Cyclists -- Why do you hog the road even with a large shoulder?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And I do agree with the PP who drew a contrast between the "cyclist" in their lycra outfits vs. someone on a bike ride. The "cyclists" are really the problem here.

I don't understand the hostility to faster, skilled cyclists when you don't mind "someone on a bike ride" at 10 mph who can't even keep a straight line or know the rules of the road. Yes there are cyclist that never stop for signals or stop signs. But a large proportion of drivers don't come to a full stop either and they just have to press their foot to get going again. Everybody is better off when we all follow the rules of the road and act in predictable ways.

As a regular bike commuter, my normal pace is pretty much the 25 mph speed limit in most of DC and suburban residential streets. When I take the whole lane it's because it is SAFER. If I stay to the right of the lane, someone going 40 will try to zoom by inches from me. If he hits me, I'll barely leave a scratch on his fender, but that crash would likely be fatal for me. The scariest situations are the drivers that speed by only to slam on their brakes for a right turn directly in front of me - a crash that would put me under their wheels. The only drivers I'm impeding are the jack rabbit starts at the light and the cars that roll through stop signs and those that insist on going 20 mph over the limit.

Is it because you only feel powerful behind the wheel or that you couldn't imagine pedaling fast enough to keep up?

I'm not sure that I see where the correlation between riding "skill" and knowledge of the rules of the road. Again, typical cyclists arrogance. "I wear lycra, therefor I know more about the rules of the road than anyone else."

Let me explain then. While there are exceptions, generally people don't buy cycling outfits unless they ride a lot. Generally people who ride a lot know more about riding.

No budge from the cyclists on classes. I get it. This is why you are a douche. When you made the leap to get the lycra where you empowered with knowledge and skill? Were you just born with the "gift"? When did you know you were just ready? And is this transference of knowledge for all riders when they decide to purchase the lycra?

You don't deserve a polite response, but here goes.

By the time I got my first lycra, I had taken the WABA class. I had also read about safe cycling techniques on bike blogs. I had also met cycling friends who discussed how to ride safely. I had also gained skill from having ridden a fair amount, in ordinary clothes.

And no there is nothing automatic, but I do find most lycra wearing cyclists have a lot of knowledge and skills.

Also not sure what you mean by no budging. I recommend classes for cyclists. I support them. But I see no reason they need to be mandatory. And, BTW, they will not teach cyclists to stay out of your way, which is what you seem to want.

I believe classes should be mandatory for your protection.

And you don't know what I want so please don't assume that you do.

In general, despite claims we have a nanny state, we do not mandate behaviors for people's own protection. Not if the people are adults. (and before you bring up seat belts, those prevent someone being tossed around a car, and so make it easier to regain control of the car, and so benefit other road users)

Now children are different. I entirely support making biking classes a standard part of school PE curricula. IIUC the District already does that, and Alexandria is exploring a pilot project. You have not told me what county you live in, but by all means, do push for universal bike education in the public schools there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

And exactly what driver claimed that they would run any cyclist off the road? Please, post the quote or stfu.

Both of the following suggest a desire to run a cyclist off the road or indifference to that happening.

Anonymous wrote:I think the verdict is unanimous for the most part. Cyclists who don't pull over are jerks. I am sure one of these days a driver with a serious case of road rage will take a few out...if it hasn't been done already. Hopefully this will teach them a lesson.

Anonymous wrote:

Ive got news for you, I'm not risking a head on collision that takes all of us out because you want the middle of the lane. If I come "way too close" when passing then that is for my protection as well.

Neither claim a willingness or an intent to run a cyclist off the road.

The first quote claimed that they could picture someone with roadrage running a cyclists off. That is a prediction and one based on a history of road rage incidents that do not involve cyclists at all. Not really a threat.

The second quote implied avoiding an accident that would likely kill all involved. Not sure I really see a smoking gun of "I'm gonna run you off the road"!

The first is a dog whistle.

The second is more explicit - a willingness to pass too close. Which effectively is running someone off the road. And it is easy to avoid an accident without doing that - again, you just have to wait to pass until there is a safe place to do so properly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And I do agree with the PP who drew a contrast between the "cyclist" in their lycra outfits vs. someone on a bike ride. The "cyclists" are really the problem here.

I don't understand the hostility to faster, skilled cyclists when you don't mind "someone on a bike ride" at 10 mph who can't even keep a straight line or know the rules of the road. Yes there are cyclist that never stop for signals or stop signs. But a large proportion of drivers don't come to a full stop either and they just have to press their foot to get going again. Everybody is better off when we all follow the rules of the road and act in predictable ways.

As a regular bike commuter, my normal pace is pretty much the 25 mph speed limit in most of DC and suburban residential streets. When I take the whole lane it's because it is SAFER. If I stay to the right of the lane, someone going 40 will try to zoom by inches from me. If he hits me, I'll barely leave a scratch on his fender, but that crash would likely be fatal for me. The scariest situations are the drivers that speed by only to slam on their brakes for a right turn directly in front of me - a crash that would put me under their wheels. The only drivers I'm impeding are the jack rabbit starts at the light and the cars that roll through stop signs and those that insist on going 20 mph over the limit.

Is it because you only feel powerful behind the wheel or that you couldn't imagine pedaling fast enough to keep up?

I'm not sure that I see where the correlation between riding "skill" and knowledge of the rules of the road. Again, typical cyclists arrogance. "I wear lycra, therefor I know more about the rules of the road than anyone else."

Let me explain then. While there are exceptions, generally people don't buy cycling outfits unless they ride a lot. Generally people who ride a lot know more about riding.

No budge from the cyclists on classes. I get it. This is why you are a douche. When you made the leap to get the lycra where you empowered with knowledge and skill? Were you just born with the "gift"? When did you know you were just ready? And is this transference of knowledge for all riders when they decide to purchase the lycra?

You don't deserve a polite response, but here goes.

By the time I got my first lycra, I had taken the WABA class. I had also read about safe cycling techniques on bike blogs. I had also met cycling friends who discussed how to ride safely. I had also gained skill from having ridden a fair amount, in ordinary clothes.

And no there is nothing automatic, but I do find most lycra wearing cyclists have a lot of knowledge and skills.

Also not sure what you mean by no budging. I recommend classes for cyclists. I support them. But I see no reason they need to be mandatory. And, BTW, they will not teach cyclists to stay out of your way, which is what you seem to want.

I believe classes should be mandatory for your protection.

And you don't know what I want so please don't assume that you do.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=concern%20trolling

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And I do agree with the PP who drew a contrast between the "cyclist" in their lycra outfits vs. someone on a bike ride. The "cyclists" are really the problem here.

I don't understand the hostility to faster, skilled cyclists when you don't mind "someone on a bike ride" at 10 mph who can't even keep a straight line or know the rules of the road. Yes there are cyclist that never stop for signals or stop signs. But a large proportion of drivers don't come to a full stop either and they just have to press their foot to get going again. Everybody is better off when we all follow the rules of the road and act in predictable ways.

As a regular bike commuter, my normal pace is pretty much the 25 mph speed limit in most of DC and suburban residential streets. When I take the whole lane it's because it is SAFER. If I stay to the right of the lane, someone going 40 will try to zoom by inches from me. If he hits me, I'll barely leave a scratch on his fender, but that crash would likely be fatal for me. The scariest situations are the drivers that speed by only to slam on their brakes for a right turn directly in front of me - a crash that would put me under their wheels. The only drivers I'm impeding are the jack rabbit starts at the light and the cars that roll through stop signs and those that insist on going 20 mph over the limit.

Is it because you only feel powerful behind the wheel or that you couldn't imagine pedaling fast enough to keep up?

I'm not sure that I see where the correlation between riding "skill" and knowledge of the rules of the road. Again, typical cyclists arrogance. "I wear lycra, therefor I know more about the rules of the road than anyone else."

Let me explain then. While there are exceptions, generally people don't buy cycling outfits unless they ride a lot. Generally people who ride a lot know more about riding.

No budge from the cyclists on classes. I get it. This is why you are a douche. When you made the leap to get the lycra where you empowered with knowledge and skill? Were you just born with the "gift"? When did you know you were just ready? And is this transference of knowledge for all riders when they decide to purchase the lycra?

You don't deserve a polite response, but here goes.

By the time I got my first lycra, I had taken the WABA class. I had also read about safe cycling techniques on bike blogs. I had also met cycling friends who discussed how to ride safely. I had also gained skill from having ridden a fair amount, in ordinary clothes.

And no there is nothing automatic, but I do find most lycra wearing cyclists have a lot of knowledge and skills.

Also not sure what you mean by no budging. I recommend classes for cyclists. I support them. But I see no reason they need to be mandatory. And, BTW, they will not teach cyclists to stay out of your way, which is what you seem to want.

I believe classes should be mandatory for your protection.

And you don't know what I want so please don't assume that you do.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=concern%20trolling

http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/7-ways-to-be-a-jerk-on-a-bike-tour

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And I do agree with the PP who drew a contrast between the "cyclist" in their lycra outfits vs. someone on a bike ride. The "cyclists" are really the problem here.

I don't understand the hostility to faster, skilled cyclists when you don't mind "someone on a bike ride" at 10 mph who can't even keep a straight line or know the rules of the road. Yes there are cyclist that never stop for signals or stop signs. But a large proportion of drivers don't come to a full stop either and they just have to press their foot to get going again. Everybody is better off when we all follow the rules of the road and act in predictable ways.

As a regular bike commuter, my normal pace is pretty much the 25 mph speed limit in most of DC and suburban residential streets. When I take the whole lane it's because it is SAFER. If I stay to the right of the lane, someone going 40 will try to zoom by inches from me. If he hits me, I'll barely leave a scratch on his fender, but that crash would likely be fatal for me. The scariest situations are the drivers that speed by only to slam on their brakes for a right turn directly in front of me - a crash that would put me under their wheels. The only drivers I'm impeding are the jack rabbit starts at the light and the cars that roll through stop signs and those that insist on going 20 mph over the limit.

Is it because you only feel powerful behind the wheel or that you couldn't imagine pedaling fast enough to keep up?

I'm not sure that I see where the correlation between riding "skill" and knowledge of the rules of the road. Again, typical cyclists arrogance. "I wear lycra, therefor I know more about the rules of the road than anyone else."

Let me explain then. While there are exceptions, generally people don't buy cycling outfits unless they ride a lot. Generally people who ride a lot know more about riding.

No budge from the cyclists on classes. I get it. This is why you are a douche. When you made the leap to get the lycra where you empowered with knowledge and skill? Were you just born with the "gift"? When did you know you were just ready? And is this transference of knowledge for all riders when they decide to purchase the lycra?

You don't deserve a polite response, but here goes.

By the time I got my first lycra, I had taken the WABA class. I had also read about safe cycling techniques on bike blogs. I had also met cycling friends who discussed how to ride safely. I had also gained skill from having ridden a fair amount, in ordinary clothes.

And no there is nothing automatic, but I do find most lycra wearing cyclists have a lot of knowledge and skills.

Also not sure what you mean by no budging. I recommend classes for cyclists. I support them. But I see no reason they need to be mandatory. And, BTW, they will not teach cyclists to stay out of your way, which is what you seem to want.

I believe classes should be mandatory for your protection.

And you don't know what I want so please don't assume that you do.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=concern%20trolling

http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/7-ways-to-be-a-jerk-on-a-bike-tour

Lovely, but nothing to do with this discussion.

Now, assuming you are the one who wants classes, are you going to lobby your county to provide bike classes as part of public school Physical Education?

[Anonymous]

http://www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/pedal-cyclists/facts-figures/

[Anonymous]

http://bicyclesafe.com/

[Anonymous]

To cyclists who wave me to pass them...pray tell me why do you do this? I will pass you when I deem in safe, not you. If we are to share the road than you will have to deal with me going very slowly ( not crowding) behind you. I will not pass when I am on rock creek park no matter how frantic your arm waving gets.

Deal with it. (I'm quoting the biker who told drivers to deal with him)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To cyclists who wave me to pass them...pray tell me why do you do this? I will pass you when I deem in safe, not you. If we are to share the road than you will have to deal with me going very slowly ( not crowding) behind you. I will not pass when I am on rock creek park no matter how frantic your arm waving gets.

Deal with it. (I'm quoting the biker who told drivers to deal with him)

I dont like drivers who wave me at 4 way stops. You have the right of way you should go. You are messing up my timing and traffic flow for everyone else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To cyclists who wave me to pass them...pray tell me why do you do this? I will pass you when I deem in safe, not you. If we are to share the road than you will have to deal with me going very slowly ( not crowding) behind you. I will not pass when I am on rock creek park no matter how frantic your arm waving gets.

Deal with it. (I'm quoting the biker who told drivers to deal with him)

To let you know I know where you are, and that I am comfortable being passed, and also to indicate a safe pass - if I am in front of you, and slightly higher up, I may have better visibility on oncoming traffic than you do.

Of course if you want to go very slowly, that is fine too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/pedal-cyclists/facts-figures/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049576/

[Anonymous]

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/health-benefits-of-cycling.html

[Anonymous]

To let you know I know where you are, and that I am comfortable being passed, and also to indicate a safe pass - if I am in front of you, and slightly higher up, I may have better visibility on oncoming traffic than you do.

Of course if you want to go very slowly, that is fine too.

Thank you. Although to me at times it seems like an order! Right now, I'm talking about Rock Creek where it is pretty flat but, because of the curves you can't see anyone coming around the bend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
To let you know I know where you are, and that I am comfortable being passed, and also to indicate a safe pass - if I am in front of you, and slightly higher up, I may have better visibility on oncoming traffic than you do.

Of course if you want to go very slowly, that is fine too.

Thank you. Although to me at times it seems like an order! Right now, I'm talking about Rock Creek where it is pretty flat but, because of the curves you can't see anyone coming around the bend.

I have done this too, and for the same reasons.

When I do it, it's not an order but rather a "now's a good time and it may not be in another moment". I do it only if it's clear the car is trying to pass (which is pretty much all of them), so I'm hopeful few take it as an order so much as an acknowledgment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
To let you know I know where you are, and that I am comfortable being passed, and also to indicate a safe pass - if I am in front of you, and slightly higher up, I may have better visibility on oncoming traffic than you do.

Of course if you want to go very slowly, that is fine too.

Thank you. Although to me at times it seems like an order! Right now, I'm talking about Rock Creek where it is pretty flat but, because of the curves you can't see anyone coming around the bend.

I have done this too, and for the same reasons.

When I do it, it's not an order but rather a "now's a good time and it may not be in another moment". I do it only if it's clear the car is trying to pass (which is pretty much all of them), so I'm hopeful few take it as an order so much as an acknowledgment.

That's totally cool as far as I am concerned as a driver who is quite often annoyed by cyclists. But frankly, I just don't get it. It just seems so stressful to ride a bike on these types of roads. It can't be relaxing knowing you are risking your life each time you get on the saddle. Just sayin'.