How is there freedom if there are laws?

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##

"Without laws, there can be no freedom.

How, for example, could you be free to drive to work if there was no law against anyone bigger than you taking your car just because he felt like it?

Richard"

but then if there were no laws, why would i go to work?

Answer
You are free to choose not to go to work, if you don't mind eventually having to live on the street. That freedom of choice will immediately mean you are not entitled to other freedoms - freedoms which you cannot afford - is your choice - the freedom to choose a crappy standard of living at the bottom of the pile, but what if everyone decided to do that? Who would produce our food, clothing, cars, homes?

Let's take a few laws and see what freedoms they provide:

Law = Crime to steal
Freedom = I can leave my car safely in a car park - unlikely it will be stolen due to protection of this law

Law = Crime to kill
Freedom = My son can beat an opponent in sport in safety - unlikely fanatic father of defeated kid will kill my son due to this law

Law = Traffic infringement to speed
Freedom - I can drive on roads in safety - reduces likelihood of a vehicle blowing me off the highway and over a cliff face

Law = Truancy breach if children do not attend school
Freedom = Education provides the opportunity to be free to choose meaningful employment, to save up and enjoy the freedom of owning a home. Many would not go to school without this law, so society would be full of drop-outs = higher crime rate, higher taxes to support them, etc. which all compromise other freedoms

Law = Crime to rape/other sexual offences.
Freedom = My daughter has the freedom to go to the beach in safety - unlikely some sex-crazed, over-hormoned youth will attack her due to this law

Law = Building codes and Council by-laws
Freedom = Can walk into my home, shopping malls and offices without fear of the foundations collapsing and killing us all - builders less likely to build unsound and dodgey buildings, due to the protection of this law

Law = Smoking prohibited in certain public areas
Freedom = Can eat, drink, relax in places of entertainment etc. knowing it is no risk to my health - people unlikely to smoke where prohibited due to this law

Law = Must wear a seat belt/bike helmet
Freedom = Freedom to travel is not compromised - adds security, minimising likelihood of serious injury in case of accident

Law = Cannot import/manufacture/grow or sell illicit drugs
Freedom = Can enjoy the freedom to attend schools or place of work amongst responsible citizens engaged in industrious pursuits/working/learning/contributing gainfully to personal prosperity and prosperity of country = enables other freedoms of a stable society

The list goes on and on, but I am sure you get the picture by now.

Where can I rent a bicycle in NYC (preferably uptown or Bronx)?

Fly girl

I just need it for the weekend. I am looking for a place that has low rates and also helmet and knee pads.

Also any tips for an inexperienced cyclist? I haven't been on a bicycle in over 10 years. Thanks.

Answer
Is $25 a day okay? If so, look at Bicycle Habitat on Lafayette Street. Their site is at http://www.bicyclehabitat.com/

Tip: It will all come back to use as you start. Just take it gradually. Oh, by the way. When a dog sees you coming, he might make a beeline for your bike, then attempt to turn up beside you. The danger here is that his poor little paws will skid on the pavement and heâll plow into your wheels.

If he hits the front one, youâll crash. Try to sprint so that you move forward faster than he expects, and give him a margin for error by steering farther into the road â if traffic permits!

Be safe have funa and good luck. ;-)

Edit:
Watch out for Huffy. There is a recall on them.
http://newyorkforum.us/index.php?showtopic=94

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How much to buy a motorcycle?

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Marco S

OK so I finally have saved up enough money to buy my first bike, but after I buy it what else do I need to pay to make it street legal (sale tax, title fee, registration fee, etc). Lets say I paid 2K for the bike from a dealer, about how much more do I need to save up to actually be able to ride it on the streets. I live in florida if it makes things easier

Answer
Sales Tax -> whatever FL sales tax rate is
Registration -> based on FL dmv fees
Insurance -> if liability, maybe $200/year, depends (Geico has good rates)
Helmet ->$100
Jacket->$100
Gloves->$40
Gas money

Sometimes dealers add additional fees. You can find great deals on craigslist from private sellers. Best to bring someone who knows bikes who can spot problems. I think for $2K you can get a good one that doesn't need any work. Good luck and ride safe.

Is the Suzuki Hayabusa a good bike for me?

That's GOA

It's gonna be my first motorcycle, I think it should be good for me cuz I drive motorcycles really good in GTA and I love riding my bicycle really fast. The price is not an issue for me since I'm really rich. I love power and speed, and the Hayabusa looks like the best option for me.
I'm 17 year old, 5'3 male if that matters.

Answer
Busas are perfect first bikes because of the lack of power and ability to hit 186 mph which in my opinion is way too slow for most public roads. Be careful though because you WILL grow out of it quickly and feen for something bigger like a zx14 so keep that in mind when buying your busa.

The skills you aquired in long hours of playing gta will absolutley provide more benefits than ANY msf course out there. Msf is over rated if you ask me!

A few tips when you get your busa:
-Be sure NOT to wear a helmet because it just adds unecessary weight
-Gloves are a definite no no because they affect throttle control
-Since youre rich you wanna make sure you mod your bike like no other. Having a hayabusa is all about impractical modding. Neon lights, stretched swingarms and chrome rims are just the tip of the iceberg.

So have fun and shred those public streets like a boss. And remember, safety is for pussies.

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Is the Suzuki Hayabusa a good bike for me?

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That's GOA

It's gonna be my first motorcycle, I think it should be good for me cuz I drive motorcycles really good in GTA and I love riding my bicycle really fast. The price is not an issue for me since I'm really rich. I love power and speed, and the Hayabusa looks like the best option for me.
I'm 17 year old, 5'3 male if that matters.

Answer
Busas are perfect first bikes because of the lack of power and ability to hit 186 mph which in my opinion is way too slow for most public roads. Be careful though because you WILL grow out of it quickly and feen for something bigger like a zx14 so keep that in mind when buying your busa.

The skills you aquired in long hours of playing gta will absolutley provide more benefits than ANY msf course out there. Msf is over rated if you ask me!

A few tips when you get your busa:
-Be sure NOT to wear a helmet because it just adds unecessary weight
-Gloves are a definite no no because they affect throttle control
-Since youre rich you wanna make sure you mod your bike like no other. Having a hayabusa is all about impractical modding. Neon lights, stretched swingarms and chrome rims are just the tip of the iceberg.

So have fun and shred those public streets like a boss. And remember, safety is for pussies.

How is there freedom if there are laws?

##

"Without laws, there can be no freedom.

How, for example, could you be free to drive to work if there was no law against anyone bigger than you taking your car just because he felt like it?

Richard"

but then if there were no laws, why would i go to work?

Answer
You are free to choose not to go to work, if you don't mind eventually having to live on the street. That freedom of choice will immediately mean you are not entitled to other freedoms - freedoms which you cannot afford - is your choice - the freedom to choose a crappy standard of living at the bottom of the pile, but what if everyone decided to do that? Who would produce our food, clothing, cars, homes?

Let's take a few laws and see what freedoms they provide:

Law = Crime to steal
Freedom = I can leave my car safely in a car park - unlikely it will be stolen due to protection of this law

Law = Crime to kill
Freedom = My son can beat an opponent in sport in safety - unlikely fanatic father of defeated kid will kill my son due to this law

Law = Traffic infringement to speed
Freedom - I can drive on roads in safety - reduces likelihood of a vehicle blowing me off the highway and over a cliff face

Law = Truancy breach if children do not attend school
Freedom = Education provides the opportunity to be free to choose meaningful employment, to save up and enjoy the freedom of owning a home. Many would not go to school without this law, so society would be full of drop-outs = higher crime rate, higher taxes to support them, etc. which all compromise other freedoms

Law = Crime to rape/other sexual offences.
Freedom = My daughter has the freedom to go to the beach in safety - unlikely some sex-crazed, over-hormoned youth will attack her due to this law

Law = Building codes and Council by-laws
Freedom = Can walk into my home, shopping malls and offices without fear of the foundations collapsing and killing us all - builders less likely to build unsound and dodgey buildings, due to the protection of this law

Law = Smoking prohibited in certain public areas
Freedom = Can eat, drink, relax in places of entertainment etc. knowing it is no risk to my health - people unlikely to smoke where prohibited due to this law

Law = Must wear a seat belt/bike helmet
Freedom = Freedom to travel is not compromised - adds security, minimising likelihood of serious injury in case of accident

Law = Cannot import/manufacture/grow or sell illicit drugs
Freedom = Can enjoy the freedom to attend schools or place of work amongst responsible citizens engaged in industrious pursuits/working/learning/contributing gainfully to personal prosperity and prosperity of country = enables other freedoms of a stable society

The list goes on and on, but I am sure you get the picture by now.

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What kind of street bike is best for a 20 year old woman who is just starting out?

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mustangluv

I am leaning toward a honda but......
Alos any bikes that come in pink???

Answer
Congrats! Welcome to the world of enjoyment in Street Motorcycling .. and I've had my own motorcycle license (and am an owner of Motorcycles) for more than 3 decades now (won't say how much more .. that would definitely be a big CLUE to my true age!).

I have a Honda myself ... and it is around the half-litre size (about 500cc).

Now .. let me tell you what you need to consider when you choose your street bike:

DO NOT go for the power or flashy or anything like that -- it is far better to go for something that you know you can confidently handle by YOURSELF ...

and this means that you need to understand how you will sit in the saddle (are you comfortable?) where your legs fall when at a standing stop (can you balance successfully?), and ... if this unfortunate situation happens ... can you LIFT the motorcycle BACK UP to a standing position (in case someone hits it in the parking lot, or you forget and don't fully extend your kick stand -- hey, it happens to the best of us!).

I also look at the position of the exhaust, the position of the handlebars, and what position you will be seated in (all comfort issues .. if you are NOT comfortable now sitting in the saddle ... how in the world will you be comfortable when you have to drive it for some distance!)

I would familiarize myself with its controls too -- especially with the lighting at night -- can you read your speedometer, your fuel gauge, your temp gauge, other gauges?

Then .. ask yourself if you are going to just ride back and forth to work, school, whatever ... or are you going to want to do touring as well (and for that -- I would definitely recommend a Fairing -- it gets real uncomfortable after an hour or two at highway speeds ... the Fairing definitely helps). Same with saddlebags ...

How large is the fuel tank, and reserve fuel tank? How many mpg will you get (ask the salesperson in the Motorcycle store).


Like a car, the Motorcycle can be painted aftermarket any color you want .... as long as you pay for it yourself. That is one way that Motorcycles 'personalize' their rides ...


Now ... as far as PERSONAL Safety protections - I recommend Boots (sturdy pair -- reinforced steel around the ankle/toes), a Leather Jacket (zip up -- zip pockets (including zip identity pocket and a small pocket for spare change when going through toll booths (if you have to), leather driving gloves, a Full-Face Helmet (with both a Clear and tinted Visor (I mostly use the clear -- but do change if I am only going on a day trip). Finally, a Good, Sturdy pair of long pants (heavy Jeans at least -- I do wear riding leathers myself) is the way to complete this outfit.

Believe me -- this helps -- I've been hit by things kicked up by car tires, the fairing got damaged by a rock kicked up by a Truck passing me (at an accessive rate of speed), and the Fairing deflected some of the wind problems with that situation too.

BE VERY AWARE of the Wind Testing on the Motorcycle as well .. because when any Vehicle passes you, you WILL Feel it -- and it will require you to pay attention to WHERE you are in the road.

Make sure that you have everything that is pretty standard (because when driving ... you don't need to get stuck in podunk town with NO WAY of getting replacement parts).

This is what I would consider for your first motorcycle.

Is riding a bicycle a good way to lose weight?

Diego Dura

I'm 19. 5"10. And 240lbs. I wanna get in shape before summer. If I ride my bike everyday will that do the trick?

Answer
Simple answer - depends on hard you work at it & how dedicated you are.

Expanded answer...it's more than just riding. It's changing the way you eat. Without a healthy diet, all the cycling in the world will do little to nothing. There's also the way you ride - your own good or bad techniques.

First of all - make sure your saddle (seat) is raised to the proper height for optimal leg extension & power. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/saddles.html#height

Next - warm up! Don't try to sprint out of the box. Pedal at an easy rate for the first 10 minutes or so. Then shoot for an hour pedaling at a rate or "cadence" around 70-90 rpm - minimum. Higher cadence may be needed, but in lower (easier) gears climbing hills. Learn the difference between "spinning" and "pushing". End with another 5 to 10 minute period at slower speeds to cool down.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/gears.html

Learn how to safely ride on the streets. Stay OFF sidewalks. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Streets are for "vehicles". Bicycles are legal street vehicles everywhere.
http://www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa/index.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rU4nKKq02BU
Get a good helmet mirror.
http://safezonemirror.com/

A good cardiovascular work-out will last an hour (or more) 4 to 5 days per week. If an old man like me can do it - you can too.

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can you legally drive a gas assisted bike on sidewalks in the state of fl?

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ray man

i want to know that as soon as you add a gas engine in your bike does that mean do you have to use roadways or can you continue to use the sidewalks???also do you mind refrecing your information with something reliable
and can you please be helpful and not answer my question with another question...kinda defeats the purpose of me even posting up this question

Answer
Is actually against most city, county and a few state laws to operate a human powered bicycle on a Public Walking Path or Sidewalk.
Bicycles, as defined by Florida law can be used on sidewalks, they must obey Pedestrian Rules,the powered part is what is at question here.
Sidewalk riding
(Section 316.2065(10) and (11), F.S.)


(63) BICYCLE PATH.--Any road, path, or way that is open to bicycle travel, which road, path, or way is physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or by a barrier and is located either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way.

(77) MOPED.--Any vehicle with pedals to permit propulsion by human power, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels; with a motor rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground; and with a power-drive system that functions directly or automatically without clutching or shifting gears by the operator after the drive system is engaged. If an internal combustion engine is used, the displacement may not exceed 50 cubic centimeters.

[Per Florida DMV Procedure RS-61, Mopeds as defined in 320.01(28) above are NOT titled, per § 319.20 however, they are registered pursuant to § 320.0803(1). A bill of sale, vehicle registration certificate, Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin or an affidavit from the applicant certifying that he or she is the legal and rightful owner of the vehicle is required.]
Florida never really has addressed that issue, so I fall back to DMV for guidance.
If is under x Horsepower and many other things, yes, you may.
While a bike does not have to be Registered, the Moped laws may still apply because of the HP Rule.
That is the contentious area.
All of the Florida laws are in the sources. Most of them are very easy to understand, any point you have a question on should be asked or directed to DMV. or your local constabulary.
As I see it, I can ride an electric thing on a sidewalk, those mobility chars, some electric scooters, those skateboard things with handles, yeah, those things may be allowed.
I do know that a Medical Supply place sells Street Approved Transport, those can be electric or gas powered and are all over 2bhp.
Those have to be registered and some tagged, often no DL required.
Please read those laws carefully and always wear a helmet when operating a bicycle or moped or motorcycle.
Had a buddy that was a Florida State Trooper.

Should I get a motorcycle license if I don't have a motorcycle?

Andrea

My boyfriend has recently purchased a motorcycle - he's been riding for years & now has been able to purchase his own bike. I'm not overly wild about the idea of riding a motorcycle, but he is crazy about them & loves to ride & very much wants me to join him on his new bike. I think it's important to show interests in each others hobbies so I'm attempting to set my fears aside. But my number one concern is safety (obviously) I have purchased a DOT regulated/ snell certified full helmet, an armored jacket with plates on the back, arms & shoulders, riding gloves, armored pants & boots. I know, it may be overkill, but I'm the type of gal who'd rather play it extra safe rather than be sorry.

Anyways - with that being the background to my main question - would it be wise to take the motorcycle drivers Ed class at my local community college for $250 & see about getting my license? At this point in time I have no intention of buying my own bike, but things run across my head like what if I'm put in a situation where I would need to drive? Prime example would be if he had too much to drink somewhere, I don't want to be stranded because I don't know how to ride - but also just being able to drive it from point A to point B in a pinch - things like that

I obviously have a tendency to over think/ over plan things - I'm the kind of person who wants to be prepared for any situation that may arise. Is it silly to spend the money on a license if I currently have no intention of owning my own motorcycle?
Thanks for all the info thus far - I have contemplated in a year a may buy my own "beginner" bike - like 250 CC - I'm only 130 lbs at 5'9" so I don't exactly have a lot of weight behind me.

Answer
First off... glad to see you've bought the proper gear for safety... passenger or rider should always be thinking safety first... good job! Also, you say you have a little fear... that is a GOOD thing to have... being fearless on a bike usually means you're going to do stupid things (as a driver)... as a passenger, having a bit of fear means you don't 100% trust the driver (or understand how to be a passenger)... which means the class would be a good thing for you... and you should really talk about riding with your BF... how to sit, how to hold on, how to move, what to do in emergencies, etc...

A license makes you legal to drive, not proficient... take the course, learn about the basics, learn to be a better passenger, but if you don't actually take the time to get practice on the "front seat", then the license/endorsement is pretty much useless. I've held my endorsement since 1983, and there were a few years in the 90's where I could not ride... took me a weekend in the parking lots to "re-train" my body before I felt confident to get back out on the streets... Just because you have a license does not mean you can jump on and ride anything, anywhere, anytime... especially "in a pinch", and especially with a passenger!

My suggestion for you is to take the course anyway... but think real hard about getting your own bike and riding your own bike WITH him... two bikes on the road are safer, and you'll both be more maneuverable without the added weight of a passenger!

Oh, and if he has not taken the course... encourage him to take it too.. it will make him a safer motorcyclist and may (depending on the state) reduce his (and your) insurance rates, too!

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