I hate bicyclists!

naetog · #1 06-30-2011, 03:45 AM

They want all of the rights of the road with none of the responsibilities.

I have a bike. I ride it intelligently. Apparently that's too much to ask from others...

I live in a popular biking neighborhood, up a narrow, windy two lane road. So, why do 86% of bicyclists insist on riding uphill, around blind corners, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD? Most of the time there is at least two people riding next to one another, being closer to the yellow line than the shoulder. Stay to the right. Is it that hard?

Additionally, nobody on a bike EVER stops at a stop sign or yields to traffic as they should. Really?

I won't comment on how close I follow these people until I can pass them, or how close I have come when not yielding to bikers who blow stop signs.

On a related note, most of these people should not be wearing bike shorts....

End rant. A little common sense is apparently too much to ask.

nick_aua · #2 06-30-2011, 04:23 AM

I wouldn't put every bicyclist in the same basket. I have been riding a bike for over 10 years, 5 of which were in the center of Athens (to my college and back) and since I always followed traffic rules ( as well as helmet, gloves, reflectors etc)I never had a problem with car drivers. I agree that common sense and traffic rules must be followed by everyone, but imagine if all those bicycles you encounter were cars, would that be better? I can't imagine they delay you THAT much! And of course anyone who blows a stop sign is a moron no matter the vehicle! The bicyclists' community in your area must be reminded that traffic rules apply to everyone though...
Cheers!

*smb · #3 06-30-2011, 04:25 AM

Every cyclist thinks they're the one responsible cyclist.

nick_aua · #4 06-30-2011, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naetog

On a related note, most of these people should not be wearing bike shorts....

What do you mean?

nick_aua · #5 06-30-2011, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *smb

Every cyclist thinks they're the one responsible cyclist.

Where do I ever imply that I'm THE ONE responsible?

bmc · #6 06-30-2011, 04:48 AM

I hate cyclists.

Despite that, I have been a cycle commuter for 23 years. Many are decent, respectful of road rules. And with the good come the bad. Swerving out in lanes, riding side by side in heavy traffic.

There are lots of good and bad. It's just that you notice the bad more than the good.

nick_aua · #7 06-30-2011, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmc

It's just that you notice the bad more than the good.

That's true

Jim Nazium · #8 06-30-2011, 04:58 AM

Bite me.

P. Aaron · #9 06-30-2011, 05:00 AM

Within a week we'll see another lousy motoring thread. But why do cyclists think they're doing themselves favors by riding in the oncoming lane of motor traffic. Who thought this up as a good or even reasonable practice? It's suicidal.

Runners do this too, still a bad idea.

Ziltoid · #10 06-30-2011, 05:01 AM

And bicyclists hates you.

tjmdetroit · #11 06-30-2011, 05:10 AM

naetog... would you care for a little cheese with your whine? That's how it is... deal with it! Figure out a way to work around it so you don't have to cry in public forums.... just sayin!

i_got_a_mohawk · #12 06-30-2011, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naetog

They want all of the rights of the road with none of the responsibilities.

I have a bike. I ride it intelligently. Apparently that's too much to ask from others...

I live in a popular biking neighborhood, up a narrow, windy two lane road. So, why do 86% of bicyclists insist on riding uphill, around blind corners, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD? Most of the time there is at least two people riding next to one another, being closer to the yellow line than the shoulder. Stay to the right. Is it that hard?

Additionally, nobody on a bike EVER stops at a stop sign or yields to traffic as they should. Really?

I won't comment on how close I follow these people until I can pass them, or how close I have come when not yielding to bikers who blow stop signs.

On a related note, most of these people should not be wearing bike shorts....

End rant. A little common sense is apparently too much to ask.

Nice rant, just bolded a few interesting parts

Yes, you get terrible cyclists, but you also get terrible drivers. I don't think the percentages are too different in reality.

However, the big difference:

Bad cyclist = dead cyclist
Bad driving = dead cyclist

If you have a car, you have a fair weight advantage

I've not ridden in years. Keep meaning to bring my bike from my parents to my flat, but I don't know if I would want to handle the road I'd need to take to work. The drivers on it are mental (plus four, 2-3 lane roundabouts!)

nick_aua · #13 06-30-2011, 05:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naetog

... 86% of bicyclists...

fhm555 · #14 06-30-2011, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

...Runners do this too, still a bad idea...

One got killed here a month or so back running againt traffic in the predawn gloom. He had reflective stuff on, but that was not enough to protect him as he met a car in a blind curve and both were in the same travel lane.

Simo98 · #15 06-30-2011, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P. Aaron

But why do cyclists think they're doing themselves favors by riding in the oncoming lane of motor traffic. Who thought this up as a good or even reasonable practice? It's suicidal.

I do it when longboarding, although only a percentage of the time, and I can imagine I would also do it if running for the same reason. Also i'm talking suburban roads, so pretty minimal traffic.

When i'm just cruising/pushing along the road, I skate on the wrong side of the road as I can see if any cars are coming etc. That way if I feel like doing any sliding or tricks(poorly) I know i've got plenty of time, and i'm also keeping an eye on the traffic while doing it. When approaching a corner, I either move right over to the side of the road, or more often check behind me and then skate around the corner on the correct side of the road.

If i've got some speed up, I skate on the correct side of the road, as i'm not going to have a head on and chances are any cars are going to take a while to close the distance, giving them plenty of time to see me.

Of course as a cyclist you are treated as a vehicle, so riding on the wrong side of the road is not only pretty stupid (as you are going quite fast), but also completely illegal.

hover · #16 06-30-2011, 05:34 AM

You know, the bigger problem here is motorists that think the road is only theirs, exclusive of pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc, and drive with this mentality.

News flash: IT'S NOT YOUR COTTDAMN ROAD! So stop treating it like your own closed course. It's this mentality is why I am fearful each and every time my son gets on his bike.

Febs · #17 06-30-2011, 05:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naetog

I live in a popular biking neighborhood, up a narrow, windy two lane road. So, why do 86% of bicyclists insist on riding uphill, around blind corners, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD? Most of the time there is at least two people riding next to one another, being closer to the yellow line than the shoulder. Stay to the right. Is it that hard?

If the lane is a substandard width (i.e., not a sufficient width for a car to safely pass the cyclist), riding in the lane is much safer for the cyclist than riding to the right, because it forces the car to wait until it is actually safe to pass rather than trying to squeeze by the cyclist in a lane where there is not sufficient space to do so. In those situations, the cyclist has every legal right to the full use of the lane.

Quote:

Originally Posted by naetog

I won't comment on how close I follow these people until I can pass them, or how close I have come when not yielding to bikers who blow stop signs.

Sounds like you need to review the rules of the road, and exercise some of the same common sense that you purport to demand from others. Do you realize how hypocritical it is of you to criticize cyclists for failing to follow the rules of the road, and then in the very next sentence boast about your own violation of those same rules?

fhm555 · #18 06-30-2011, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hover

You know, the bigger problem here is motorists that think the road is only theirs...

My personal faves are the hardcore NASCAR fans who want to be just like their heroes.

Do you see bumper stickers like this?

"I'm not tailgating...I'm drafting"

"I'm not speeding...I'm qualifying"

Almost without fail, when you encounter an overly aggressive driver in these parts, there will be some kind of NASCAR sticker on the vehicle.

The Bassmonkey · #19 06-30-2011, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by naetog

I hate bicyclists

Thats ok dude, we hate you too

Actium · #20 06-30-2011, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *smb

Every cyclist thinks they're the one responsible cyclist.

Same for drivers. Share the road and stop being such bitter cock bites. I understand most of you guys are frustrated about slaving away at a 8-5er job when you fly by going 15 over the speed limit in suburbia. Take it out with whatever hobby you have, not on the road.