Fu*king Cyclists

[snoqpass]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...stockton-video

[Buster Highmen]

People should simply be considerate, it's not that hard. Ride single file and towards the right in areas with narrow roads and poor sightlines. Cars pass when you can see what's coming. It's the assholes on both sides who cause the issues. Don't be an asshole..

Icemang nails it. Again.

[jono]

People should simply be considerate, it's not that hard. Ride single file and towards the right in areas with narrow roads and poor sightlines. Cars pass when you can see what's coming. It's the assholes on both sides who cause the issues. Don't be an asshole.

Most considerate thing you can do is to help prevent an accident. Sometimes that looks like an asshole move but it is what it is. Making room for an unsafe pass when sightlines are inadequate is stupid because it communicates the wrong thing to motorists. I think most people do know the difference between moving left to be clear and visible when passing isn't safe anyway versus just holding the lane like any jackass left-lane camper, but the whiners make me wonder.

[BmillsSkier]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...stockton-video

That's hard to watch, but wrong thread man.

[::: :::]

^This.

I don't ride road, I ride dirt.

Unfortunately, road weenies (an affectionate term ) have a bad wrap around here because some are inconsiderate and break the road rules. Blow thru lights, stop signs, etc. They also do not understand how hard it is for some people to pass them safely. Not everyone is 25yrs old with perfect 20/20 vision and reflexes to maneuver around a group of people.

Bikers are on vacation. Many drivers are working and have deadlines and other concerns going on much more important.

When I see a biker on the other side of the road I move way over to give the vehicles trying to pass the biker some room. I make every effort to give the weenies as much room as possible, but I still think a bunch of them are assholes...some I know are assholes because I know them personally.

Holy shit, where to begin?

Do you not see how entitled you sound? I don't think you're an asshole, but this post is exactly what you're complaining about.

They also do not understand how hard it is for some people to pass them safely. Not everyone is 25yrs old with perfect 20/20 vision and reflexes to maneuver around a group of people.

The road is for everyone, including old dudes with bad vision. You're aren't really saying that people should defer to your less-than-optimal driving capabilities, are you? Be thankful states haven't said you have to be physically capable to drive including having corrected vision, appropriate reflexes and good judgement. That would clean up the roads pretty quick.

Bikers are on vacation. Many drivers are working and have deadlines and other concerns going on much more important.

Hahaha, play that out and see how it works:

"But, officer, I was just driving to the trailhead to ride!"
"Sorry, sir, you know roads are only for people working...try to keep it after 6pm. Oh shit, there's an RV, gotta go give him a ticket! Drive safe!"

Bikers are on vacation?!?
Commuters aren't, but, even so, who gives a fuck why people are out? They don't have to explain themselves. States don't limit access based on how (self-)important people's use of the road is.

When I see a biker on the other side of the road I move way over to give the vehicles trying to pass the biker some room. I make every effort to give the weenies as much room as possible, but I still think a bunch of them are assholes...some I know are assholes because I know them personally.

I'm happy that you give space to riders. I wish everyone did. I'm only calling you out because I want to point out that it is easy to dismiss "they" "them". There's been a lot of that in this thread. I'm sure that you are more forgiving that this post sounded. Like you, most riders are drivers too.

[::: :::]

People should simply be considerate, it's not that hard. Ride single file and towards the right in areas with narrow roads and poor sightlines. Cars pass when you can see what's coming. It's the assholes on both sides who cause the issues. Don't be an asshole.

With that said, if bikes want to be considered vehicles they need to obey the rules of the road. This includes stopping at stop signs and lights, and pulling off the road if their presence is impeding traffic to the point that it is backing up behind them. And wtf is this about a peloton being considered "one vehicle"? That is ludicrous. If I'm in a line of cars can we be considered one vehicle too? Please?

Obviously cars need to obey the laws as well.

yep

[::: :::]

Most considerate thing you can do is to help prevent an accident. Sometimes that looks like an asshole move but it is what it is. Making room for an unsafe pass when sightlines are inadequate is stupid because it communicates the wrong thing to motorists. I think most people do know the difference between moving left to be clear and visible when passing isn't safe anyway versus just holding the lane like any jackass left-lane camper, but the whiners make me wonder.

This is where I always wonder if people should be required to bike before they are allowed to drive.
A lot of the reactions from drivers occur because they don't understand the actions and motivations of legally riding people. And it's inconvenient for them.

[snoqpass]

That's hard to watch, but wrong thread man.

Someone was wondering why Americans don't jaywalk

[BmillsSkier]

Someone was wondering why Americans don't jaywalk

Oh.

So aside from cyclists you can add wildly disproportional police response?

[strawjack]

Holy shit, where to begin?

Do you not see how entitled you sound? I don't think you're an asshole, but this post is exactly what you're complaining about.



The road is for everyone, including old dudes with bad vision. You're aren't really saying that people should defer to your less-than-optimal driving capabilities, are you? Be thankful states haven't said you have to be physically capable to drive including having corrected vision, appropriate reflexes and good judgement. That would clean up the roads pretty quick.



Hahaha, play that out and see how it works:

"But, officer, I was just driving to the trailhead to ride!"
"Sorry, sir, you know roads are only for people working...try to keep it after 6pm. Oh shit, there's an RV, gotta go give him a ticket! Drive safe!"

Bikers are on vacation?!?
Commuters aren't, but, even so, who gives a fuck why people are out? They don't have to explain themselves. States don't limit access based on how (self-)important people's use of the road is.




I'm happy that you give space to riders. I wish everyone did. I'm only calling you out because I want to point out that it is easy to dismiss "they" "them". There's been a lot of that in this thread. I'm sure that you are more forgiving that this post sounded. Like you, most riders are drivers too.

Oooh...the butthurt is evident. Switch to enduro shorts bro, that spandex is a little too tight man.

The line of kits is not commuting. They're on vacation...maybe for an hour or two...but they're not going anywhere important.

Have some regard for people that are older and have a difficult time passing you. Or get hit? That's common sense.

And yeah, I am entitled to say whatever the fuck I want. But the reality is I'm more aware of giving them space and waiting probably more than the average driver out there. But go ahead and prove my point that roadies are assholes.

[summit]

Most considerate thing you can do is to help prevent an accident. Sometimes that looks like an asshole move but it is what it is. Making room for an unsafe pass when sightlines are inadequate is stupid because it communicates the wrong thing to motorists. I think most people do know the difference between moving left to be clear and visible when passing isn't safe anyway versus just holding the lane like any jackass left-lane camper, but the whiners make me wonder.

I'm sure you agree that bicyclists should pull over and stop in order to allow a line of cars to pass when in these "no pass zones" both because it would be considerate and because it is the law in most states?

I'm sure you are aware that this basically NEVER happens? (Yes, I'm aware that sometimes vehicles don't do this either, but often they do, and I've never seen a cyclist do this, ever.)

What do you propose as a solution?

Because the problem I see is the same entitlement that allows bikers to blow stop signs and red lights (which I really don't care about if there is no danger) stems from the cyclist wanting to save time and effort... except on these narrow/twisting/noshoulder roads with traffic backed up behind them, it is all about saving their time and their effort at the expense of others. This is a commentary on the personalities of the cyclists who choose to bike these types of roads in the first place.

[Dantheman]

That said, a Dutch friend of mine once commented on how Americans are so mind controlled that they will wait at a red light at 2 AM with no cars insight. No self respect Dutchman would. Same with pedestrian crosswalks...Americans will wait for that stupid will walk figure to appear even if there is no car insight...do that in Europe and you will get trampled.

Are civil violations a lucrative revenue stream for local governments in Yurp the way they are here? Even at 2 AM I'd never trust a cop here to not ticket me for running a red light.

[Sirshredalot]

Oooh...the butthurt is evident. Switch to enduro shorts bro, that spandex is a little too tight man.

The line of kits is not commuting. They're on vacation...maybe for an hour or two...but they're not going anywhere important.

Have some regard for people that are older and have a difficult time passing you. Or get hit? That's common sense.

And yeah, I am entitled to say whatever the fuck I want. But the reality is I'm more aware of giving them space and waiting probably more than the average driver out there. But go ahead and prove my point that roadies are assholes.

For real, you shouldn't be behind the wheel if your reflexes are crappy enough that you feel you pose this kind of threat to others.

[snoqpass]

Fuck it bring back Death Race 2000

[strawjack]

For real, you shouldn't be behind the wheel if your reflexes are crappy enough that you feel you pose this kind of threat to others.

Wow. You guys are fucking morons.

I'm talking about the general driving public, not me personally.

fuck, we need a bike off...but in the dirt, not some sidewalk that a two yr old can ride down.

Road riding = for old people that cannot ride dirt.

[::: :::]

Oooh...the butthurt is evident. Switch to enduro shorts bro, that spandex is a little too tight man.

The line of kits is not commuting. They're on vacation...maybe for an hour or two...but they're not going anywhere important.

Have some regard for people that are older and have a difficult time passing you. Or get hit? That's common sense.

And yeah, I am entitled to say whatever the fuck I want. But the reality is I'm more aware of giving them space and waiting probably more than the average driver out there. But go ahead and prove my point that roadies are assholes.

you're assuming i'm a roadie

[::: :::]

Someone was wondering why Americans don't jaywalk

is this a rural thing?

cuz it sure isn't an urban thing in the US...jaywalking is essential to getting around in NYC, Boston, DC, SF


OTOH, i've watched pedestrians waiting on a crosswalk sign at midnight in helsinki

[::: :::]

I'm sure you agree that bicyclists should pull over and stop in order to allow a line of cars to pass when in these "no pass zones" both because it would be considerate and because it is the law in most states?

I'm sure you are aware that this basically NEVER happens? (Yes, I'm aware that sometimes vehicles don't do this either, but often they do, and I've never seen a cyclist do this, ever.)

I have, so now what?
we have an N=2, but it's still just generalization

[Sirshredalot]

Wow. You guys are fucking morons.

I'm talking about the general driving public, not me personally.

fuck, we need a bike off...but in the dirt, not some sidewalk that a two yr old can ride down.

Road riding = for old people that cannot ride dirt.

Most serious mtb riders also dabble in road to get their mileage in, and to keep strength and fitness up during the offseason, just FYI.

Most of my road riding experience is as a commuter in an urban environment. I get too bored on the skinny-tired bike.

If you'd like a bike-off, I'd be happy to give you a follow on strava or toe the line with you in an enduro cup race or regional super d. I'm not phenomenal, but I'm a solid rider. I get the impression you'd be in a different age class from me anyhow: maybe you should think about your reflexes and your eyesight and whether they are still good enough to get behind the wheel.

[summit]

I have, so now what?
we have an N=2, but it's still just generalization

I contend "basically never" which is very rarely.

Do you disagree with that? Are you saying it is merely rare? uncommon? Or do you find it to be common?

[BmillsSkier]

Someone mentioned Dunfree still hangs out here in the bike forum? Has he weighed in yet?

[jono]

I'm sure you agree that bicyclists should pull over and stop in order to allow a line of cars to pass when in these "no pass zones" both because it would be considerate and because it is the law in most states?

I'm sure you are aware that this basically NEVER happens? (Yes, I'm aware that sometimes vehicles don't do this either, but often they do, and I've never seen a cyclist do this, ever.)

What do you propose as a solution?

If you've never seen a cyclist pull out of the way and let cars go past you might not be watching for bikes. I see that much more often than cars/motorhomes pulling over. It looks a little different sometimes, because being narrower a bike often has a way to pull into a narrow spot and coast along while the cars go by. If they don't have such a space then often the safest thing is to impede traffic for a moment while proceeding to the next such location. Same thing applies to other vehicles. Whether it's the law depends on location, whether it makes sense is a safety thing and I'll defer to whoever's ass is on the line on that one.

No one cares about people rolling through a stop sign or a red light when it's safe to do so (and no one is in a better position to decide that than a biker/pedestrian). Anyone who brings that up is just looking for an irrelevant excuse for their outrage. In Idaho the law actually reflects this and it's pretty refreshing (even though I don't ride on pavement much).

[rehabit]

Even during the chaos of a Super Bowl Celebration, Seattle refuses to jaywalk.

Referenced by the President of the United States in a speech on 5/21/2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo4z77OvznU

Mt favorite part of the video is the one guy who's so excited with himself for running out into the street.

[joetron]

Wow. You guys are fucking morons.

I'm talking about the general driving public, not me personally.

fuck, we need a bike off...but in the dirt, not some sidewalk that a two yr old can ride down.

Road riding = for old people that cannot ride dirt.

Challenge accepted

[abraham]

Despite all this bitching I have to add one thing. The US needs more cobblestone roads.

Rigid bikes + nice weather + cobblestone roads + sundresses = views that do not suck