Passing or Not Passing Cyclists

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beyond - Beach drive. This is a problem all over the area. Full respect and patience for those that can only commute via a bike; share the road with infinite patience.

The ones that do it recreationally and can ride almost anywhere else less dangerous; why am I dealing with these guys? I don't think the law was written with these guys in mind.

I used to ride my bike every weekend and I did it on a trail or I did it on a road with little traffic. I commuted to work a few times. My attitude was safety for myself and others around me. I took a few timed risk crossing busy intersections when I had to. But for the most part using my body as a shield so I can protect my rights to ride on a busy road is stupidity. Do these people not have kids or family that their actions unnecessarily jeopardize their family lives as well? They look like Karens on wheels at this point.

Sort of up to them if they want to take risks with their health, isn’t it? If it’s okay with their families, I don’t see why you need to get upset about it.

Well what if someone trying to pass them hits me or my family? Did they make a decision for all of us if they don't care about themselves or their families? If it's recreational why cause the hazardous situation in the first place?

Trying to understand where they are coming from? Are they OK if I ride at 5mph, during rush hour, and take a full lane while they are trying to get to work or drop kids off at school?

[Anonymous]

Always pass with 1.5 metres

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beyond - Beach drive. This is a problem all over the area. Full respect and patience for those that can only commute via a bike; share the road with infinite patience.

The ones that do it recreationally and can ride almost anywhere else less dangerous; why am I dealing with these guys? I don't think the law was written with these guys in mind.

I used to ride my bike every weekend and I did it on a trail or I did it on a road with little traffic. I commuted to work a few times. My attitude was safety for myself and others around me. I took a few timed risk crossing busy intersections when I had to. But for the most part using my body as a shield so I can protect my rights to ride on a busy road is stupidity. Do these people not have kids or family that their actions unnecessarily jeopardize their family lives as well? They look like Karens on wheels at this point.

Sort of up to them if they want to take risks with their health, isn’t it? If it’s okay with their families, I don’t see why you need to get upset about it.

Well what if someone trying to pass them hits me or my family? Did they make a decision for all of us if they don't care about themselves or their families? If it's recreational why cause the hazardous situation in the first place?

Trying to understand where they are coming from? Are they OK if I ride at 5mph, during rush hour, and take a full lane while they are trying to get to work or drop kids off at school?

I don't slow down for families with children either? I don't understand your point. I always pass but leave 1,5 metres of space. Safe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As a driver I try to give cyclists the same consideration they give me.

LoLz!!!!

Nice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live right off Beach and Knowles near Kensington and drive this road 4 days a week. More often than not, I’ll come up to a cyclist from behind. I don’t pass them for 4 very good reasons

1) it’s unlawful to cross the double yellow center line to pass someone, and I would have to cross the line to maintain the 36” separation from a cyclist required by law.

2) sight lines on this curvy road are terrible. Even if I wanted to pass, there’s few places where it’s safe.


3) I’m content to drive slow behind the cyclist and let traffic pile up behind me because it gets everyone caught in the jam angry at cyclists - and I like that.

4) it stresses the cyclist out because there’s a car 2 seconds behind them (the lawful following distance) and they can’t enjoy their ride because they’re constantly having to be alert for when this car might try to pass them. So it annoys them. Which I also like.

Christ, lady. Learn how to drive. If no one is coming, just hit the gas, move over the center line if you need to and, pass, and get back over. It's not that hard. If you can't get out of your own way, consider taking the bus.

Nah, - I’d rather tail you 20 feet back and ruin your ride with constantly being occupied with what I’m doing back there. Am I going to pass? Am I going to speed up and get closer? Am I going to run you off the road? Are other people behind me honking at you now? Why aren’t I passing you? What am I doing back here?

Yeah, I’m staying right behind you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Always pass with 1.5 metres

And what happens when you don’t have 1.5 meters?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live right off Beach and Knowles near Kensington and drive this road 4 days a week. More often than not, I’ll come up to a cyclist from behind. I don’t pass them for 4 very good reasons

1) it’s unlawful to cross the double yellow center line to pass someone, and I would have to cross the line to maintain the 36” separation from a cyclist required by law.

2) sight lines on this curvy road are terrible. Even if I wanted to pass, there’s few places where it’s safe.


3) I’m content to drive slow behind the cyclist and let traffic pile up behind me because it gets everyone caught in the jam angry at cyclists - and I like that.

4) it stresses the cyclist out because there’s a car 2 seconds behind them (the lawful following distance) and they can’t enjoy their ride because they’re constantly having to be alert for when this car might try to pass them. So it annoys them. Which I also like.

Completely agree with you, it's just not a road meant to pass bikes. The Trail is not wide enough for bikes. Cars who are commuting should use commuter roads like 355 or Knowles.

And I get a lot of enjoyment following 2 seconds behind a cyclist, per the letter of the law (which works out to about 20-22 feet depending on speed) and harshing their buzz because I’m continuously back there, forcing them to maintain their pace and be on constant alert for whatever I might do next. I’ve even had other cyclists who wanted to ride ride faster forced to wait behind me as I followed a slower cyclist in front - because they couldn’t safely pass me (or legally, for that matter - but when has legal ever stopped a cyclist?). It’s pretty funny too. They keep looking back over their shoulder every few seconds, wondering why you’re not passing (not legal, thank you) or they’ll wave for you to pass them (sorry, not legal, my friend) and you just stay back there and it annoys TF out of them.

I dislike cyclists, even though I ride a bike myself sometimes. But I stick to the neighborhood streets or bike paths rather than ride of “real” roads like Beach Drive. So when I come upon a cyclist on Beach, I simply comply with the law, and it makes them crazy.


These riders could avoid this if they’d simply ride at the posted speed limit, which would be 25 mph on Beach - but most can’t. They plod along about 18-20 mph most of the time, if it’s a flat section. If they rode faster, I’d have to increase my following distance!

You're the problem, and I say this as a very frequent driver and occasional cyclist.

So to bel clear: the person following the exact letter of the law, is the problem.

That’s what you’re saying.

Is that correct? That’s your position?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I live right off Beach and Knowles near Kensington and drive this road 4 days a week. More often than not, I’ll come up to a cyclist from behind. I don’t pass them for 4 very good reasons

1) it’s unlawful to cross the double yellow center line to pass someone, and I would have to cross the line to maintain the 36” separation from a cyclist required by law.

2) sight lines on this curvy road are terrible. Even if I wanted to pass, there’s few places where it’s safe.


3) I’m content to drive slow behind the cyclist and let traffic pile up behind me because it gets everyone caught in the jam angry at cyclists - and I like that.

4) it stresses the cyclist out because there’s a car 2 seconds behind them (the lawful following distance) and they can’t enjoy their ride because they’re constantly having to be alert for when this car might try to pass them. So it annoys them. Which I also like.

Completely agree with you, it's just not a road meant to pass bikes. The Trail is not wide enough for bikes. Cars who are commuting should use commuter roads like 355 or Knowles.

And I get a lot of enjoyment following 2 seconds behind a cyclist, per the letter of the law (which works out to about 20-22 feet depending on speed) and harshing their buzz because I’m continuously back there, forcing them to maintain their pace and be on constant alert for whatever I might do next. I’ve even had other cyclists who wanted to ride ride faster forced to wait behind me as I followed a slower cyclist in front - because they couldn’t safely pass me (or legally, for that matter - but when has legal ever stopped a cyclist?). It’s pretty funny too. They keep looking back over their shoulder every few seconds, wondering why you’re not passing (not legal, thank you) or they’ll wave for you to pass them (sorry, not legal, my friend) and you just stay back there and it annoys TF out of them.

I dislike cyclists, even though I ride a bike myself sometimes. But I stick to the neighborhood streets or bike paths rather than ride of “real” roads like Beach Drive. So when I come upon a cyclist on Beach, I simply comply with the law, and it makes them crazy.


These riders could avoid this if they’d simply ride at the posted speed limit, which would be 25 mph on Beach - but most can’t. They plod along about 18-20 mph most of the time, if it’s a flat section. If they rode faster, I’d have to increase my following distance!

You're the problem, and I say this as a very frequent driver and occasional cyclist.

So to bel clear: the person following the exact letter of the law, is the problem.

That’s what you’re saying.

Is that correct? That’s your position?

DP. The problem is that many cyclists DON'T follow the law.

https://www.roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=357

By Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles, and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Bicyclists fare best when they act like and are treated as drivers of vehicles. If you're a bicyclist, you should:

Tips for Bicyclists (the ones in bold are ignored quite often):

Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
Ride defensively – expect the unexpected.
Ride with traffic, never against it.
Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
Yield right of way to pedestrians.
Pass on the left when overtaking a vehicle.
Use marked bike lanes or paths when present.
Use sharrow lane markers to navigate in shared travel lanes.
Use caution when crossing ramps.
Never ride more than two abreast.
Only ride on sidewalks where it is allowed by local ordinance.
Stay visible when riding at night and during inclement weather.
Wear a helmet correctly.

Tips for Motorists:
Expect bicyclists on the road.
Always keep a safe following distance.
Allow at least three feet when passing.
Yield the right of way to bicyclists when turning right.
Look for bicyclists before opening a car door.
Stay alert when pulling out of driveways or side streets.
Watch for children.
Keep your eyes on the road. It’s illegal to text and use hand held devices while driving.
Stay alert – avoid all distractions.

[Anonymous]

That’s hilarious - you think cyclists are gonna do ANYTHING that doesn’t suit them, lolz!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That’s hilarious - you think cyclists are gonna do ANYTHING that doesn’t suit them, lolz!

I thought I was missing something; based on the comments - it sure looks like cyclists don't give a cr*p about anyone or anything else but rely on the kindness of others. They also like to play victim when they can.

I do like mountain bike culture they seem to help, show courtesy, and keep peace with everything around them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beyond - Beach drive. This is a problem all over the area. Full respect and patience for those that can only commute via a bike; share the road with infinite patience.

The ones that do it recreationally and can ride almost anywhere else less dangerous; why am I dealing with these guys? I don't think the law was written with these guys in mind.

I used to ride my bike every weekend and I did it on a trail or I did it on a road with little traffic. I commuted to work a few times. My attitude was safety for myself and others around me. I took a few timed risk crossing busy intersections when I had to. But for the most part using my body as a shield so I can protect my rights to ride on a busy road is stupidity. Do these people not have kids or family that their actions unnecessarily jeopardize their family lives as well? They look like Karens on wheels at this point.

Sort of up to them if they want to take risks with their health, isn’t it? If it’s okay with their families, I don’t see why you need to get upset about it.

Well what if someone trying to pass them hits me or my family? Did they make a decision for all of us if they don't care about themselves or their families? If it's recreational why cause the hazardous situation in the first place?

Trying to understand where they are coming from? Are they OK if I ride at 5mph, during rush hour, and take a full lane while they are trying to get to work or drop kids off at school?

I mean, you could ask all the same questions about anyone else on the road, in whatever vehicle. I don't think bicyclists are inherently MORE dangerous to you if you're in a car than other drivers are. If you want to complain about them, that's fine, but don't frame it around concern for their well being or their family's futures.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beyond - Beach drive. This is a problem all over the area. Full respect and patience for those that can only commute via a bike; share the road with infinite patience.

The ones that do it recreationally and can ride almost anywhere else less dangerous; why am I dealing with these guys? I don't think the law was written with these guys in mind.

I used to ride my bike every weekend and I did it on a trail or I did it on a road with little traffic. I commuted to work a few times. My attitude was safety for myself and others around me. I took a few timed risk crossing busy intersections when I had to. But for the most part using my body as a shield so I can protect my rights to ride on a busy road is stupidity. Do these people not have kids or family that their actions unnecessarily jeopardize their family lives as well? They look like Karens on wheels at this point.

Sort of up to them if they want to take risks with their health, isn’t it? If it’s okay with their families, I don’t see why you need to get upset about it.

Well what if someone trying to pass them hits me or my family? Did they make a decision for all of us if they don't care about themselves or their families? If it's recreational why cause the hazardous situation in the first place?

Trying to understand where they are coming from? Are they OK if I ride at 5mph, during rush hour, and take a full lane while they are trying to get to work or drop kids off at school?

I mean, you could ask all the same questions about anyone else on the road, in whatever vehicle. I don't think bicyclists are inherently MORE dangerous to you if you're in a car than other drivers are. If you want to complain about them, that's fine, but don't frame it around concern for their well being or their family's futures.

Nope. Every car needs to move to a lane with oncoming traffic in-order to pass a slow bicyclist. No other vehicle: car, truck, bus, van, motorcycle or scooter causes that consistently. Worse of all, it's recreational and totally avoidable. If it's recreational aren't there safer places? And any time you force a vehicle onto oncoming traffic you place them at risk. Don't fool yourself. If someone got hurt - it's on your hands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beyond - Beach drive. This is a problem all over the area. Full respect and patience for those that can only commute via a bike; share the road with infinite patience.

The ones that do it recreationally and can ride almost anywhere else less dangerous; why am I dealing with these guys? I don't think the law was written with these guys in mind.

I used to ride my bike every weekend and I did it on a trail or I did it on a road with little traffic. I commuted to work a few times. My attitude was safety for myself and others around me. I took a few timed risk crossing busy intersections when I had to. But for the most part using my body as a shield so I can protect my rights to ride on a busy road is stupidity. Do these people not have kids or family that their actions unnecessarily jeopardize their family lives as well? They look like Karens on wheels at this point.

Sort of up to them if they want to take risks with their health, isn’t it? If it’s okay with their families, I don’t see why you need to get upset about it.

Well what if someone trying to pass them hits me or my family? Did they make a decision for all of us if they don't care about themselves or their families? If it's recreational why cause the hazardous situation in the first place?

Trying to understand where they are coming from? Are they OK if I ride at 5mph, during rush hour, and take a full lane while they are trying to get to work or drop kids off at school?

I mean, you could ask all the same questions about anyone else on the road, in whatever vehicle. I don't think bicyclists are inherently MORE dangerous to you if you're in a car than other drivers are. If you want to complain about them, that's fine, but don't frame it around concern for their well being or their family's futures.

Nope. Every car needs to move to a lane with oncoming traffic in-order to pass a slow bicyclist. No other vehicle: car, truck, bus, van, motorcycle or scooter causes that consistently. Worse of all, it's recreational and totally avoidable. If it's recreational aren't there safer places? And any time you force a vehicle onto oncoming traffic you place them at risk. Don't fool yourself. If someone got hurt - it's on your hands.

Do you only drive on one-lane roads? And what makes you think all cycling is only recreational? But at least you're now complaining about cycling's effects on you, not on the risks to the cyclists themselves, this is an improvement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Beyond - Beach drive. This is a problem all over the area. Full respect and patience for those that can only commute via a bike; share the road with infinite patience.

The ones that do it recreationally and can ride almost anywhere else less dangerous; why am I dealing with these guys? I don't think the law was written with these guys in mind.

I used to ride my bike every weekend and I did it on a trail or I did it on a road with little traffic. I commuted to work a few times. My attitude was safety for myself and others around me. I took a few timed risk crossing busy intersections when I had to. But for the most part using my body as a shield so I can protect my rights to ride on a busy road is stupidity. Do these people not have kids or family that their actions unnecessarily jeopardize their family lives as well? They look like Karens on wheels at this point.

Sort of up to them if they want to take risks with their health, isn’t it? If it’s okay with their families, I don’t see why you need to get upset about it.

Well what if someone trying to pass them hits me or my family? Did they make a decision for all of us if they don't care about themselves or their families? If it's recreational why cause the hazardous situation in the first place?

Trying to understand where they are coming from? Are they OK if I ride at 5mph, during rush hour, and take a full lane while they are trying to get to work or drop kids off at school?

I mean, you could ask all the same questions about anyone else on the road, in whatever vehicle. I don't think bicyclists are inherently MORE dangerous to you if you're in a car than other drivers are. If you want to complain about them, that's fine, but don't frame it around concern for their well being or their family's futures.

Nope. Every car needs to move to a lane with oncoming traffic in-order to pass a slow bicyclist. No other vehicle: car, truck, bus, van, motorcycle or scooter causes that consistently. Worse of all, it's recreational and totally avoidable. If it's recreational aren't there safer places? And any time you force a vehicle onto oncoming traffic you place them at risk. Don't fool yourself. If someone got hurt - it's on your hands.

Do you only drive on one-lane roads? And what makes you think all cycling is only recreational? But at least you're now complaining about cycling's effects on you, not on the risks to the cyclists themselves, this is an improvement.

Cyclists put themselves at risk when they make a conscious choice to ride in traffic, neglect to signal, refuse to use bike paths, speed down hills, through stop signs and traffic signals and all the other stupid stuff they do. Not my monkeys not my circus. When driving I tend to try to ignore or pass without a thought to how much space I give them.

[Anonymous]

Just chiming in to say I hate the bikers on Beach and I scream at them (with my windows closed) to use the trail. Anyone saying the bike trail (that is RIGHT there) is unsuitable for bikes is ridiculous. It is much safer for them to ride on the trail. There is a lot of hubris that they must ignore the trail and ride on the road where passing is stressful and not passing is maddening.