"cyclists shold stay off the roads"

[Rageaholic]

Hmm, I'm a recreational cyclist and I'm a motorist and I can see both sides of this arguement.

First of all, I don't care what any article says, biking on the sidewalk may mean more risk of crashing into people and other cyclists, but I'd rather risk that than getting mowed down by a huge vehicle moving 40 MPH.

Second of all, on most roads, cars are going at least 40MPH. A lot of cyclists don't even go that fast (at least the ones I've come across). The fact still remains that they are holding up traffic if they are going too much lower than the speed limit, which is ILLEGAL. Cars are easier to get up to speed and slow down, but with bikes, that depends on how fast you can peddle, so it varys.

I haven't had that much of a problem with cyclists, but I have seen some pretty stupid things. I saw one guy biking right out in the middle of the busiest intersection in my county, at night, when it was raining. Of course, I've also seen stupid pedestrians (one guy walk right out in front of me, completely relying on my brakes to stay alive). And of course, idiot drivers, but I won't go there.

On the cyclist side, I have experienced similar frustrations. The biggest one being the limited space on the sidewalk. There is nothing I hate more than that oblivious old man who's taking up the entire sidewalk listening to his headphones while I am trying to let him know that I need to get by. He just continues walking, slowly, not knowing there are people who don't want to continue at a snails pace. And no grandma, I did not try to run over your grandkids. I stayed on MY side of the sidewalk, while you and your kids were on the other side. Don't be yelling at me just because I'm on a bike.

I also hate when the sidewalk just ends and you HAVE to bike on the road. It's a pain for both cyclists and motorists.

I think there needs to be some way for cyclists to get around, even if it's just a seperate lane on the road. I just don't see this happening soon because it would cost taxpayers money, but there has to be a better solution than biking in the street, amoungst other cars.

Just my 2 cents on this issue.

[Lace Neil Singer]

There's special cycle paths where I live; however, the aforementioned lycra louts seem to think that it's beneath their dignity to use them. -.- They tend to take up half the pavement and are clearly marked, but a lot of pedestrians use them as pavement.

[blas87]

I run into that problem a lot, too. I live in a very bike friendly city, with special bike lanes on most roads, yet it seems a lot of cyclists are "too good" to use them, and have that mentality that they have just the same right to use the traffic lanes as motor vehicles do, and it's not uncommon to see a pile-up at certain times because there's a cyclist in a traffic lane, ignoring the bike lane, and traffic can't go any further than 20 mph or so in a 30-35 or +.

[ladyneeva]

In my opinion, it doesn't particularly matter what should happen a lot of times, only what DOES happen.

It really doesn't matter that you are correct that motorists should share the road. The reality of the situation is that some of them think that they don't need to share the road with you.

And 'right' will not create a force field to protect you from serious injury or even death should someone who is in the wrong decide to push the matter. And yeah, probably they'll even get caught and punished and all... but that won't make you any less dead either.

By the same token however, the 'Critical Mass' idiots who break the law themselves to protest other people breaking the law is moronic in the extreme. It is like bombing for peace, or holding an orgy to promote abstinence -- what they're doing is the exact opposite of what they want to accomplish which is to make everyone on the roads follow the same set of laws and respect each other.

Of course, recent experiences have convinced me that the concept of respect has been redefined to mean "never disagree with the majority", so perhaps breaking the law to protest breaking the law makes sense in some weird twisted way.

[Slytovhand]

My main problem is about 99.99999% of the bicyclists I run into don't.

I hope you've got bull-bars! Otherwise you'll have some nasty dents there...


BK, there are 2 immediate issues I have with your general arguments for greater cyclist usage of the roads.

Firstly, at least where I come from, cyclists don't need to be made aware of the traffic laws the same way that motorists do. First, you get your learner's permit after getting the local traffic laws book, studying it, and then passing the exam. After that, you can learn to drive by a qualified professional, not only for knowing how to use a vehicle, but also for implementing those laws that you only know in theory.

Bicycle riders do not require any of the above before they start cycling on roads! (sure, they probably do know, being drivers too, but that's not actually the point!)


Secondly, also where I come from, there is no bicycle registration for those who choose to use the roads. Drivers and riders of other vehicles are required to pay registration fees, which in theory help to maintain and to build new roads. Thus, in theory, bicyclists do not pay any money towards the upkeep of the main transportation system!

Therein lies a great part of the issue that a lot of drivers have for bicyclists, other than the aforementioned issues regarding some and their total and complete ignorance for the laws - and often for other drivers.

Put the 3 together, and yes, I can see a lot of anger towards them!

Is it fair? Partly. Towards all bicyclists? Nope! Not at all. Sure, there are many car, bus, truck and motorbike drivers who also need to be taken off the roads as well!

You see, while you are asking for more respect to be given to cyclists on the roads, the cyclists also need to show some respect to the other road users - and that includes pedestrians ! (yeah, I've seen that one!!)

In theory, I have no problem with bikes (of any type) on the roads... but in practice....???

(btw, roads were actually built for pedestrians! You know - the Roman soldiers so they could help control their provinces in the outlying regions.. and then to trade with them so they started having carts on them, with horses and oxen and donkeys pulling them.... bicycles didn't come for quite some time later! Following your logic, cars should be elsewhere, and pedestrians have the roads to themselves... (now getting images of cart drivers yelling at the people "Get off the road, you moron!!!" well, that and a horse rider....)

[McDreidel09]

I won't judge all cyclists based on them, but the f*ckers who ride their bikes on campus and think that gives them the right to run over pedestrians REALLY piss me off.

Oh my gosh! Thank you! Don't know how many times I have been close to getting hit, but it is really really not fun. Bikes on campuses should have bells on them or something.

I'm gonna go with a good majority and say that I have no problem with cyclists who obey the laws and don't act stupid when in the road. My town isn't exactly bicycle friendly. Before I got my car, I used my bicycle as a mode of transportation. I rode in the road, but never in any busy streets. I took the back roads and when there were cars, I would go closer to the edge of street so they could pass.

While I was a good cyclist, there is an overwhelming majority who are not here. This happens to happen at night. They wear black clothing, take off their reflectors, and are generally invisible until it is almost too late to stop or go into the other lane. They tend to ride in groups, so they will barely give you enough room to go.

Those in the example above are the ones I have a problem with.

[Lace Neil Singer]

I run into that problem a lot, too. I live in a very bike friendly city, with special bike lanes on most roads, yet it seems a lot of cyclists are "too good" to use them, and have that mentality that they have just the same right to use the traffic lanes as motor vehicles do, and it's not uncommon to see a pile-up at certain times because there's a cyclist in a traffic lane, ignoring the bike lane, and traffic can't go any further than 20 mph or so in a 30-35 or +.

That really bugs me; of course, I can get around them usually.... unless, we're talking about three or four cyclists riding three or four abreast!

[blas87]

Yep, I get that a lot, too. Usually an entire Yuppie family out for a Saturday afernoon excercise in the middle of the road.....

[linguist]

because there's a cyclist in a traffic lane, ignoring the bike lane, and traffic can't go any further than 20 mph or so in a 30-35 or +.

it's funny i should happen into this thread to see this today, because that's exactly what happened to me this morning. the majority of my commute is down a windy, hilly road that's only one lane in each direction. there's no safe place to pass on the road (at least not on the stretch i drive) because it's essentially a long series of blind curves and hills. it also happens to be very popular with cyclists. i have no problem with this most of the time. 99% of them are courteous and will pull onto the (improved) shoulder to let cars pass when they are in front of one. this morning, though, i got stuck behind a cyclist driving in the middle of the lane who refused to move over. thus, i spent most of my drive going 15-20mph (in a 50mph zone), and my normally 25-minute commute took me almost 45.

[HYHYBT]

Ah, yes, my favorite: black clothing and missing or broken reflector, at night, on a major road that is almost never used by cyclists. It's hard to avoid people you can't see until the last moment. I try, of course, and have so far always succeeded, but while it may legally be my fault (not sure on this; there's something about "last chance to avoid an accident" or something), morally it would be yours. And anyway, you'd be the one dead.

[Lace Neil Singer]

Yeah; the fact that you were right wouldn't make it any easier on your family. :/

Yep, I get that a lot, too. Usually an entire Yuppie family out for a Saturday afernoon excercise in the middle of the road.....

Remember seeing that in the summer; about eight people, two adults and the rest children, all cycling wildly in the middle of the road. None wore helmets, and all had on shorts and t-shirts.

I had to beep them before they got out of my way; I know it sounds a bit arsey, but honestly; I was on my way to work and I would have been late if I'd crawled behind them the whole way. They were being extremely dangerous in any case; treating a flipping main road like a country track. -.-

[Cat]

In my town, the cyclists are pretty good about obeying the laws (even on this one nasty windy road...they have prety damn strong legs there, ha!)

In my bf's town, they are usually on the sidewalk or going the wrong way....and usually youngins...meh...they don't pop out in front of the car so its not too terrible.

While hiking, I've seen good and bad cyclists as well...one trail I frequent cyclists are supposed to give walkers the of way, I find it much easier for all for me to just step outta the way. I do get annoyed when they don't let themselves be known...sometimes they are coming up fast! The only other irksome thing with trail cyclists are when they are riding where no bikes are allowed.

You're gonna find good people and asshats in every situation. I've been thinking about getting a bike, but I do prefer my own two feet (and Icannot bike to work).. Maybe one of these days...

[LewisLegion]

I'm going to take the exact same tack if I'm a bike rider being harrassed by a jerk in a car that I would if I was a sedan driver being harrassed by a jerk in a semi. In other words, I would do whatever it takes to avoid being hit or run off the road by said asshat, even if I had to pull over, drive up on the sidewalk, or pull some other manuever.

Because I'm not willing to die to make a point on principle. Yeah, I may have the lawful right to drive down this lane but the huge semi blowing the red light is a concern I'm going to do my utmost to AVOID...not keep going and hope he doesn't hit me because, after all, the law is on my side.

I may have the lawful right to bike down this lane and share the road with cars but I'm sure as hell going up on the sidewalk if some jackass in a pickup decides he'd rather try and run over me than respect my rights.

[jackfaire]

not keep going and hope he doesn't hit me because, after all, the law is on my side.

Hence why we teach our children to look both ways because having the right of way doesn't make you any less dead.

[MadMike]

I don't think cyclists need to "stay off the roads", except for the ones that want to be on the roads but seem to forget about having to follow the same rules as the drivers. I've seen quite a few idiots on bikes who go down the wrong way of a one way street, cut out in front of or weave in between cars, run lights, and all kinds of other stupid things.

I'm not saying they all do it, or even that most of them do it. It's probably just like customers -- most of them are OK, but it's the sucky ones that stick out in our minds.