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Except that cars don't always yield to bikes and bikes often do not yield to pedestrians. Legally, bikes are considered the equivalent of cars i.e. they have all the rights and responsibilities that cars do - this is NOT the case for bikes and pedestrians. Sidewalks are not bike paths. Sidewalk traffic includes toddlers, handicapped individuals, etc. and bike riders pose an unacceptable risk.Quote:
Originally Posted by tmokes
So then according to you anyone riding a bike should be on the road?Quote:
Originally Posted by PB
what's the opinion on riding bikes switch on the sidewalk?
You're stating things as if they are universal truths. But they ain't. They vary by jurisdiction.Quote:
Originally Posted by PB
In my city, there are sidewalks that literally are bike paths.
Those damn kids should be playing in traffic, godammit!Quote:
Originally Posted by AKPogue
Well duh! It's the best way to weed out the dumb ones from the smart ones.Quote:
Originally Posted by rideit
Give em' all earbuds too.
We're not talking about designated multi-use paths. I'm referring to the standard 4' wide residential sidewalk. I'm fine with appropriately sized multi-use pathways (pedestrians walking on the left side, facing oncoming bike traffic, of course). If I encounter a sidewalk not deigned for multi-use that has legalized bike traffic on it, I will be misbehaving and civilly disobedient. I might even bring an air horn.
Really? Not situation dependent, not biking fast/irresponsibly, just automatic jackass?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dantheman
Exactly. I don't road ride for that reason, but on days I mountain bike I drive to work, park, and ride my bike to the office. Usually on the street, but to ride with traffic the whole way would require me to ride out of my way (because of one way streets), and on streets that aren't safe for bikes with drivers that I don't trust. So I ride on the sidewalk. I don't go fast, I'm courteous, I go slower when approaching pedestrians, but still there's this kind of rage?Quote:
Originally Posted by AKPogue
Life is situation dependent. Not black and white.Quote:
Originally Posted by PB
Pretty much everything Danno just said, you sidewalk nazis are wack
Wow, you're willing to cause permanent hearing damage to someone! What is misbehaving and civilly disobedient? Does that mean you'll call someone names? Are you that old grumpy asshole that terrorizes the neighborhood kids, especially the ones that ride their bikes on the sidewalk?Quote:
Originally Posted by PB
We have these in my city: regular old sidewalks that are parts of designated bike routes. And believe it or not, people aren't assholes who think they are above the rules like you, and mostly get along fine.Quote:
Originally Posted by PB
you guys see this posted on the home page?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=Ch_o2DxAfwg
I’m reminded of the ‘Who shot Mr. Burns’ episode of the simpsons where a wounded Mr. Burns is staggering down the sidewalk and encounters regular character Jasper, an old man with a cane. He tells Burns: “The side walk’s for regular walkin’ ... not fancy walking” and then does not render aid but continues along his way.
Using the school canoe without permission? Oh, you better believe that’s a paddlin’
I slow down to ped speed and getting back up to speed on the 50 lb 52/16 SS is my “interval training”
If the path is more than 3 feet from the street, it’s multi use unless marked otherwise. Period.
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Wait ..... air horns only cause permanent hearing loss??!!?? Guess I'll be upgrading to a sea-going cruise liner horn, cuz I need to liquify yo brain and tear the cloths and skin of yer body.Quote:
Originally Posted by AKPogue
Quote:
Originally Posted by doebedoe
I must admit, I'm curious as to the the specific mechanics of such an arrangement: signage? lane lines? Extra wide sidewalk?
If it's clearly delineated as such, I can live with that, but that would be almost impossibly tight on the standard 4' residential sidewalk.
Depends on the sidewalk. Most have signage. (I actually got into an argument with a cop who was trying to ticket me for riding on the sidewalk because the one I was on did not have signage.) Some are extra wide. I can think of only one that has lanes -- and that one is a major bike thoroughfare that only has directional lanes, nothing seperate bike vs ped.Quote:
Originally Posted by PB
Seems like any such community mandated multi-use true sidewalk at the very least should have signs, given the common expectation to not have to deal with bikes on sidewalks. Admittedly, it's not cost-effective to have a sign on every single block - maybe every third block?
Thing is, it should be understood that bikes can be on any sidewalk if they are approaching their destination. This is our local regulation:
"Bicyclists are prohibited from using sidewalks except in certain conditions:
When the sidewalk is part of a designated bike route
When you are within one block of preparing to mount/ dismount at parking (speed limit 6 MPH)
While delivering newspapers"
Why can't you just mount/dismount for parking before getting on the sidewalk, or if doing so puts you in danger from traffic, immediately after exiting the road way, and then walk your bike to park? Why would you need a whole block of riding on the sidewalk to park? I can see the advantage from the cyclist's perspective, but it would seem to ignore potential risks to pedestrians. Not sure what to say about the delivery of newspapers - often adolescents/youngsters that could use a little extra protection but at the same time the idea of a heavily laden, easily distracted 8 year old trying to hit a target with their paper, all while dodging pedestrians, makes me a little nervous. Fortunately, I guess they're usually not going very fast and the big bags of folded up papers will act as a cushion ;)
Are there still newspaper delivery boys around? Few people even get newspapers delivered and the delivery people are always adults driving in cars in the a.m. I can't imagine enough volume that would be worth it for a kid to deliver papers on a bike.
Chick today was riding in the middle of the road, when there was a bike path on the other side of the road. Fucking retart.
Seeing as I played a part in (re)igniting the sidewalk debate with a snide comment, I'd thought I'd chime in more specifically.
I have absolutely no problem with someone riding on the sidewalk for a few feet to get to/from work or home. And if a bit of sidewalk riding is necessary to avoid a particularly dangerous piece of street, or to significantly shorten a commute because of something like one way streets that's cool too. But if you think it's ok to ring your bell at a bunch of pedestrians, especially when their are kids or elderly folks around, so you can cruise on through then you should consider the possibility that you're an entitled prick. People should find ways to make biking more convenient that driving. They just shouldn't be a pain in the ass in the process.
Edit to add: I rarely see obnoxious sidewalk riding in CO. Saw it pretty much daily in NY. Even there I get why the delivery boys do it. Those guys are eeking out a living trying not to get crushed by taxis. It was the people (mostly young white dudes) who think the fact their bicycle riding is the key saving the fucking planet gives them the right to bark commands at strangers that get my goat.
I'd drink a coffee or beer and watch. Double points if you're in the road thoughQuote:
Originally Posted by east or bust
Jonesy was already old back then??Quote:
Originally Posted by flowing alpy
If you’re afraid of bicycles while walking on a sidewalk, you’re fucking pussy. Do you get scared when you see people walking their dog?
4’ wide sidewalk isn’t wide enough to share it? How fat are you??
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