Whazup with bicycles?

[1gewehr]

I'm not trying to be mean, but any vehicle that can't keep up with traffic has no business being in the road. I don't much mind the farmer on the tractor getting from one field to another. Most of them are on and off the road quickly. And a bicyclist that stays near the shoulder is not much of a hazard either. But these people that are determined to take up half a lane or more are a hazard. On a two-lane road, you get cars swerving all the way into the oncoming lane to pass them, and other cars stuck way back are trying to pass the cars in front of them.

And it's not just bikes. I have a neighbor with a little scooter he uses to go to the grocery store. The speed limit out here is 45, and his scooter can't do that downhill and with a tailwind. Uphill with a headwind and a basket full of groceries, he's lucky to hit 25mph. I can't tell you how many near-accidents he has caused.

[Guest KCSTEVE]

I think that a bicyclist would have a better chance of not getting killed if they rode a little more to the right instead of out in the road.

One would have to admit that driving in the road, even in a car, is a challenge to stay alive.

The defiant behavior, dare-devil attitude and disregard of road rules from bicyclists does not earn respect.

[Guest Broomhead]

I think that a bicyclist would have a better chance of not getting killed if they rode a little more to the right instead of out in the road.

One would have to admit that driving in the road, even in a car, is a challenge to stay alive.

The defiant behavior, dare-devil attitude and disregard of road rules from bicyclists does not earn respect.

Amen!

I make one freaking post about how not all cyclists follow the same laws as drivers and suddenly I am a freaking bigot and trying to run down cyclists?!? WTF?!? In my experience nearly 95% of the cyclists I encounter on the road are doing things dangerous and illegal. I do encounter them nearly every day in nicer weather. So just like every other damn human on this planet I can and will make judgments based on the actions of those that I come in contact with. In the same thought, I hate drivers for much the same reasons. Is that wrong of me? Maybe. But the same way you are all whining and moaning about drivers and lumping us all into the same category, I can do the same about cyclists if I so please. Give the whole Cyclists Are Holier Than Thou crap a break. Many cyclists are just as guilty as many of the drivers.

The line about veering further to the left when a cyclist veers never mentioned a single letter about hitting the cyclist. It was about maintaining that 3' rule. If it meant that I wreck rather than hit a cyclist, you can be damn sure my car isn't worth that much and it will be in a ditch or smacked into a tree. But that cyclist had better stick around for the cops to get there and take responsibility for his/her actions whether legal and safe or illegal and dangerous.

Edited March 3, 2011 by Broomhead

[Guest GT_Rat]

This is why my Dad always says you should assume Auto Drivers are Actively Trying to Kill You when you're on a motorcycle or a bicycle.

FTFY and your dad.

[JReedEsq]

Two points: 1. You seem to think someone has a defiant, or "dare-devil" attitude just by their presence. This is a very self-centered view. Who knows why a particular cyclist chooses to ride. It could be for exercise, fun, or commuting. I can almost guarantee that they aren't out there to make you seven seconds late to wherever you're going.

2. The cyclist is in a far better position to determine how far to the right is safe enough to ride. From your vehicle you have idea what kind of debris may be on the road, if the shoulder has a "rumble strip", or if the shoulder is about to drop off.

[Jasongar8]

I walk a lot of the greenways around Sumner/Robertson county and don't see many people on bikes. Any reason not to ride the greenways? It seems a lot safer than the road.

[Guest KCSTEVE]

Two points: 1. You seem to think someone has a defiant, or "dare-devil" attitude just by their presence. This is a very self-centered view. Who knows why a particular cyclist chooses to ride. It could be for exercise, fun, or commuting. I can almost guarantee that they aren't out there to make you seven seconds late to wherever you're going.

2. The cyclist is in a far better position to determine how far to the right is safe enough to ride. From your vehicle you have idea what kind of debris may be on the road, if the shoulder has a "rumble strip", or if the shoulder is about to drop off.

Your attitude is exactly what I'm talking about. You may have forgotten my earlier post , I ride bicycles, just not out in the road with cars.

For one minute think of me on a bicycle, not in a car, and answer "why do you defy traffic at such a high risk to you and everyone else?"

[sigrug17]

I'm am a road cyclist. I rode in MD a lot (trained/ raced etc)... and their drivers were absolute 'douch-bags' --- got attacked a few times without reason. I only ride towards the middle of the road when I come to intersections (where I totally need to be visible), the rest of the time its as far right as I can go (with flashing strobe light on the back of the bike) . I think since I've been here its been night and day compared to MD, and I thank all the people in my area for their courtesy. (ie. they usually go around or switch lanes to accommodate for the space I've taken.)

With all that said, I WILL NEVER WIN A BATTLE AGAINST A CAR. I ride on the roads, but I make sure that I'm either VISIBLE, or on back on a sidewalk if I feel its a dangerous portion of road.

I also know that since the invention of the cell phone and text messaging, and all the other distractions... Its my responsibility to try to get out of the way, remain vigilant to the presence of cars, or REMAIN VISIBLE as much as possible.

I will always try to extend as much courtesy and obey the laws, and hope the motor vehicle will do the same.

I think if we stop thinking of it as an actual 'life' on the bicycle, or in the car, then that's when we really get in trouble.

Just my 2 cents.

Edited March 3, 2011 by sigrug17
addition

[JReedEsq]

Why would anyone need to own a semi-auto rifle with a 30 round magazine? Why do you need any gun not designed for hunting? The greenways are not everywhere and they can be crowded, slow and they just aren't designed for a fit cyclist. I've got nothing against greenways. I used to incorporate the greenways as a part of my everyday commute and I like to use them to avoid traffic in high traffic areas. Just because they exist doesn't mean cyclists lose the right to use the road.

What it comes down to is that some of you guys just don't like simething because it's unfamiliar to you and makes you uncomfortable. Sound familiar?

Broomhead: your first post stated you don't like cyclists and your second one just reinforces it. You have a right to your opinion, no matter how ignorant it may be. You don't have a right to put someone's life in danger because they have caused you a small delay. Some of you guys are hilarious with your talk of survival, SHTF, TEOTWAWKI, etc... And a lot of you coundn't run five miles if your life depended on it.

[Guest KCSTEVE]

Why would anyone need to own a semi-auto rifle with a 30 round magazine? Why do you need any gun not designed for hunting? The greenways are not everywhere and they can be crowded, slow and they just aren't designed for a fit cyclist. I've got nothing against greenways. I used to incorporate the greenways as a part of my everyday commute and I like to use them to avoid traffic in high traffic areas. Just because they exist doesn't mean cyclists lose the right to use the road.

What it comes down to is that some of you guys just don't like simething because it's unfamiliar to you and makes you uncomfortable. Sound familiar?

Broomhead: your first post stated you don't like cyclists and your second one just reinforces it. You have a right to your opinion, no matter how ignorant it may be. You don't have a right to put someone's life in danger because they have caused you a small delay. Some of you guys are hilarious with your talk of survival, SHTF, TEOTWAWKI, etc... And a lot of you coundn't run five miles if your life depended on it.

You had better hope that somebody can run to help you if you get run over!

In 2005, 786 bicyclist were killed in the US. 45,000 were injured.

[JReedEsq]

Amen!

In my experience nearly 95% of the cyclists I encounter on the road are doing things dangerous and illegal. But the same way you are all whining and moaning about drivers and lumping us all into the same category, I can do the same about cyclists if I so please. Give the whole Cyclists Are Holier Than Thou crap a break. Many cyclists are just as guilty as many of the drivers.

First, You are the one making huge generalizations. 95 percent huh? I call BS unless you think their mere presence is doing something dangerous. Second, I'm not holier than thou, just stating cyclist have a right to exist, and I explained that sidewalks can be a dangerous and illegal place for bikes. I drive a car nearly every day so how could I hate drivers?

[Guest KCSTEVE]

First, You are the one making huge generalizations. 95 percent huh? I call BS unless you think their mere presence is doing something dangerous. Second, I'm not holier than thou, just stating cyclist have a right to exist, and I explained that sidewalks can be a dangerous and illegal place for bikes. I drive a car nearly every day so how could I hate drivers?

I bet you don't drive on the sidewalks!!!!!!

[Guest mustangdave]

JReedEsq...this is not a debate that is WINNABLE....no matter how SAFE we as cyclist are it is not enough for some folks...no matter what. The LAW is the LAW and we are "entitled" to use the same roads as motor vehicles...plain and simple they can't...won't or don't see us...so WE have to BE VISIBLE...even where there are BIKE LANES assume you have a target on your back.

[JReedEsq]

You had better hope that somebody can run to help you if you get run over!

In 2005, 786 bicyclist were killed in the US. 45,000 were injured.

That's true. But the roads would be a little safer if people would leave a safe distance to cyclists. Cyclists do need to follow the rules of the road like everyone else, but I can't tell you how many times some one has "buzzed" me and yelled at me for no reason whatsoever. I had a situation about 5 years ago with a guy who almost hit me and then proceeded to pull over and threaten me because he says his wife was almost in an accident with a cyclist a few days before and he wanted me to explain it or he would kick my ass. I told him I would be more than happy to call KPD so he can try to make a report about the other cyclist. Otherwise, he could get the hell out of my face and stop threatening me. He left....

[Guest db99wj]

There are good and bad. Just like auto drivers, like the B@#$ that almost nailed me from behind in her Escalade whilest talking on her phone, she almost became a sandwich between me and the diesel truck she pulled out in front of. Most individual riders in my area do fine, on Saturday mornings, groups of them are out, I live near a very popular route. They get a little annoying when trying to pass. The addition of bike lanes in a lot of these routes is helping.

I run, we have a greenline, most bikes are fine, it's the once a year weekend warrior that get people hurt. Most bikers give you warning when coming up on you, but the casual guy will hurt you by either running into you, swerving back and forth, or stopping right in front of you. This goes for roads too.

The moral of my story is autos, cyclist, runners, walkers, motorcyclist all need to be more conscious of each other and accommodating and patient. Oh, and hang up the F'n phone and for pete's sake, don't be texting.

[Guest KCSTEVE]

JReedEsq...this is not a debate that is WINNABLE....no matter how SAFE we as cyclist are it is not enough for some folks...no matter what. The LAW is the LAW and we are "entitled" to use the same roads as motor vehicles...plain and simple they can't...won't or don't see us...so WE have to BE VISIBLE...even where there are BIKE LANES assume you have a target on your back.

Oh, you are VISIBLE....... Out in the car lane......Can you scoot over a little?

[JReedEsq]

I'll gladly scoot over when it is safe for me to do so. Trust me, I can feel you breathing down my neck, and I'd love to waive you around if I'm sure no one is coming from the other direction. If some drivers could accept the fact that we're actually not out there just to ruin their day, perhaps they wouldn't harbor so much animosity. See I really am a friendly guy. Just a right to exist is all I'm after...

[mav]

I have to admit that I am pretty stunned. I think this thread and some of the responses within it are a great representation of what is wrong with this country. A lot of people have no courtesy and think of nobody but themselves. With everything that is happening right now in this country, are we that petty that we are b**ching about cyclists? Personally, I think this is a non-issue.

If you are driving a car and come upon a cyclist(s) in the middle of your lane, slow down, be courteous, and wait for the appropriate time to pass. Does it bother me at times if I am in a hurry? Sure it does. However, I will be a bigger man and wait paitiently for an appropriate time to pass. I also extend this same courtesy to people on motorcycles, and to those who are driving their car less than the speed limit.

[JReedEsq]

There are good and bad. Just like auto drivers, it's the once a year weekend warrior that get people hurt.

This is truth. As an experienced cyclist you wouldn't believe how many times I've complained to my wife when driving that someone has poor form and is all over the place. At times I've joked about stopping to inflate their tires, lube their chain, and discuss why their bike fit is all wrong.

[Guest mustangdave]

This is truth. As an experienced cyclist you wouldn't believe how many times I've complained to my wife when driving that someone has poor form and is all over the place. At times I've joked about stopping to inflate their tires, lube their chain, and discuss why their bike fit is all wrong.

LMAO...me to...the wife just rolls her eyes...but I've converted her as well...we both ride now

[JReedEsq]

I have to admit that I am pretty stunned. I think this thread and some of the responses within it are a great representation of what is wrong with this country. A lot of people have no courtesy and think of nobody but themselves. With everything that is happening right now in this country, are we that petty that we are b**ching about cyclists? Personally, I think this is a non-issue.

If you are driving a car and come upon a cyclist(s) in the middle of your lane, slow down, be courteous, and wait for the appropriate time to pass. Does it bother me at times if I am in a hurry? Sure it does. However, I will be a bigger man and wait paitiently for an appropriate time to pass. I also extend this same courtesy to people on motorcycles, and to those who are driving their car less than the speed limit.

Thanks Mav. Is that really so hard? What people sometimes don't get is that doing anything other than waiting on a safe time to pass could put a cyclists life in danger. I don't have any problem with people who don't like cyclists. I have a serious problem with people who put my life in danger.

[mav]

Thanks Mav. Is that really so hard? What people sometimes don't get is that doing anything other than waiting on a safe time to pass could put a cyclists life in danger. I don't have any problem with people who don't like cyclists. I have a serious problem with people who put my life in danger.

In the interest of full disclosure, I ride as well, so I might be a little biased.

One thing I forgot to mention in my previous thread is there are some cyclists out there who are very adamant about their rights and won't pull over for anyone. They are just like the folks you run across who automatically move to the left hand lane on the interstate and just do the speed limit. When you run across those type people my original point still stands; be the better person. Be courteous and wait for an appropriate time to pass.

[Oh Shoot]

I walk a lot of the greenways around Sumner/Robertson county and don't see many people on bikes. Any reason not to ride the greenways? It seems a lot safer than the road.

Greenways are okay for a gentle little "Sunday pedal", but they aren't usually the most direct way to get where you're going, and certainly are not generally designed for making time (and with all the pedestrians and dogs, you run into same probs as sidewalk biking).

- OS

[JReedEsq]

In the interest of full disclosure, I ride as well, so I might be a little biased.

One thing I forgot to mention in my previous thread is there are some cyclists out there who are very adamant about their rights and won't pull over for anyone. They are just like the folks you run across who automatically move to the left hand lane on the interstate and just do the speed limit. When you run across those type people my original point still stands; be the better person. Be courteous and wait for an appropriate time to pass.

This is the cycling equivilant of saying I'm going to OC at the movie theater, I don't give a rat's a$$ what you think about it, it's my constitutional right and I won't conceal even if the manager asks me politely. In either situation it's annoying and a lot of good people can be cast in a bad light based on a few jackholes.

Edited March 3, 2011 by JReedEsq

[Guest uzzi]

I too am a cyclist and pay plenty of taxes - I am aware that physics put me in a dangerous place a a cyclist. Doesn't matter how wrong the car is, if they hit me I will be possibly dead or critically injured. I have no interest in that. A road cyclist can average anywhere from 18 to 25 mph and could burst or get up to 30 on a small decline or with a strong wind. Those speeds don't lend to riding on sidewalks, bike paths that contain runners and dog walkers, and by law I'm supposed to be on the road.

Even when there is a "bike" path, there are usually too many spaced out lolly-gaggers with untrained dogs on 10 foot leashes. You come up so fast and scare them, it's awkward for all.

Normally, I will ride as far over to the right as possible, but many times there are glass and debris that make it easy to get a flat. There is nothing like being 20 miles into a 40 mile ride and have to call your wife to come get you.

I have ridden with some cyclists that are absolute jerks, ride 2 and 3 wide, taking up an entire lane and make it a pain to get around them. Over all, let's be patient with one another, give each other a little room. My wife and kids will thank you when I return home safely!

Edited March 3, 2011 by uzzi