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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]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. [/quote]

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.  [/quote]

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! [/quote]

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

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? [/quote]

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):

[b]    Stop at all red lights and stop signs.[/b]
[b]    Ride defensively – expect the unexpected.[/b]
    Ride with traffic, never against it.
[b]    Use hand signals when turning or stopping.[/b]
    Yield right of way to pedestrians.
[b]    Pass on the left when overtaking a vehicle.[/b]
[b]    Use marked bike lanes or paths when present.[/b]
[b]    Use sharrow lane markers to navigate in shared travel lanes.[/b]
    Use caution when crossing ramps.
[b]    Never ride more than two abreast.[/b]
    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.[/quote]

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