Please Watch for Bicycles

I am writing again today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

 

With the economy going south and gas prices going up, more and more people are turning to their bicycles as a legitimate mode of transportation. This is a “win win” situation as bicyclists save gas and maintenance money on their cars, as well as getting much needed exercise. Many motorists respect the rights of bicyclists on the road and treat them as regular vehicles who they share the road with. However there are a few motorists who like to make life difficult for bicyclists. With more and more bicycles on the road I believe it is important for both motorists and bicyclists to be aware of the law regarding bicycles and sharing the road. While a bicycle does belong on the road I do highly recommend riding on the sidewalk when you can (watch for pedestrians!) or side streets to avoid busy roads and busy traffic. Below I have pasted a page from the website http://floridadrivers.com/traffic_court/bicycle_regulations.php/ to help familiarize everyone with bicycle laws and safety. I might also add if you are on your bicycle wear your helmet and don’t forget your sunscreen! Also you can click here for more safety tips on your bike or if you are walking.

 

This section provides a summary of Florida’s bicycle regulations. Click here for the exact wording of the State Uniform Traffic Control Law.

Regulations for Bicyclists and
Motorists to Share the RoadWith few exceptions, there is only one road and it is up to bicyclists and motorists to treat each other with care and respect. Strict adherence to the law is the foundation for this respect.

 

Legal Status of Bicycles
In Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle. Bicyclists have the same rights to the roadway, and must obey the same traffic laws as the operators of other vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night and yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway.

Traffic Regulations Highlights – BicyclistsBicycle Regulations
(Section 316.2065, F.S.)

 

   Bicyclists must obey all traffic controls and signals.

   Bicyclists must use a fixed, regular seat for riding.

   A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.

   An adult bicyclist may carry a child in a backpack or sling, child seat or trailer designed to carry children.

   A bicyclist may not allow a passenger to remain in a child seat or carrier when not in immediate control of the bicycle.

   Bicyclists and passengers under age 16 must wear a helmet approved by ANSI, Snell, CPSC or any other standard recognized by Florida. (Two Florida counties opted out of this law.)

   At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars while riding.

   Parents or guardians must not knowingly allow a child or minor ward to violate any provision of this section.

   Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes which allow the rider to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.

Sidewalk Riding
(Section 316.2065, F.S.)

   When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian.

   A bicyclist riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing.

Lighting
(Section 316.2065, F.S.)

   A bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from 500 feet to the front and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear.

Additional lighting is permitted and recommended.

Roadway Position
(Section 316.2065, F.S.)

   A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of roadway. A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the road in one of the following situations: when passing, making a left turn, to avoid hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share it safely.

   A bicyclist operating on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes may ride as close to the left hand edge of the roadway as practicable.

   Riding in single file is required except on bike paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, or when two people riding side-by-side within one lane will not impede traffic flow.

Left Turns
(Subsections 316.151(1)(b)(c), F.S.)

   A bicyclist intending to make a vehicle left turn is entitled to full use of the lane from which the turn is made. After scanning, signaling and moving to the center of that lane, the bicyclist must obey any applicable signs or signals then proceed when it is safe to do so.

   In addition to the normal vehicular left turn, a bicyclist may proceed through the right-most portion of the intersection and turn as close to the curb or edge as possible at the far side. After complying with any official traffic control device, the bicyclist may proceed in the new direction of travel.

   Another option available to the bicyclist is to dismount and walk through the intersection in the crosswalk like a pedestrian.

Signaling Turns
(Sub-sections 316.155(2) and 316.157(2), F.S.)

   A signal of intention to turn must be given during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. If a bicyclist needs both hands for control, the signal need not be given continuously.

   A bicyclist may signal intent to turn right either by extending the left hand and arm upward or by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

Freeways and Interstates
(316.091, (2) and (4), F.S.)

   Bicyclists are not allowed to ride on the shoulder or roadway of limited access roadways (freeways) or interstate highways.

Headsets
(Section 316.304, F.S.)

   A bicyclist must not wear a headset, headphone or any listening device other than a hearing aid while riding. (Wearing a headset blocks out important audio cues needed to detect the presence of other traffic.)

Civil Penalties
(Sub-section 316.065 and 318.18, F.S.)

   Civil penalties may be issued for violations of bicycle laws as well as for moving and non-moving violations if applicable.

Local Ordinances

   The local governments of counties, cities, towns and other municipalities can adopt ordinances regulating bicycle riding. Some towns may also have registration and licensing ordinances. Sidewalk riding may be prohibited entirely or only in certain areas such as business districts. Local law enforcement agencies can provide copies of local ordinances.

A note about bike lanes – Bicycle lanes are lanes on the roadway set aside for preferential use by bicyclists. Just as with most roadway lanes, they are almost always designed for through bicyclists. Bicyclists who are turning right must use the right turn lane if one is available, and may use available left turn lanes. At intersections with turn lanes, turning movements should not be made from the through bike lanes.

And about shared use paths – Shared use paths, sometimes called trails or bike paths, are used by pedestrians, skaters and bicyclists. Although bicyclists frequently use them as an alternative to riding on the roadway, bicyclists may still use the roadway adjacent to the path.

There are numerous reasons a cyclist may not wish to ride on the path. Roadways typically have fewer stop signs. Higher speed cyclists may wish to avoid conflicts with pedestrians, skaters, and slower cyclists. Frequently, a cyclist’s destination may be on the side of the roadway opposite the pathway and accessible only from the roadway. Most proficient cyclists prefer to ride in the same direction as traffic on the roadway; this makes them more visible to motorists, particularly at intersections.

Traffic Law Highlights -  MotoristsMotorist responsibility to exercise care
(Sections 316.130 and 316.1925, F.S.)

 

   Not withstanding other provisions of this chapter, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle and give warning when necessary and exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person.

   Any person operating a vehicle upon the streets or highways within the state shall drive the same in a careful and prudent manner, having regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and all other attendant circumstances, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.

Overtaking and passing a vehicle
(Section 316.083)

   The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

When overtaking on the right is permitted
(Section 316.084)

   Upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement, not occupied by parked vehicles, of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving traffic in each direction.

A note about passing on the right – This information was included in this summary as a reminder a cyclist may pass a queue of stopped motorists on the right. Many cyclists feel if one can make it through on the next green signal, passing on the right should be discouraged. However, being allowed to “queue jump” during a traffic jam is a benefit of riding a bicycle.

Following too closely
(Section 316.0895)

   The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the highway.

Driving speeds
(Sections 316.183 and 316.185, F.S.)

   No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event, speed shall be controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, or vehicle on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.

   The driver of every vehicle shall drive at an appropriately reduced speed when approaching and going around a curve; approaching a hill crest; traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; or when any special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions. 

Please also visit my personal website with lots of Bible studies and devotionals.

My Mother’s Day Tribute

My mother Sara, visiting with Santa last Christmas.

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the [wife] of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.      When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  John 19:25-26

 “As the eyes of Jesus wandered over the multitude about Him, one figure arrested His attention. At the foot of the cross stood His mother, supported by the disciple John. She could not endure to remain away from her Son; and John, knowing that the end was near, had brought her again to the cross. In His dying hour, Christ remembered His mother. Looking into her grief-stricken face and then upon John, He said to her, “Woman, behold thy son!” then to John, “Behold thy mother!” John understood Christ’s words, and accepted the trust. He at once took Mary to his home, and from that hour cared for her tenderly. O pitiful, loving Saviour; amid all His physical pain and mental anguish, He had a thoughtful care for His mother! He had no money with which to provide for her comfort; but He was enshrined in the heart of John, and He gave His mother to him as a precious legacy. Thus He provided for her that which she most needed,–the tender sympathy of one who loved her because she loved Jesus. And in receiving her as a sacred trust, John was receiving a great blessing. She was a constant reminder of his beloved Master. 

 The perfect example of Christ’s filial love shines forth with undimmed luster from the mist of ages. For nearly thirty years Jesus by His daily toil had helped bear the burdens of the home. And now, even in His last agony, He remembers to provide for His sorrowing, widowed mother. The same spirit will be seen in every disciple of our Lord. Those who follow Christ will feel that it is a part of their religion to respect and provide for their parents. From the heart where His love is cherished, father and mother will never fail of receiving thoughtful care and tender sympathy.  {Desire of Ages, p. 752.3}   

Jesus’ mother was not perfect. She made many mistakes. At a wedding feast she was filled with pride and wanted Jesus to show off in front of everyone. Later she was actually embarrassed by His claims and joined his brothers and sisters in trying to call Him back home where they thought He belonged (John 2, Matthew 12:47-50, See also the Desire of Ages chapter entitled “Who are My Brethren”).  Even though she may not have been perfect one thing is certain, Mary loved her Son. I can more than just imagine that as Jesus hung on the cross, Mary would have done anything she could to trade places with her Son. No doubt Mary would have died for Jesus. This is what made His mother so precious to Him. In Ephesians 5, Paul tells husbands to love their wives as Jesus loved His church. This means a husband should be willing to die for his family. Later in the same chapter Paul tells wives to reverence their husbands. That word “reverence” is very powerful! Think about it, nowhere does the Bible tell us to reverence a priest or pastor but yet we are to reverence those who love us so much they would die for us. I believe that is because there is no one more Godly than a person who has in their hearts the self sacrificing love that God Himself has placed there.

 I remember visiting my grandmother with my mother one time when I was around ten. I forget what it was but my mother was not letting me do something and I got upset and said some mean things to my mother. My grandmother told me never to talk to my mother that way because she would die for me and you don’t talk to someone that way when they love you enough to die for you. I have never forgotten that. If my grandmother had told me to be respectful, because my mother was “the boss of me,” or because she is older or whatever, I would have resented it. Instead my grandmother pointed out that my mother earned my respect because of her love for me. That I will never forget.  

We reverence God, not because He is bigger and stronger than us, but because He gave His life for us. God would have us to reverence that love wherever we see it manifested, especially in our parents.

 Satan has filled our world and minds with all kinds of lies about God. Every false doctrine is an attack on the love and character of God. False doctrines like sinners being in eternal torment in hell, and being saved by works instead of grace and many others make it hard for us to really comprehend the love of God. God has given us the Bible to find the truth about God’s love. More than that, He has given me a wonderful Mother who has always truly loved me. I am wise to Satan’s lie that God does not really love us, because I have seen God’s love in my mother. Thanks to the love of my mother and father, I know God is love. I reverence that love.  

Happy Mother’s Day Mom! I love you!

 

Love,

 

William

 PS Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mothers out there!

Please also visit my site filled with Bible Studies and devotionals at http://www.InLightOfTheCross.com

Wine: Shall we Drink?

As always I am writing today from the beautiful Tampa Bay area.

From time to time while I am giving Bible studies on temperance and health I hear people say that wine has great health benefits. Problem is do the benefits make up for the risks? Also if the Bible forbids something does it really matter? Why do we always get the idea we’re smarter than God?  Fact is though; regular grape juice helps the heart just as much as wine but without the alcohol.

Below are some links on the benefits of regular grape juice and also a Bible presentation on alcohol.

http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/alternative/03/31/wine.heart.wmd/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/AN00576

http://www.delhiwineclub.com/wine_health/Grape_Juice.asp

Alcohol

What do the Scriptures say about alcohol, wine and liquor? It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 20:1, RSV. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”

Why is drinking dangerous? It’s in the Bible, Ephesians 5:18, TEV. “Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead be filled with the Spirit.”

Why are kings and rulers advised to not drink alcoholic drinks? It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 31:4-5, NIV. “It is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.”

With what sins is drunkenness classed? It’s in the Bible, Galatians 5:19-21, NIV. “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity …idolatry and witchcraft…drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

What is one of the results of over-indulgence in food and drink? It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 23:20-21, NIV. “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”

How do alcoholic drinks affect those who use them? It’s in the Bible, Proverbs 23:29-35, TLB. “Whose heart is filled with anguish and sorrow? Who is always fighting and quarreling? Who is the man with bloodshot eyes and many wounds? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new mixtures. Don’t let the sparkle and the smooth taste of strong wine deceive you. For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like an adder. You will see hallucinations and have delirium tremors, and you will say foolish, silly things that would embarrass you no end when sober. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And afterwards you will say, ‘I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.’ “

Alcohol/Wine: Does the Bible condone moderate use of these substances?

Let’s look at some Bible examples of people who used alcohol, as well as the effects it has on the body.

BIBLE EXAMPLES:

Aaron and his sons, the priests, were strictly forbidden to drink either wine or strong drink when they went into the tabernacle to minister before the Lord (Leviticus 10:9). Nazarites were likewise forbidden to use wine while under the vow (Numbers 6:3,20; cf. Judges 13:4-7). The Rechabites lived a noteworthy example of permanent abstinence from wine, adhering strictly to the command of their ancestor, Jonadab, to refrain from it (Jeremiah 35:2,5,6,8,14). Proverbs is replete with warnings against indulgence in wine and strong drink (Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:30,31; 31:4). Wine mocks those who use it (chapter 20:1), and rewards them with woe, sorrow, strife, and wounds without cause (chapter 23:29,30). “In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.” (verse 32) The prophet Isaiah declared, “Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.” (Isaiah. 5:22 NIV) Daniel and his compatriots set a worthy example by refusing to drink of the king’s wine (Daniel 1:5,8,10-16). When fasting later in life, Daniel abstained from “flesh” and “wine” (chapter 10:3).

The usual New Testament word for wine, whether fermented or unfermented, is OISNOS. Jesus likened His revolutionary teaching to new wine, which would burst the old bottles of tradition (Matthew 9:17). Paul warned believers against drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18), and declares that deacons should not be “addicted to much wine” (1 Timothy 3:8). He counseled Titus that the older women should not be “slaves to drink” (Titus 2:3).

For relief from a digestive ailment, Paul recommend “a little wine” to Timothy. Let’s take a look at 1 Timothy 5:23 in particular. Physical ailments such as dysentery, often due to contaminated water, were common occurrences. Consequently, other ways to quench thirst were often recommended. Some commentators believe that Paul here was advocating the temperate use of fermented wine for medicinal purposes. They call attention to the fact that wine has, through the centuries, been used for this. Others say that Paul refers to unfermented grape juice, their reasoning being that he would not give advice inconsistent with the rest of Scripture, which warns against the use of intoxicating beverages (see Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32). The purpose of Paul’s counsel is that Timothy should be physically fit for the heavy duties that rest upon him as administrator of the churches in Asia Minor. Mental and moral alertness are closely related to physical fitness. Apparently Timothy was frequently ill. A body frequently sick is not an attractive advertisement for any kind of health reform.

EFFECT OF ALCOHOL/WINE ON OUR BODIES

Our bodies are temples of the living God via the agent of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19) God is concerned with how we treat these, His works of unsurpassed art. (1 Corinthians 3:17) The wise Solomon said, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1 NIV) And again in verse 31, “Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!” (Proverbs 23:31 NIV) Why?

Short-term effects of alcohol use include:

• Distorted vision, hearing, and coordination
• altered perceptions and emotions
• impaired judgment
• bad breath; hangovers

Some problems like those above can occur after drinking over a relatively short period of time. But other problems-such as liver disease, heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and pancreatitis-often develop more gradually and may become evident only after years of drinking. Women may develop alcohol-related health problems sooner than men, and from drinking less alcohol than men. Because alcohol affects nearly every organ in the body, long-term drinking increases the risk for many serious health problems, a few of which are described below.

Alcohol-related liver disease. More than 2 million Americans suffer from alcohol-related liver disease. Some drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, as a result of heavy drinking over a long period of time. Its symptoms include fever, jaundice (abnormal yellowing of the skin, eyeballs, and urine), and abdominal pain. Alcoholic hepatitis can cause death if drinking continues. If drinking stops, the condition may be reversible. About 10 to 20 percent of heavy drinkers develop alcoholic cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver. People with cirrhosis should not drink alcohol. Although treatment for the complications of cirrhosis is available, a liver transplant may be needed for someone with life-threatening cirrhosis. Alcoholic cirrhosis can cause death if drinking continues. Cirrhosis is not reversible, but if a person with cirrhosis stops drinking, the chances of survival improve considerably. People with cirrhosis often feel better, and liver function may improve, after they stop drinking. About 4 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Some heavy drinkers also have HCV infection. As a result, their livers may be damaged not only by alcohol but by HCV-related problems as well. People with HCV infection are more susceptible to alcohol-related liver damage and should think carefully about the risks when considering whether to drink alcohol.

Heart disease. The moderate use of alcohol has been reported to have beneficial effects on the heart, especially among those at greatest risk for heart attacks, such as men over the age of 45 and women after menopause. However, it is very important to know that these reports as based on observational data. but there is insufficient evidence to prove causality. It is also vital to recognize that none of these investigators has recommended those not using alcohol begin doing so! Heavy drinking increases the risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and some kinds of stroke.

Cancer. Long-term heavy drinking increases the risk of certain forms of cancer, especially cancer of the esophagus, mouth, throat, and larynx (voice box). Research suggests that, in some women, as little as one drink per day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer. Drinking may also increase the risk for developing cancer of the colon and rectum.

Pancreatitis. The pancreas helps regulate the body’s blood sugar levels by producing insulin. The pancreas also has a role in digesting the food we eat. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and can be fatal. Chronic pancreatitis is associated with chronic pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

In John 10:10 God says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NIV) In using alcohol we participate in destroying not only our own life but often the lives of others. God says, in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now and let us reason together.” With alcohol use we temporarily and permanently stupefy our reasoning powers. So, for a Christian, is it drinkable, or unthinkable?

If you or someone you know has been drinking, there is a risk of developing serious physical, mental, and spiritual problems. Because many of these health problems can be treated, it is important to see a professional for help.

Alcohol/Wine: What are the historical and scriptural facts about fermented drinks in the Bible?

It is commonly supposed that in Bible times, all preserved grape juice inevitably fermented, thus many assume that all mention of “wine” in the Bible refers to the alcoholic beverage commonly called “wine” today. However, ancient civilizations had several ways of protecting fruits and fruit juices from fermentation, and thus of having non-alcoholic wine throughout the year.

1. Boiling the grape (or other fruit) juice and reducing it to a syrup that could then be diluted
2. Boiling the juice with minimum evaporation and sealing it airtight with beeswax (anaerobically) in jars.
3. Drying the fruit in the sun, and then reconstituting it to use the fluid for wine.
4. Filtration to exclude gluten.
5. Addition of sulphur to the fruit juice, a process that prevents fermentation.

All these methods of preservation were known to the ancients, who also practiced boiling fermented juice to eliminate the alcohol. Referring to the first method of preparation, Aristotle (b. 384 B.C.) wrote “The wine of Arcadia was so thick that it was necessary to scrape it from the skin bottles in which it was contained, and to dissolve the scrapings in water.” Nott’s Lectures on Biblical Temperance, p. 80.

The poet Horace (65 B.C.) wrote, “There is no wine sweeter to drink than that of Lesbos; it was like nectar, … and would not produce intoxication.”

“The Mishna states that the Jews were in the habit of drinking boiled wine” (Kitto’s Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature, vol. 2, p. 447). Naturally this wine would be entirely alcohol-free as a result of the boiling, if not also from the manner of preservation.

“Albert Barnes, D. D., [Presbyterian] in his commentary on Jn. 2:10, wrote: “The wine of Judea was the pure juice of the grape, without any mixture of alcohol. It was the common drink of the people and did not produce intoxication.”

Adam Clarke [Methodist] in his famous Bible Commentary wrote in reference to Gen. 40:11: “From this we find that wine anciently was the mere expressed juice of the grape without fermentation. The saky, or cupbearer, took the bunch [of grapes], pressed the juice into the cup, and instantly delivered it into the hands of his master. This was anciently the yayin of the Hebrews, the oinos of the Greeks, and the mustum of the ancient Latins.” Clarke’s historic note accords with the Scripture that declares “… the new wine is found in the cluster and one says Hurt not the wine when it is in the cluster, for there is a blessing in it.” Isa. 65:8.

Please enjoy more Bible studies and devotionals at my personal website http://www.InLightOfTheCross.com