Why take the risk--I'll just ride on the sidewalk until the street widens up, and then get back on the poorly maintained road?" Well that cost him $200. Bicycles aren't cars. They don't have the same mass in an accident. They should be given some discretion in what they feel is safe for themselfs, and the general public? That's the problem with traffic laws that don't allow any leeway. (Yes--I know there's some crazy bicyclists, but most of us just want to get to our destination safely, and without a huge Ticket. (I have noticed some motorists who seems jealous of bicyclists? It almost seems like they want to clip us? I'm a big fan a of those small rear view mirrors made for bicyclists. Once you get used to using them; they really are helpful.