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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't know where this pull to the right nonsense is coming from

Cyclists have a right to the road just like cars

I blow through stopsigns and treat traffic lights like yields but I always check first. I used to obey all traffic laws but in DC no bikers actually wait at red lights or come to a full and complete stop at a 4 way stop so I joined the local customs.

It does amaze me watching some bikers blow through without looking. Thats asking for a serious accident.

I love the bike lanes in DC. Its tough riding in downtown I tend to avoid it if at all possible. Sometimes there is no choice and its pretty dangerous. I have a right to be on the road.

You are doing it wrong. An Idaho stop, as defined in Idaho law (and the few other places it has been made legal) involves treating a stop sign as a yield sign (NOT blowing through) and treating a red light as a stop sign (not as a yield sign) While there are many who do what you do, I would say the vast majority do "proper Idahos" and rarely do what you do.

Thats what I do. Most of the 4 way stops are empty when I go by them which is why I "blow through" them and obviously if there are any vehilces, bikes, or pedestrians present I stop

[Anonymous]

Also I see a fair amount of idiot bikers blowing through intersections without looking at all which is flirting with serious injury or death

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know where this pull to the right nonsense is coming from

Cyclists have a right to the road just like cars

I blow through stopsigns and treat traffic lights like yields but I always check first. I used to obey all traffic laws but in DC no bikers actually wait at red lights or come to a full and complete stop at a 4 way stop so I joined the local customs.

It does amaze me watching some bikers blow through without looking. Thats asking for a serious accident.

I love the bike lanes in DC. Its tough riding in downtown I tend to avoid it if at all possible. Sometimes there is no choice and its pretty dangerous. I have a right to be on the road.

You don't get to pick the laws that you feel apply to you because of "local customs". You have a right to the road but not to your own set of rules based on nothing more than "local customs".

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Just got home from my errands. While out, I encountered a pack of cyclists. They were taking a left turn from Falls Road (heading North) onto River Road in Potomac. There were several cars behind them also taking a left and others who were heading south on Falls taking a right onto River. There had to be at least five or six cars right behind the pack of cyclists after they completed their turn and were heading down River. You would think a decent cyclist would eventually pull over to the right to let motorists pass. I watched. They continued to ride in their pack taking up the entire road for several minutes, forcing cars to have to pass in lane of oncoming traffic. This is so dangerous. Isn't there a law that requires cyclists to not take up the whole road? I want to hear from you jerks who do this and understand why it is you do it!

This is different from a single person on a bike, who I agree should stay on the shoulder IF doing so is safe (that's a big "if.").

A "pack" of cyclists on the road you describe are road racers out for an organized ride which a large part of the point is to stay close together and "draft" off each other. That's part of the sport. (https://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/aerodynamics2.html) So, no, they are not going to pull over to let you pass them, or go single-file. But, they also biking at about 25 mph, so it's not going to kill you to wait for them to turn.

I will say that reading these "I hate bikers" threads on DCUM is one of the reasons I have become more aggressive about taking the whole lane when bike commuting to work. So many people say "I almost think they deserve to get hit" that it confirms the feeling I have when trying to stay to the right side of the road that many drivers don't give a fuck if they come WAY too close to me and nearly hit me. Staying in the middle of the lane is the more defensive position because it would take a real psychopath to actually run me over directly, but I can see plenty of you evil commenters "innocently" side-swiping me and feeling kind of smug while you left me to die in the street.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Just got home from my errands. While out, I encountered a pack of cyclists. They were taking a left turn from Falls Road (heading North) onto River Road in Potomac. There were several cars behind them also taking a left and others who were heading south on Falls taking a right onto River. There had to be at least five or six cars right behind the pack of cyclists after they completed their turn and were heading down River. You would think a decent cyclist would eventually pull over to the right to let motorists pass. I watched. They continued to ride in their pack taking up the entire road for several minutes, forcing cars to have to pass in lane of oncoming traffic. This is so dangerous. Isn't there a law that requires cyclists to not take up the whole road? I want to hear from you jerks who do this and understand why it is you do it!

This is different from a single person on a bike, who I agree should stay on the shoulder IF doing so is safe (that's a big "if.").

A "pack" of cyclists on the road you describe are road racers out for an organized ride which a large part of the point is to stay close together and "draft" off each other. That's part of the sport. (https://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/aerodynamics2.html) So, no, they are not going to pull over to let you pass them, or go single-file. But, they also biking at about 25 mph, so it's not going to kill you to wait for them to turn.

I will say that reading these "I hate bikers" threads on DCUM is one of the reasons I have become more aggressive about taking the whole lane when bike commuting to work. So many people say "I almost think they deserve to get hit" that it confirms the feeling I have when trying to stay to the right side of the road that many drivers don't give a fuck if they come WAY too close to me and nearly hit me. Staying in the middle of the lane is the more defensive position because it would take a real psychopath to actually run me over directly, but I can see plenty of you evil commenters "innocently" side-swiping me and feeling kind of smug while you left me to die in the street.

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

If a car were going slower than you, would you risk the pass? If not, would you run it off the road? Passing a cyclist "too close" to protect yourself means that you were passing where it was not safe to do so. There's no justifying that.

You are precisely the type of driver that is a menace to cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If a car were going slower than you, would you risk the pass? If not, would you run it off the road? Passing a cyclist "too close" to protect yourself means that you were passing where it was not safe to do so. There's no justifying that.

You are precisely the type of driver that is a menace to cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.

If Im not allowed into the other lane because of a double yellow then yes. You are also impeding traffic. Every effing farmer in the world knows to pull their tractor over and allow people to pass. Sorry about your exercise but find a safe spot on the shoulder and give way and allow cars a safe way to pass you. It wouldn't be a problem if you could travel at speed but you cant and you are therefor impeding traffic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a cousin who is temporarily living in Germany. He is amazed at how nicely the Germans treat all cyclists. He is not looking forward to coming home because he enjoys his commute to his job by bike!

That's a country with high education standards and low crime.

We don't live in such a country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If a car were going slower than you, would you risk the pass? If not, would you run it off the road? Passing a cyclist "too close" to protect yourself means that you were passing where it was not safe to do so. There's no justifying that.

You are precisely the type of driver that is a menace to cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.

If Im not allowed into the other lane because of a double yellow then yes. You are also impeding traffic. Every effing farmer in the world knows to pull their tractor over and allow people to pass. Sorry about your exercise but find a safe spot on the shoulder and give way and allow cars a safe way to pass you. It wouldn't be a problem if you could travel at speed but you cant and you are therefor impeding traffic.

Would you run a tractor off the road then?

Your complaint is that someone (a driver, a cyclist, a tractor) isn't properly allowing people to pass. Your solution appears to be to run them off the road. You think that's how drivers should behave?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If a car were going slower than you, would you risk the pass? If not, would you run it off the road? Passing a cyclist "too close" to protect yourself means that you were passing where it was not safe to do so. There's no justifying that.

You are precisely the type of driver that is a menace to cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.

If Im not allowed into the other lane because of a double yellow then yes. You are also impeding traffic. Every effing farmer in the world knows to pull their tractor over and allow people to pass. Sorry about your exercise but find a safe spot on the shoulder and give way and allow cars a safe way to pass you. It wouldn't be a problem if you could travel at speed but you cant and you are therefor impeding traffic.

Would you run a tractor off the road then?

Your complaint is that someone (a driver, a cyclist, a tractor) isn't properly allowing people to pass. Your solution appears to be to run them off the road. You think that's how drivers should behave?

I've yet to run anything or anyone off the road, but I would honk my horn. Am I allowed to honk my horn at you to let you know you are impeding traffic?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I've yet to run anything or anyone off the road, but I would honk my horn. Am I allowed to honk my horn at you to let you know you are impeding traffic?

The cyclist in me says "yes" so long as you've provided me a reasonable chance to get over in a place where passing is safe, and you don't blow it so loudly as to startle.

Cyclists, except the jackasses who where headphones, are very attuned to having a vehicle on their shoulder - we know you're there - a horn doesn't usually add to it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a cousin who is temporarily living in Germany. He is amazed at how nicely the Germans treat all cyclists. He is not looking forward to coming home because he enjoys his commute to his job by bike!

My guess is that German cyclists are also more thoughtful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If a car were going slower than you, would you risk the pass? If not, would you run it off the road? Passing a cyclist "too close" to protect yourself means that you were passing where it was not safe to do so. There's no justifying that.

You are precisely the type of driver that is a menace to cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.

If Im not allowed into the other lane because of a double yellow then yes. You are also impeding traffic. Every effing farmer in the world knows to pull their tractor over and allow people to pass. Sorry about your exercise but find a safe spot on the shoulder and give way and allow cars a safe way to pass you. It wouldn't be a problem if you could travel at speed but you cant and you are therefor impeding traffic.

A There are lots of places where passing across the line is allowed.
B. In some states, including Pennsylvania it is permissible to cross a solid line to pass a cyclist. I believe such a law has been proposed in Va. In general if you do it where there is good visibility, it is quite safe. As a cyclist, in choosing where to take the lane, I try to be conscious of the visibility for drivers who would need to cross the line to pass.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

If a car were going slower than you, would you risk the pass? If not, would you run it off the road? Passing a cyclist "too close" to protect yourself means that you were passing where it was not safe to do so. There's no justifying that.

You are precisely the type of driver that is a menace to cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.

If Im not allowed into the other lane because of a double yellow then yes. You are also impeding traffic. Every effing farmer in the world knows to pull their tractor over and allow people to pass. Sorry about your exercise but find a safe spot on the shoulder and give way and allow cars a safe way to pass you. It wouldn't be a problem if you could travel at speed but you cant and you are therefor impeding traffic.

Would you run a tractor off the road then?

Your complaint is that someone (a driver, a cyclist, a tractor) isn't properly allowing people to pass. Your solution appears to be to run them off the road. You think that's how drivers should behave?

I've yet to run anything or anyone off the road, but I would honk my horn. Am I allowed to honk my horn at you to let you know you are impeding traffic?

You can honk to make me aware of your presence. Unless you are driving an electric vehicle, I am already aware of your presence. No, you may not honk to expres your displeasure with my riding style.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

Just got home from my errands. While out, I encountered a pack of cyclists. They were taking a left turn from Falls Road (heading North) onto River Road in Potomac. There were several cars behind them also taking a left and others who were heading south on Falls taking a right onto River. There had to be at least five or six cars right behind the pack of cyclists after they completed their turn and were heading down River. You would think a decent cyclist would eventually pull over to the right to let motorists pass. I watched. They continued to ride in their pack taking up the entire road for several minutes, forcing cars to have to pass in lane of oncoming traffic. This is so dangerous. Isn't there a law that requires cyclists to not take up the whole road? I want to hear from you jerks who do this and understand why it is you do it!

This is different from a single person on a bike, who I agree should stay on the shoulder IF doing so is safe (that's a big "if.").

A "pack" of cyclists on the road you describe are road racers out for an organized ride which a large part of the point is to stay close together and "draft" off each other. That's part of the sport. (https://www.exploratorium.edu/cycling/aerodynamics2.html) So, no, they are not going to pull over to let you pass them, or go single-file. But, they also biking at about 25 mph, so it's not going to kill you to wait for them to turn.

I will say that reading these "I hate bikers" threads on DCUM is one of the reasons I have become more aggressive about taking the whole lane when bike commuting to work. So many people say "I almost think they deserve to get hit" that it confirms the feeling I have when trying to stay to the right side of the road that many drivers don't give a fuck if they come WAY too close to me and nearly hit me. Staying in the middle of the lane is the more defensive position because it would take a real psychopath to actually run me over directly, but I can see plenty of you evil commenters "innocently" side-swiping me and feeling kind of smug while you left me to die in the street.

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.

I don't want the middle of the lane. I take it because it is the safest choice.