Alexandria Bike Lobby wins again

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:this thread proves there are bike advocates who will not stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere

For the life of me I have no idea why a mode of transportation used by 5% of the population tops has so much pull it's insane.

We should be making decisions for the 75% plus people who drive not the 5%

You're right. We won't stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere. Because there should be bike infrastructure everywhere, just like there should be pedestrian infrastructure everywhere. And when there is bike infrastructure everywhere, a lot more people will bike. Why do so few people bike? Because there is so little bike infrastructure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why is there the NEED to transport children in all types of weather and times of day BY CAR?

After all, kids can ride bikes, too. And little kids can ride on their parents' bikes. And it's possible ride bikes in the rain. And it's possible to ride bikes at night.

So, why? Because there's little or no safe bike infrastructure, that's why.

But instead of adding safe bike infrastructure, people are saying that there shouldn't be safe bike infrastructure because parents NEED to transport their children BY CAR.

How exactly do you transport babies and their associated gear such as strollers, etc. on a bike? Please be reasonable and use common sense.

There are lots and lots of child seats for bikes available. See here, for example: https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-kids-bike-seats/

You can also easily transport two children on a bike - or even more. Here's a video full of people on bikes transporting babies and children, from Holland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfLJ876lXsQ

The difference is that in Holland, unlike here, there's a whole lot of safe bike infrastructure.

Why the eyeroll?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Why is there the NEED to transport children in all types of weather and times of day BY CAR?

After all, kids can ride bikes, too. And little kids can ride on their parents' bikes. And it's possible ride bikes in the rain. And it's possible to ride bikes at night.

So, why? Because there's little or no safe bike infrastructure, that's why.

But instead of adding safe bike infrastructure, people are saying that there shouldn't be safe bike infrastructure because parents NEED to transport their children BY CAR.

How exactly do you transport babies and their associated gear such as strollers, etc. on a bike? Please be reasonable and use common sense.

There are lots and lots of child seats for bikes available. See here, for example: https://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-kids-bike-seats/

You can also easily transport two children on a bike - or even more. Here's a video full of people on bikes transporting babies and children, from Holland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfLJ876lXsQ

The difference is that in Holland, unlike here, there's a whole lot of safe bike infrastructure.

Why the eyeroll?

Just trying to imagine all the moms biking their little kids to school. Just not going to happen for many reasons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:this thread proves there are bike advocates who will not stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere

For the life of me I have no idea why a mode of transportation used by 5% of the population tops has so much pull it's insane.

We should be making decisions for the 75% plus people who drive not the 5%

You're right. We won't stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere. Because there should be bike infrastructure everywhere, just like there should be pedestrian infrastructure everywhere. And when there is bike infrastructure everywhere, a lot more people will bike. Why do so few people bike? Because there is so little bike infrastructure.

cost benefit analysis for a mode of transportation that is used by 2% or so of the population and thanks

signed those of us who live in the real world

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:this thread proves there are bike advocates who will not stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere

For the life of me I have no idea why a mode of transportation used by 5% of the population tops has so much pull it's insane.

We should be making decisions for the 75% plus people who drive not the 5%

You're right. We won't stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere. Because there should be bike infrastructure everywhere, just like there should be pedestrian infrastructure everywhere. And when there is bike infrastructure everywhere, a lot more people will bike. Why do so few people bike? Because there is so little bike infrastructure.

cost benefit analysis for a mode of transportation that is used by 2% or so of the population and thanks

signed those of us who live in the real world

In the real world, there is a connection between infrastructure for X and use of X.

It should hardly be surprising that there is so little biking when there is so little bike infrastructure. Just like there would be very little driving if there were very little car infrastructure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Just trying to imagine all the moms biking their little kids to school. Just not going to happen for many reasons.

It certainly isn't going to happen now. But build good bike infrastructure, and it will.

[Anonymous]

Take a look around your office and tell me which of the 300 pound admins from PG County are going to pedal their fat assess to work-Burger King-work-home even if there were dedicated paved paths just for them?

None.

This bike thing has white privilege written all over it.

Bike lanes are racist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Take a look around your office and tell me which of the 300 pound admins from PG County are going to pedal their fat assess to work-Burger King-work-home even if there were dedicated paved paths just for them?

None.

This bike thing has white privilege written all over it.

Bike lanes are racist.

No. Black people bike. Hispanic people bike. Poor people bike. You just don't see them, because they don't fit your mental image of a bicyclist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:this thread proves there are bike advocates who will not stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere

For the life of me I have no idea why a mode of transportation used by 5% of the population tops has so much pull it's insane.

We should be making decisions for the 75% plus people who drive not the 5%

Wait until e-bikes start to get more common and affordable, and it’ll be hysterical watching the bike people turn on each other over who’s a “real” cyclist or not, and who should be allowed in the bike lanes or not.

Just wait. It’s gonna be awesome.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:this thread proves there are bike advocates who will not stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere

For the life of me I have no idea why a mode of transportation used by 5% of the population tops has so much pull it's insane.

We should be making decisions for the 75% plus people who drive not the 5%

Wait until e-bikes start to get more common and affordable, and it’ll be hysterical watching the bike people turn on each other over who’s a “real” cyclist or not, and who should be allowed in the bike lanes or not.

Just wait. It’s gonna be awesome.

Just wait until more people bike? Yes, it's gonna be awesome!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:this thread proves there are bike advocates who will not stop until there is bike infrastructure everywhere

For the life of me I have no idea why a mode of transportation used by 5% of the population tops has so much pull it's insane.

We should be making decisions for the 75% plus people who drive not the 5%

Most of the aggressive cyclists are (late) middle aged white guys. Who also harness an incredible power hold over others, generally speaking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What I don't get is how confrontational bikers are to drivers. I witnessed a man pull over in bike lane to confront a woman driver who was parking in front of the Dunkin Donuts on Lee Highway at 8:30AM bc she almost cut him off. She did signal and he was far enough behind her that she could safely move over to park but he flipped out. He almost caused an accident by stopping in bike lane and pulling up next to her window--literally blocked her from opening her car door. Insane.

Too bad she did not get him on video harassing her.

I'm pro biking, but I've seen lots of cyclists who seem to be looking for a fight/something to be offended about. Yesterday, I passed a cyclist. He was in a bike lane on a residential street, and I still gave a wide berth while passing. He seemed to be offended that I passed, because immediately afterward, he got into the center of the driving lane and started going fast. Meanwhile, I approached a stop sign and pulled to the right of the line, behind the car in front of me - it's one wide lane, and those turning right hang to the right, while those turning left hang to the left. He approached as I was starting to make my turn, and said, "are you kidding me?" and practically ran out into the street to cross. He barely stopped riding his bike and got off and pushed it across the street without pausing, looking for cars, etc. Not sure what his problem was, as I had done nothing wrong and am super careful around cyclists.

You almost (almost) kept him from his BikeGod-given right to run stop signs. But he showed you, didn’t he?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What I don't get is how confrontational bikers are to drivers. I witnessed a man pull over in bike lane to confront a woman driver who was parking in front of the Dunkin Donuts on Lee Highway at 8:30AM bc she almost cut him off. She did signal and he was far enough behind her that she could safely move over to park but he flipped out. He almost caused an accident by stopping in bike lane and pulling up next to her window--literally blocked her from opening her car door. Insane.

Since you were not riding, you may not have been able to judge whether he was safe or not - plus on Lee Highway, swerving around is not a safe option I guess.

Also I don't think you realize how many times in the course of a single commute we see drivers doing something illegal and/or dangerous, and even how many times we are actually endangered. You can reach a breaking point.

You also probably don't notice the times drivers honk at people on bikes (or at other drivers stopping for them) or do a "punishment pass". Or you know, rail against cyclists on line, at public meetings, etc.

Serious question for you PP:

Do you EVER criticize the actions of cyclists? Or are you exclusively an apologist/advocate?

Because you're almost out of credibility around here. You're practically a meme.

Among my fellow bike riders I often discuss how to be a safer and more polite rider.

In a community like this where people who ride bikes are under attack, by people who appear to not understand the realities of riding, it is most important that I explain those for them.

My husband is an avid bike rider. The bike controls EVERYTHING in our household, from where we bought a house to how we will retire. The dedication bike riders have to their sport is beyond anything I’ve ever seen, and it’s supported by other riders. It’s as close to a cult as I’ve ever seen.

Divorce. STAT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What I don't get is how confrontational bikers are to drivers. I witnessed a man pull over in bike lane to confront a woman driver who was parking in front of the Dunkin Donuts on Lee Highway at 8:30AM bc she almost cut him off. She did signal and he was far enough behind her that she could safely move over to park but he flipped out. He almost caused an accident by stopping in bike lane and pulling up next to her window--literally blocked her from opening her car door. Insane.

Too bad she did not get him on video harassing her.

I'm pro biking, but I've seen lots of cyclists who seem to be looking for a fight/something to be offended about. Yesterday, I passed a cyclist. He was in a bike lane on a residential street, and I still gave a wide berth while passing. He seemed to be offended that I passed, because immediately afterward, he got into the center of the driving lane and started going fast. Meanwhile, I approached a stop sign and pulled to the right of the line, behind the car in front of me - it's one wide lane, and those turning right hang to the right, while those turning left hang to the left. He approached as I was starting to make my turn, and said, "are you kidding me?" and practically ran out into the street to cross. He barely stopped riding his bike and got off and pushed it across the street without pausing, looking for cars, etc. Not sure what his problem was, as I had done nothing wrong and am super careful around cyclists.

PP, I am trying to be nice when I say this: it probably was not about you at all. There are lots of reasons why a person riding a bike might start riding in the middle of the lane (this is called "taking the lane".) And it's legal , not to mention often safer, to take the lane.

Also, when drivers turn right across the path of bicyclists who are going straight, that's called a right hook, and it's well-known for killing people on bikes.

The only way for that to happen is where the car is FRONT of the cyclist, and the cyclist rides INTO the side of the car as it’s changing lanes.

This is exactly why passing on the right is illegal. Because overtaking vehicles drive right into the side of a car as it slows and makes a right turn. The cyclist is (yet again) failing to observe traffic laws. Shocking, huh?

If you don’t want to get right hooked, stop passing cars on the right as they slow down to make a turn.

Either take the lane as you’re legally entitled, stay in the middle, slow down as the car in front of you slows down, or pass it on the left if you are able to do so. But passing it on the right as it’s preparing to make a turn and getting run over is your own damn fault. If I ever got hit by a cyclist doing that, you can bet I’d be suing for damages.

[Anonymous]

I’ll respect cyclists when I start seeing them getting pulled over and issued tickets for running stop signs and redlights.

Until then, they’re scofflaws, and get zero respect.