Despite the fact that bicycles remain the most energy efficient form of transportation every produced, and despite the fact that a variety of new designs, and innovative programs make cycling easier than ever, and even taking into account the fact that the price of a tank of gas is encouraging progressively more insane driving maneuvers, Americans, by and large, are unwilling to use bikes.

But now, at least two Minnesota state legislators are hoping to convert drivers in cyclocommuters by leveraging that most basic of all American desires—freedom to ignore the rules. The bill, proposed by Rep. Phyllis Kahn and Sen. Jim Carlson would allow cyclists the ability to run red lights and stop signs at otherwise empty intersections.

Cyclists, being unencumbered by steel cages, have tremendously improved fields of vision over motorists, and have no radio, make-up or dog in the backseat to distract them, I’m one-hundred percent behind this new legislation. As co-sponsor Kahn says, “It's how most people behave anyway.”