Bicyclists =/= targets of genocide

[Gerrinson]

The author of this article tries to equate the genocide attempts on my ancestors to the plight of bicyclists on roadways. Link: http://www.bicyclinglife.com/Effecti...nalization.htm

I have a hard time taking seriously anyone that compares the attempted genocide of my Native ancestors to their 'right' to bicycle on the road. Its just disgusting. Riding a bicycle is a choice, you were not born to it and most drivers are not out to kill you or even harass you. And most drivers don't hand out smallpox ridden blankets, either.

Of course, the person who sent me that link also seemed to take offense to my suggestion that bicyclists adhere to right of way and respect the laws of physics in regards to motor vehicles and their inability to magically 'stop' with no warning. If you ignore that, then you are clearly asking for bad things to happen to you - like getting hit by said motor vehicle.

Obviously I've taken leave of my senses...

In response to the linked page:

In a major city one could possibly justify saying 'eliminate motor vehicles', but you're going to have a hard time convincing me that I should be bicycling 20 miles each way to work in the middle of a New England winter. Especially since several miles of that is uphill on the commute in to work. Oh, and did I mention the part where my knees are shot? Yeah, I should totally not be allowed to drive because bicycles were here first!

Since we're doing a comparison to Natives, does that mean I can force everyone to live in teepees and wigwams like my ancestors did? No more indoor plumbing for you! HAHA!

Most people I see on bicycles in my area - 9 out of 10 or better - are world class EWs who ignore every rule of the road, up to and including riding against traffic in the middle of the road. Or riding along at a death defying 5 MPH with helmet held in one hand and cell phone in the other. When people obey the law, I don't complain. But I rarely see it around here. If you expect me to take you seriously, perhaps you should demonstrate the ability for your 'minority' to act seriously.

On a side note, I notice the author conveniently left out the incidents where Critical Mass riders and other groups have turned violent with people in cars. I mean, yeah, drivers are terrorists, but if bicyclists mob a lone driver we'll just conveniently ignore it.

And to the person who sent me the link: Being a on a bicycle does not automatically make you superior to everyone in a car. Being anti idiots who break the law, ignore the rules, and create hazardous situations does not equate to being anti-bicycle. I'm anti idiot. Sadly, the two groups have a massive crossover in this county. Your soap box, step off it once it in awhile and try to see it from the other guy's perspective.

And before anyone says I'm a hypocrite, let's be clear: If a bicyclist is obeying the laws and a driver does, in fact, harass or attempt to harm them, then it is most definitely the driver's fault. I've never said otherwise, nor would I.

[Gravekeeper]

"Mode-ism"? Seriously? On the International Scale Of Douchebaggery that rates at least a "Cockpunch".

[jackfaire]

Also in my case I doubt my coworkers want me arriving to work sweaty and smelly and then having to smell me for the rest of the day. Things you know these people never take into account. Oh and the people that often lecture on "You should be riding a bike to work" are on the same light rail I am on only with a bike that gets in the damn way.

To be clear I don't mind the bikes in the bike area but when those are full we still get people bringing their bikes on and blocking areas for other other passengers.

My combination of walking/public transit is just as valid as your biking/public transit.

[Gravekeeper]

My combination of walking/public transit is just as valid as your biking/public transit.

Bikes are banned from the Skytrain here during rush hours, and only 2 per car are allowed during off hours. All of the buses have bike racks on the front though for cyclists.

[jackfaire]

Bikes are banned from the Skytrain here during rush hours, and only 2 per car are allowed during off hours. All of the buses have bike racks on the front though for cyclists.

There are four racks on every car of the lightrail and 2 spots on the front of every bus. Not a big deal if there are more cyclists in non peak hours but unfortunately without a rule against them during Rush Hour Bikes take up the amount of space 3 people would so for every one cyclist that is 3 spots that can't be used.

[Lace Neil Singer]

Round where I live, there's two groups of cyclists. There are the law abiding ones, a sad minority. And there are the Lycra Louts, who run red lights, cycle in the middle of the road and ignore the cycle paths that they bitched about having.

[Cats]

I would like to point out that in some areas, providing all other laws are being followed, cyclists ARE allowed to be in the middle of the lane. I myself do not use this right unless I have no other choice (due to say, debris on the side or parked cars) simply out of courtesy to drivers who can move faster than I, but it is still my right nonetheless. That may not apply everywhere, but I'm just throwing that out there.

There aren't very many cyclists in my town at all. At least, they're not in the downtown area where I live. Many of them DO break traffic laws, but I can say the same thing about drivers here as well. Neither group is better than the other, PERIOD. EWs are EWs no matter what they're riding in or on. Cylists are not better because they can sneak on the side and don't have plates that can be tracked, and motorists aren't better simply because they have a 2 ton hunk of metal at their disposal.

On one street, I do illegally ride on the sidewalk (well, technically here it isn't completely illegal, you're just not supposed to be going faster than pedestrians if there are any). Reason is, that street is lined with parking spots, and the road on each side is wide enough only for a vehicle and not a cyclist on the side. Motorists who pass me and cross the yellow line in doing so almost NEVER slow down and yield to the oncomming traffic first (on ANY street, not just this one). I don't want to be the unintended catylist of causing an accident in the heart of downtown because some idiot didn't look where they were going first. I know there's a good chance of it happening eventually if I did stay in the road there. I see most of the same pedestrians every day on that sidewalk anyway, and no one has ever complained or insulted me or anything of the like (unlike random motorists some days), so I assume they're cool about it.

It really bugs me how the bad cyclists out there give the law abiding ones like myself a bad rep. I don't see many people cycling at night, but I have not seen a SINGLE one (other than myself) who has the front and rear lights are required by law (reflectors only so so much, since they require light to actually shine at them to work). Half of them aren't even wearing helmets (why the hell not? If you ever get into an accident, even if it wasn't even your fault, you at least stand a better chance of surviving a potential head injury).

[AdminAssistant]

There's a small handful of eco freaks here who also subscribe to the "cars are teh ebil" line of thinking. Um, I'm sorry, this isn't one of the Coasts, or a large city. There are buses and a few bike lanes, but it's a hell of a lot easier to get around by car.

[jackfaire]

When I do ride my bike I prefer to do so on the sidewalk out of traffic and use cross walks. Bike lanes and car lanes often cross each other. Other cyclists look at me on the sidewalk no one is using like I committed a crime.

[Lace Neil Singer]

I didn't say middle of the lane, but middle of the ROAD. Cyclists certainly are not allowed to do that; no-one is.

[HYHYBT]

The vast majority of the cyclist I run into (well, you know what I mean) keep to the bike lane if there is one, otherwise to the right of the regular lane unless there's a good reason not to (some of the storm drains here will bend a *car's* wheel; you certainly wouldn't want to hit one on a bike), definitely stay out of the fast lane, etc.

Those who don't, though... well, we're not allowed to run over people just for being idiots, probably because everybody is one in one way or another

[Lachrymose]

[BlaqueKatt]

Of course, the person who sent me that link also seemed to take offense to my suggestion that bicyclists adhere to right of way and respect the laws of physics in regards to motor vehicles and their inability to magically 'stop' with no warning. If you ignore that, then you are clearly asking for bad things to happen to you - like getting hit by said motor vehicle.

Obviously I've taken leave of my senses...

no you said you didn't understand-I offered an explanation-I wonder where you got that from this quote*-as that was all I sent-methinks you read waaaayyyy too much into things.

I really don't understand why so many people on bikes seem to have zero respect for cars on the road. Especially given that the laws of physics that are stacked against the cyclists if any sort of collision takes place...

*"Much as 19th Century American leaders terrorized and killed Native American tribes, justified their actions through Manifest Destiny, and then blamed the tribes for contributing to their own downfalls, motorists terrorize cyclists and pedestrians (especially when we get in their way while obeying the written laws), justify encouragement of still more and faster motor vehicle use through the construction of enormous parking lots and wider, more frightening highways , and them blame cyclists and walkers for acting – out of fear for their lives -- in ways contrary to the rules of the road."


and in your response you accused me of agreeing with it, I most certainly do not.

Understanding a contrary position to one's own=/=agreement with said contrary position.

I understand religion, and I'm an Atheist.
I understand vegans and vegetarians, and I'm a carnivore/omnivore.
I understand alcoholism, I don't drink.
I understand both the pro-lifers and pro-choicers-OMG how can that be?!!!!

I strongly believe bikes should adhere to the rules of the road, but I can understand why they sometimes don't. Just as I can understand when car drivers don't adhere to the rules of the road.

I do not believe any road user other than emergency vehicles takes priority as you assume simply because I understand the reasons behind it.


The only way any two opposing groups can find common ground is through understanding the other's position, it's called the free marketplace of ideas.

And quite simply the article is using a comparison of something most people know and understand-the colonist's treatment of the native tribes, he also uses a comparison to the Nazis at one point. If you were trying to explain what a horse was to someone that had never seen one, but they owned cows, you would probably compare and contrast to a cow as it's something they know.

[Gravekeeper]

And quite simply the article is using a comparison of something most people know and understand-the colonist's treatment of the native tribes, he also uses a comparison to the Nazis at one point. If you were trying to explain what a horse was to someone that had never seen one, but they owned cows, you would probably compare and contrast to a cow as it's something they know.

The problem is the comparison is weak, frankly offensive and in poor taste. Inventing a new "ism" word on top of that is complete douchery.

[Racket_Man]

I have to say this: IF the "cyclists" (I am including ALL persons young old whatever riding a cycle whether conventional or recombinant) in my area would actually follow the rules of the road I WOULD have no problems.

BUT as I am on the road for a good 5 - 8 hours a day as a delivery driver I see it all.

I encounter a lot of "trainers" that is persons who have their helmet on, reflective clothing, sometimes have rearview mirror of some form to observe what is behind theme and who engage in being aware of their surroundings even on the higher speed rural roadways

all too often though bike riders are all over the street esp the younger ones (who I believe think they are immortal) they do NOT look, listen or pay attention. they suddently dart out into the street or traffic flow without even looking as to what is on the road with them and around them. HELL I have seen a cyclist almost take out a pedestiran more times then I care to count.

some of them should be REAL thankful I still have good reaction times and GOOD BRAKES.

now throw in things like cellphones and you get an even bigger problem. yes I see people riding a bicycle and talking and/or texting often enough.

I would like for the article writer to do what I do for 6 months or a year so they can see just how stupid people on cycles can reaslly be then see how they feel then. let's see what a few "near misses" (cause someone on a bike doing something really stupid) will do for their disposition.