40 year old men who ride bikes... in packs.

[Anonymous]

Cyclists are re-damn-diculous. I'm a runner. A marathon runner. I run a lot. I never, ever, ever wear running clothes covered in stupid logos because like 99.99% of bikers, I don't have a sponsor. I'm just a recreational runner. I wear shorts and a tshirt. I don't demand my share of the sidewalk. I yield to literally everyone when I run. I don't show up at Starbucks with 25 of my friends after a morning run just to be sure I am seen.

Cyclists are completely obnoxious on the road. Yes, we know you can take the lane. We know you feel persecuted. We know you need the world to see you exercise. Just don't act surprised that people loathe you. Because truly, very few things incite rage in me like a cyclist.

[Anonymous]

You need to get a bike, see the world from an alternative perspective, and most of all, calm down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to get a bike, see the world from an alternative perspective, and most of all, calm down.

Oops. I was talking to you, 10:10.

[Anonymous]

Serious question: are there bike jerseys that don't have the logos all over them, or that do not resemble Tour de France attire? I can see why wearing a jersey would be more comfortable for cyclists since it's designed for that particular activity. And most spandex bike shorts are padded which seems to serve a purpose. Are PPs expecting cyclists to wear a t-shirt and baggy gym shorts?

It's not unlike how distance runners dress. If you're going to be running for 2 hours, you want to wear clothes that don't chafe and wick moisture and are designed for what you're doing. If you are a serious swimmer, you're not going to wear a suit that creates a log of drag. That doesn't mean you consider yourself to be the next Michael Phelps.

Criticizing cyclists for how they use the road is one thing but I honestly don't understand the criticism over their attire.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: are there bike jerseys that don't have the logos all over them, or that do not resemble Tour de France attire? I can see why wearing a jersey would be more comfortable for cyclists since it's designed for that particular activity. And most spandex bike shorts are padded which seems to serve a purpose. Are PPs expecting cyclists to wear a t-shirt and baggy gym shorts?

It's not unlike how distance runners dress. If you're going to be running for 2 hours, you want to wear clothes that don't chafe and wick moisture and are designed for what you're doing. If you are a serious swimmer, you're not going to wear a suit that creates a log of drag. That doesn't mean you consider yourself to be the next Michael Phelps.

Criticizing cyclists for how they use the road is one thing but I honestly don't understand the criticism over their attire.

Seriously, making fun of cyclists' clothing seems pretty red-necky to me (ride out near Poolesville on an unlucky day when a pick up driver yells out the window and you'll know what I mean). One would think that people in the DC area would be used to seeing cyclists (and their attire) just like residents of any major city in the Western world. Interesting cycling jerseys are functional and fun and no one is asking the rest of you to wear one. Grow up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wtf. I get that I already don't like you because I'm a runner and you're a biker. It's like the Sharks and the Jets. Like Snowboarders versus Skiers.

But what I don't get is why y'all dress like Lance f'in Armstrong wearing a tight onesie with 18 brand logos. Note to self: you're not sponsored by Gatorade and no one at Starbucks wants to see your banana hammock in that Richard Simmons unitard that you think looks cool on your dad bod. It doesn't. Also, why the need to exercise in packs. Are you a wolf?

-Disgruntled Runner

I don't wear lycra every time I ride, but I have worn it enough to know how functional it is. A. Its made of wicking fabric. B. Its more aerodynamic C. The pants are more comfortable.

So I don't really care what you think of what it looks like.

Also while I often ride without a group its fun to ride with friends. Also its functional - the lead rider reduces wind resistance for following riders, and riders in a paceline will take turns leading.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: are there bike jerseys that don't have the logos all over them, or that do not resemble Tour de France attire? I can see why wearing a jersey would be more comfortable for cyclists since it's designed for that particular activity. And most spandex bike shorts are padded which seems to serve a purpose. Are PPs expecting cyclists to wear a t-shirt and baggy gym shorts?

It's not unlike how distance runners dress. If you're going to be running for 2 hours, you want to wear clothes that don't chafe and wick moisture and are designed for what you're doing. If you are a serious swimmer, you're not going to wear a suit that creates a log of drag. That doesn't mean you consider yourself to be the next Michael Phelps.

Criticizing cyclists for how they use the road is one thing but I honestly don't understand the criticism over their attire.

Seriously, making fun of cyclists' clothing seems pretty red-necky to me (ride out near Poolesville on an unlucky day when a pick up driver yells out the window and you'll know what I mean). One would think that people in the DC area would be used to seeing cyclists (and their attire) just like residents of any major city in the Western world. Interesting cycling jerseys are functional and fun and no one is asking the rest of you to wear one. Grow up.

I agree. And I'm a runner too. I'm sure plenty of people think you look just as ridiculous with your iPhone armband, belt with 5 gels and 4 water bottles, sunglasses, running skirt, compression socks, etc. Get over it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are a few considerate cyclists. But the lycra jersey wearing douches are generally mid life crisis old white dudes with rage issues but trying to feel youthful again.

1. I have not noticed any difference in cycling behavior between lycra wearers and street clothing wearers. The lycra wearers of course go faster, so more do the wrong things that fast traile riders do - but in terms of riding in the streets, I see at least as much unsafe riding by riders in street clothes - for example riding the direction, not having lights at night, etc. But then I also see the reckless behavior of drivers and walkers, and do not see cyclists as worse so I guess I do not share your selective viewing ability
2. I know riders in lycra ages 20 to their 60s, and plenty of females. Again, lets chalk it up to your selective viewing powers
3. They are not raging - mostly they enjoy it. I suppose if you are doing something jerky on the trail, maybe the cause of the rage is you?

4. As for feeling youthful, there you are right. Nothing like exercise in the outdoors to increase youthful feeling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Careful, OP. The same could be said about runners.

-not a cyclist

Oh I'm sorry, PP. Do runners invade highways and other roads designed for cars breaking traffic laws on a whim. Also, runners rarely run in packs. Most runners take a more libertarian approach to exercise. Bikers are the communitarians of exercise junkies.

Highways? You mean like interstates? I think I have seen a bike on I395 once, and he was clearly lost.

Other roads are legally designated to be shared. That is not breaking a traffic law.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are a few considerate cyclists. But the lycra jersey wearing douches are generally mid life crisis old white dudes with rage issues but trying to feel youthful again.

This is 100% my observation. More often than not, these guys will hog the road/not use the dedicated bike lane almost without fail. The height of entitlement.

Bike lanes have all kinds of problems especially for faster cyclists. I am not that fast, but take the lane and avoid the bike lane if I need to make a left turn or if there is too much crap in the bike. Often the bike lanes are in door zones, which are very dangerous to cyclists, esp fast ones. Two way bike lanes like 15th Street, present dangers of bike on bike collisions. The other day a friend said he had an accident in the 15th street lane, and I almost said "dude, what were you doing in the bike lane, you're fast, you should have been in the general travel lane and leave the bike lane to slow riders like me"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: are there bike jerseys that don't have the logos all over them, or that do not resemble Tour de France attire?

There are ones without logos, but why go out of the way to get one if you have one with a logo?

Not sure what you mean by resembling TdeF.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Careful, OP. The same could be said about runners.

-not a cyclist

Oh I'm sorry, PP. Do runners invade highways and other roads designed for cars breaking traffic laws on a whim. Also, runners rarely run in packs. Most runners take a more libertarian approach to exercise. Bikers are the communitarians of exercise junkies.

And goes the wrong way on one way streets... and so much more.

I rarely drive, but the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and both drivers and pedestrians/runners agree - cyclists are complete aholes on paved trails as well.

Going the wrong way is dangerous and a mistake, and something I have never seen done by someone in lycra. It appears to be done by newbies, working class cyclists, and tourists on CaBi bikes.

As for trail behavior, I am on trails a lot, ride fairly slowly (and also walk on the trails) and I would say the riders who behave badly are a distinct minority. Most folks call their passes and generally try to pass correctly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Drivers and cyclists manage to share the roads in most of the world. Why are people so hostile to cyclists in the U.S.?

-1 I live in Western Europe and the unfortunate phenomenon of entitled male cyclists can be seen here, as well.

There are not many parts of the world where cyclists can ride 20mph on an non-congested 45 mph street while slowing up all the traffic behind...

There are very few people who want to ride on a 45 mph road, esp if there is only one lane in each direction. If someone is doing so, it is because they do not have a good choice.

Note, riding 20MPH on a trail filled with pedestrians is not a good choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem is not so much with the sport or the activity. I don't really begrudge anyone that has an exercise routine that they enjoy and can stick to. The problem is that this activity is ill-suited to a major metropolitan area. I feel for you guys but just like I can't play street hockey on Connecticut Avenue a peloton whipping through DC just doesn't work. PS, Beach drive on the weekends is not your personal tour de france stage.

1. The activity is perfect for a major metro area, that is where cycling is most common and where local govts encourage more biking. Fact is you hear alot more about cyclists getting killed in rural areas - places where a 55MPH two lane road with no shoulder may be the only way from pt A to pt B. Here in DC we have trails, bike lanes, traffic calmed roads, and multilane roads (which makes it possible for drivers to pass. Also at rush hour traffic so slow a bike is going just as fast as a motor vehicle.

2. Conn Avenue? Well I am glad I don't live in Upper NW. Not many n good alternate routes up there. Makes me grateful to live in Virginia. Beach Drive? I though that was closed to cars on weekends?

3. Maybe driving is not suited to a major metro area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Serious question: are there bike jerseys that don't have the logos all over them, or that do not resemble Tour de France attire?

There are ones without logos, but why go out of the way to get one if you have one with a logo?

Not sure what you mean by resembling TdeF.

You do realize that people who wear the logo clothes are actually on teams that race competitively? There are whole networks out there and races and group training. No they are not Lance Armstrong but they have real races (as a team), and do get sponsored by local businesses. And these clothes are actually meant for biking. Running by comparison is a solo sport