Bikes on sidewalks

[Anonymous]

I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

Because it only makes it worse for you to provoke. Be the better person, turn the other cheek, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

Because it only makes it worse for you to provoke. Be the better person, turn the other cheek, etc.

I am not provoking. You're not supposed to be on the sidewalk in the business district. Therefore, you need to yield to pedestrians. And you especially don't been to be going 40 miles per hour on the sidewalk behind someone. Get over yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

Because it only makes it worse for you to provoke. Be the better person, turn the other cheek, etc.

I am not provoking. You're not supposed to be on the sidewalk in the business district. Therefore, you need to yield to pedestrians. And you especially don't been to be going 40 miles per hour on the sidewalk behind someone. Get over yourself.

*I* am not on the sidewalk in the business district and *I* yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians also wander around, ignore bicycle bells and scream at bicyclists.

The other day, I was riding OUTSIDE the downtown, on a stretch of Wisconsin between Tenley and the Cathedral which is a truly frightening place to ride a bicycle, and I was on an otherwise deserted and wide sidewalk, and way up ahead I spotted three women walking, spread quite far apart across the entire sidewalk... I slowed down, I rang my bell repeatedly, I called out and I was ignored—not intentionally, but I think they were deep in conversation, gesticulating and carrying on. So I slowed to a crawl, and kept about 10 feet back at walking pace until there was a bus stop where the sidewalk widened, I slowly started to go around them, again ringing the bell and calling out "on your left" — finally one noticed, and told the others, who promptly whirled around, with looks of rage and one of them took a step towards me, forcing me onto the grass and then all three of them yelled at me as I rode away that I should've warned them, one screamed that I was an a-hole.

I had every legal right to be there, I was considerate, I was patient and I risked my own harm to make sure I was nowhere near them and they still were nasty. By your reasoning, I should've stopped and engaged with them. Why? They wouldn't care. They were wrong and didnt' give a shit. I rode away, content that I had done what I was required to do, supposed to have done and should have done. Hopefully, they told the story in a huff to someone at the office who, not being a hated bicyclist, might have been able to explain to them why they were inconsiderate AND at fault.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

Because it only makes it worse for you to provoke. Be the better person, turn the other cheek, etc.

I am not provoking. You're not supposed to be on the sidewalk in the business district. Therefore, you need to yield to pedestrians. And you especially don't been to be going 40 miles per hour on the sidewalk behind someone. Get over yourself.

*I* am not on the sidewalk in the business district and *I* yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians also wander around, ignore bicycle bells and scream at bicyclists.

The other day, I was riding OUTSIDE the downtown, on a stretch of Wisconsin between Tenley and the Cathedral which is a truly frightening place to ride a bicycle, and I was on an otherwise deserted and wide sidewalk, and way up ahead I spotted three women walking, spread quite far apart across the entire sidewalk... I slowed down, I rang my bell repeatedly, I called out and I was ignored—not intentionally, but I think they were deep in conversation, gesticulating and carrying on. So I slowed to a crawl, and kept about 10 feet back at walking pace until there was a bus stop where the sidewalk widened, I slowly started to go around them, again ringing the bell and calling out "on your left" — finally one noticed, and told the others, who promptly whirled around, with looks of rage and one of them took a step towards me, forcing me onto the grass and then all three of them yelled at me as I rode away that I should've warned them, one screamed that I was an a-hole.

I had every legal right to be there, I was considerate, I was patient and I risked my own harm to make sure I was nowhere near them and they still were nasty. By your reasoning, I should've stopped and engaged with them. Why? They wouldn't care. They were wrong and didnt' give a shit. I rode away, content that I had done what I was required to do, supposed to have done and should have done. Hopefully, they told the story in a huff to someone at the office who, not being a hated bicyclist, might have been able to explain to them why they were inconsiderate AND at fault.

SP, in every scenario, I should have done what I did, but THEY should have not been walking three abreast—not out of consideration of bicyclists, but out of consideration anyone that was going faster than their waddling pace (joggers, fast walkers, etc.) AND if they HAD to be walking three abreast, and I understand it is nice to walk with friends, then they should've been keeping an ear out for anyone (bicyclist, jogger, walkers) and when they did realize someone was near, they should have done the same as me, given as much distance as possible... and even if I was a real POS bicyclist who was doing the wrong thing, they should'e sitll done all that.

And no one should'e yelled at anyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bicyclists can’t ever win with non-bicyclists. We don’t want them on our roads or our sidewalks, but they’ve got to ride somewhere.

Do they though? Do they have to?

Are you suggesting we ban bicycles?

I'm not suggesting we ban them, but I am suggesting that you don't HAVE to ride your bike anywhere in this city. You choose to which is ok, but certainly not a necessity.

+1

This is their choice!

Does anyone have the stats on pedestrians killed by bicyclists in the DMV last year? I can find data for pedestrians killed by motor vehicles and bicyclists killed by motorvehicles, but am having trouble finding the bike on pedestrian fatalities... is this the kind of stuff that Mayor Woke won't release?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

Because it only makes it worse for you to provoke. Be the better person, turn the other cheek, etc.

I am not provoking. You're not supposed to be on the sidewalk in the business district. Therefore, you need to yield to pedestrians. And you especially don't been to be going 40 miles per hour on the sidewalk behind someone. Get over yourself.

*I* am not on the sidewalk in the business district and *I* yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians also wander around, ignore bicycle bells and scream at bicyclists.

The other day, I was riding OUTSIDE the downtown, on a stretch of Wisconsin between Tenley and the Cathedral which is a truly frightening place to ride a bicycle, and I was on an otherwise deserted and wide sidewalk, and way up ahead I spotted three women walking, spread quite far apart across the entire sidewalk... I slowed down, I rang my bell repeatedly, I called out and I was ignored—not intentionally, but I think they were deep in conversation, gesticulating and carrying on. So I slowed to a crawl, and kept about 10 feet back at walking pace until there was a bus stop where the sidewalk widened, I slowly started to go around them, again ringing the bell and calling out "on your left" — finally one noticed, and told the others, who promptly whirled around, with looks of rage and one of them took a step towards me, forcing me onto the grass and then all three of them yelled at me as I rode away that I should've warned them, one screamed that I was an a-hole.

I had every legal right to be there, I was considerate, I was patient and I risked my own harm to make sure I was nowhere near them and they still were nasty. By your reasoning, I should've stopped and engaged with them. Why? They wouldn't care. They were wrong and didnt' give a shit. I rode away, content that I had done what I was required to do, supposed to have done and should have done. Hopefully, they told the story in a huff to someone at the office who, not being a hated bicyclist, might have been able to explain to them why they were inconsiderate AND at fault.

Were you in your bike uniform insisting on getting exercise in that part of town knowing how dangerous it is to ride your bike and knowing that the beach drive is closed just for you?

Perhaps find a better place to get your ride in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

Because it only makes it worse for you to provoke. Be the better person, turn the other cheek, etc.

I am not provoking. You're not supposed to be on the sidewalk in the business district. Therefore, you need to yield to pedestrians. And you especially don't been to be going 40 miles per hour on the sidewalk behind someone. Get over yourself.

*I* am not on the sidewalk in the business district and *I* yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians also wander around, ignore bicycle bells and scream at bicyclists.

The other day, I was riding OUTSIDE the downtown, on a stretch of Wisconsin between Tenley and the Cathedral which is a truly frightening place to ride a bicycle, and I was on an otherwise deserted and wide sidewalk, and way up ahead I spotted three women walking, spread quite far apart across the entire sidewalk... I slowed down, I rang my bell repeatedly, I called out and I was ignored—not intentionally, but I think they were deep in conversation, gesticulating and carrying on. So I slowed to a crawl, and kept about 10 feet back at walking pace until there was a bus stop where the sidewalk widened, I slowly started to go around them, again ringing the bell and calling out "on your left" — finally one noticed, and told the others, who promptly whirled around, with looks of rage and one of them took a step towards me, forcing me onto the grass and then all three of them yelled at me as I rode away that I should've warned them, one screamed that I was an a-hole.

I had every legal right to be there, I was considerate, I was patient and I risked my own harm to make sure I was nowhere near them and they still were nasty. By your reasoning, I should've stopped and engaged with them. Why? They wouldn't care. They were wrong and didnt' give a shit. I rode away, content that I had done what I was required to do, supposed to have done and should have done. Hopefully, they told the story in a huff to someone at the office who, not being a hated bicyclist, might have been able to explain to them why they were inconsiderate AND at fault.

Were you in your bike uniform insisting on getting exercise in that part of town knowing how dangerous it is to ride your bike and knowing that the beach drive is closed just for you?

Perhaps find a better place to get your ride in.

I was going from Point A to Point B, neither of which had anything to do with Beach Drive which is 1+ miles away. Why on earth would I be there?

How about they just not be selfish nasty people and be as courteous as I was being towards them? Or, preferably, the city installs protected bike lanes and starts enforcing traffic laws and then I'd HAPPILY ride in the street away from those selfish old hogs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

Because it only makes it worse for you to provoke. Be the better person, turn the other cheek, etc.

I am not provoking. You're not supposed to be on the sidewalk in the business district. Therefore, you need to yield to pedestrians. And you especially don't been to be going 40 miles per hour on the sidewalk behind someone. Get over yourself.

*I* am not on the sidewalk in the business district and *I* yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians also wander around, ignore bicycle bells and scream at bicyclists.

The other day, I was riding OUTSIDE the downtown, on a stretch of Wisconsin between Tenley and the Cathedral which is a truly frightening place to ride a bicycle, and I was on an otherwise deserted and wide sidewalk, and way up ahead I spotted three women walking, spread quite far apart across the entire sidewalk... I slowed down, I rang my bell repeatedly, I called out and I was ignored—not intentionally, but I think they were deep in conversation, gesticulating and carrying on. So I slowed to a crawl, and kept about 10 feet back at walking pace until there was a bus stop where the sidewalk widened, I slowly started to go around them, again ringing the bell and calling out "on your left" — finally one noticed, and told the others, who promptly whirled around, with looks of rage and one of them took a step towards me, forcing me onto the grass and then all three of them yelled at me as I rode away that I should've warned them, one screamed that I was an a-hole.

I had every legal right to be there, I was considerate, I was patient and I risked my own harm to make sure I was nowhere near them and they still were nasty. By your reasoning, I should've stopped and engaged with them. Why? They wouldn't care. They were wrong and didnt' give a shit. I rode away, content that I had done what I was required to do, supposed to have done and should have done. Hopefully, they told the story in a huff to someone at the office who, not being a hated bicyclist, might have been able to explain to them why they were inconsiderate AND at fault.

Were you in your bike uniform insisting on getting exercise in that part of town knowing how dangerous it is to ride your bike and knowing that the beach drive is closed just for you?

Perhaps find a better place to get your ride in.

I was going from Point A to Point B, neither of which had anything to do with Beach Drive which is 1+ miles away. Why on earth would I be there?

How about they just not be selfish nasty people and be as courteous as I was being towards them? Or, preferably, the city installs protected bike lanes and starts enforcing traffic laws and then I'd HAPPILY ride in the street away from those selfish old hogs.

You insisted on riding your bike when there are many more, safer options available. I'm sure you won't see the irony in calling them "selfish old hogs."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am not a cyclist, but I VASTLY prefer cyclists stay on the sidewalk. They get killed so often on the road, but don't kill any pedestrian on the sidewalk. I walk with my kids and dog, and move to the grass or otherwise give them the right of way. This is because they can hurt us if they run us over. In the end, it's not what the law says, it's the heavier projectile that wins. I am glad to give them the right of way if it means they don't we can all cohabit with as few collisions, injuries and deaths as possible.

I will say that the cyclists on my current route are courteous, in that they don't go fast, they announce their presence and give us a wide berth. I used to walk on the Crescent Trail, where I encountered a couple of really aggressive, mentally-ill cyclists who swore at pedestrians for no reason. But the immense majority of bike-users are decent folk.

As a cyclist, I get shouted at by pedestrians to get into the street, and when in the street, I get shouted at by motorists to get on the sidewalk.

You're all loons, everyone just be more courteous.

You first. I don't mind the polite cyclists. It's just that 90% are not.

I am a polite cyclist, but the "you first" attitude is why we have a problem. Try giving a shit about your community.

I'm not sure why you're expecting me to be polite someone who is about to run me over. I walk in DC every day. In the business district. Between the bikes, scooters and cars, it's a miracle I make it to the office and home. Try walking on the sidewalk or crossing the street by the Union Station. It's madness.

Because it only makes it worse for you to provoke. Be the better person, turn the other cheek, etc.

I am not provoking. You're not supposed to be on the sidewalk in the business district. Therefore, you need to yield to pedestrians. And you especially don't been to be going 40 miles per hour on the sidewalk behind someone. Get over yourself.

*I* am not on the sidewalk in the business district and *I* yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians also wander around, ignore bicycle bells and scream at bicyclists.

The other day, I was riding OUTSIDE the downtown, on a stretch of Wisconsin between Tenley and the Cathedral which is a truly frightening place to ride a bicycle, and I was on an otherwise deserted and wide sidewalk, and way up ahead I spotted three women walking, spread quite far apart across the entire sidewalk... I slowed down, I rang my bell repeatedly, I called out and I was ignored—not intentionally, but I think they were deep in conversation, gesticulating and carrying on. So I slowed to a crawl, and kept about 10 feet back at walking pace until there was a bus stop where the sidewalk widened, I slowly started to go around them, again ringing the bell and calling out "on your left" — finally one noticed, and told the others, who promptly whirled around, with looks of rage and one of them took a step towards me, forcing me onto the grass and then all three of them yelled at me as I rode away that I should've warned them, one screamed that I was an a-hole.

I had every legal right to be there, I was considerate, I was patient and I risked my own harm to make sure I was nowhere near them and they still were nasty. By your reasoning, I should've stopped and engaged with them. Why? They wouldn't care. They were wrong and didnt' give a shit. I rode away, content that I had done what I was required to do, supposed to have done and should have done. Hopefully, they told the story in a huff to someone at the office who, not being a hated bicyclist, might have been able to explain to them why they were inconsiderate AND at fault.

Were you in your bike uniform insisting on getting exercise in that part of town knowing how dangerous it is to ride your bike and knowing that the beach drive is closed just for you?

Perhaps find a better place to get your ride in.

I was going from Point A to Point B, neither of which had anything to do with Beach Drive which is 1+ miles away. Why on earth would I be there?

How about they just not be selfish nasty people and be as courteous as I was being towards them? Or, preferably, the city installs protected bike lanes and starts enforcing traffic laws and then I'd HAPPILY ride in the street away from those selfish old hogs.

You insisted on riding your bike when there are many more, safer options available. I'm sure you won't see the irony in calling them "selfish old hogs."

No.

Anyway, I solved the problem.

[Anonymous]

pedestrians don't have an obligation to get out of the way because you ring the bell. It's nice if they do but they are not obligated to. Do bikes in the street have an obligation to get out of a cars way because the car hits its horn? I don't see how bike's can't treat pedestrians with the same respect they are seeking in the road