Bicyclist Rant

I think what is so upsetting to me about this is I feel like everyone becomes in danger in these circumstances...

The bicyclist first off. God forbid you get hit by a car on your bike! I certainly don't want that to happen....

Second.... me! I don't want to go to pass a bike (all the way in the other lane which I happily do) thinking it's safe and end up in a head-on collision.

And thirdly (is this a real word?), the other person heading in the opposite direction coming at me.

Is there a simple solution?
Yes, everyone be mindful of others.

Is this gonna happen? No... you can only control your own actions.
 
I must need anger management because I always have thoughts of having a broom stick and sticking it the spokes? Is it just me ?
 
I bicycle too, but you have to use your head. The road I take to leave work is narrow, curvy, hilly, and loaded with blind spots. When work lets out it's packed with traffic by people who are in a hurry to get home. About a year ago I used to see the same bicyclist each night riding a bit wobbly up a hill, around a curve and in a blind spot. Usually I saw a string of brake lights before I actually saw the cyclist, and I would think the guy must have a death wish or didn't realize how dangerous his situation was. One night I saw the familiar string of brake lights only this time the bicycle was in the ditch and the rider was laying in the middle of road dead. The fact that the law said it was okay for him to ride when and where he was didn't change that.
 
HD.Detailing said:
back road riding is great for training as you can pick up speed, maintain, and less traffic.

As far as them riding in groups, it's legal 2 wide, When I see a car coming up behind me and does not appear to be slowing, I will move into the center of the lane to force them to slow down, it's rude for them not to use caution while passing a legal vehicle on the road... I also use a gopro so if a motorist does cause trouble, break the law, or anything else.. it's easily proven to the police.
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Not to cause trouble, but is it not illegal to move to the center to block traffic? not that it makes it ok to run you over, again just wondering.
 
Tector said:
I bicycle too, but you have to use your head. The road I take to leave work is narrow, curvy, hilly, and loaded with blind spots. When work lets out it's packed with traffic by people who are in a hurry to get home. About a year ago I used to see the same bicyclist each night riding a bit wobbly up a hill, around a curve and in a blind spot. Usually I saw a string of brake lights before I actually saw the cyclist, and I would think the guy must have a death wish or didn't realize how dangerous his situation was. One night I saw the familiar string of brake lights only this time the bicycle was in the ditch and the rider was laying in the middle of road dead. The fact that the law said it was okay for him to ride when and where he was didn't change that.
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Unfortunately a similar thing happened on a very narrow, windy and dark road by my house last year. A woman rode on her bicycle every morning before the sun rose. One day she got hit and killed.

Coopers ST said:
Not to cause trouble, but is it not illegal to move to the center to block traffic? not that it makes it ok to run you over, again just wondering.
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I was kinda wondering the same thing.
Also, you could do that to the wrong person who says F it and runs you down... stranger things have happened.
 
DetailKitty said:
I think what is so upsetting to me about this is I feel like everyone becomes in danger in these circumstances...
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Bingo. This is the main reason I don't ride on open roads much any more. I'll be as considerate as possible, but it's just not safe for me or the cars. Until I live somewhere with safer conditions, I'll accept defeat and live to ride another day.
 
Jamb a stick in their spokes

yhehabu3.jpg
 
I may be adding something that's already been said here, but 30 or so years ago I was very active in competitive cycling in Northern California. I trained hard. 50 - 60 miles per day throughout high school, more on the weekends and had some success to the extent that I was ALMOST invited to the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Close, but no cigar.

My point - that many years ago, while I was young and thought I was invincible, I don't remember such anger about us cyclists being on the road. I trained on windy back roads and never had a problem, was aware of my surroundings and we all seemed to get along. I even made a couple of epic rides / races from Buena Vista, CO over Independence Pass to Aspen, CO and don't recall ever having a problem when I was just riding as opposed to closed road course racing.

Being in Florida now, I have entertained getting back into cycling for general fitness, but after witnessing anger on both sides - have decided to stick to the gym.

IMHO, a sad testimony to the "it's all about me" world we live in today.

My $ .02

:(
 
I like my car and I like my bike. I am convinced that the only good solution is dedicated bikeways separate from autos. It's amazing that in a country with millions of miles of sidewalks that this has always been neglected.

Oh, and another point to remember, the internal combustion engine is not designed to do well with short trips. The human body is designed to do better with actively involved short trips. Dedicated paths away from autos should be a no brainer.
 
This is a very touchy subject for me considering I have been seriously injured while riding bicycles and motorcycles, and have people verbally threaten my life several times when they were the ones in the wrong. At the end of the day we all have to remember that human life is a stake and regardless of who would be at fault always do the right thing. As a cyclist I get probably get more annoyed at people on bikes that don't obey the traffic laws/rules than non-cyclist motorists.
Monica, next time you could inform the police so that they could rectify the situation without getting yourself involved.
 
View attachment 29720

View attachment 29721Me, I've been biking for many years of my life, many nice racing-road bikes, like a Motobecane Le Champion with full Campy Record, and currently still own a Bianchi (my cheapo $1000 ride) and a custom built up NOS Schwinn 50th Anniversary Paramount with all Campy 10sp Record, and a host of vintage NOS Goodies.

I always give good leeway and slow down to bicyclists, being considerate, and thinking that they might have to suddenly swerve to avoid a rock, or whatever.

I cannot count the times that clown careless dicks almost killed me.
 
I understand bike laws and guys have rights on the road etc etc etc..

But what I don't understand is why would someone want to ride on a two lane highly traveled road with NO run off...

I would love to ride my bike to the gym, maybe 3 miles, but not on that road!

I bring my bike to the park..
 
Agree LRC3,well put. In addition we have the people who have bikes that are low to the ground with the bicyclist who are peddling a 2 lane well traveled road with hills,bends,etc. side by side with no flag projecting above to see. Knowing the way some people drive today, it is like asking for an accident to happen. Gives me chills just thinking about it.
 
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