This is a shame. When I was younger, motorists were aware of us kids riding our bikes along the side of the road and just watched out for us. And us kids also knew enough to watch out for cars coming at us and from behind. For some reason, drivers no longer operate with the care necessary for safety for themselves and others. And as for those riders with the light-weight ten speeds, wearing helmets and neoprene riding suits, for some reason, they challenge drivers with a chauvinistic attitude that they are going to demand their share of the road, even if you have to hit them! This legislation wasn\’t needed in the past but the future will see more where members of society no longer take responsibility for themselves but rather make demands of others!
I agree with these remarks totally. Drivers everywhere seem to be more agressive and less courteous. If I get there first I win attitude. On the other side, I once had one of those fancy dressed bikers pull out in front of my car in a small town and when I honked my horn he started swearing at me as if it was my fault he wasn\’t paying attention. Why can\’t we all just get along?
I wish they would put legislation here (Louisiana) that the bicyclists cannot ride on highways. We have bicyclists that hog up an entire side of two way highways where vehicles are allowed to go 55 mph. Seems to me they should not be there. It\’s a danger to everyone.
I know drivers in vehicles can be aggressive and discourteous, but the bicyclists act like they own the highways.
They have very nice bike paths here, but they are too good for that. They might have to brake, unlike the vehicles driving on highways.
There are places where cyclists don\’t belong. They are banned on turnpikes and parkways, but other highways involving speed limits of 55mph or more have no restrictions. The fact is, some cyclists aren\’t content with hugging the shoulder. They drift into the driving lane (not cycling lane). On more than one ocassion I was driving a two-lane country highway,came over a ridge in the road, and found a cyclist in the center of my lane. I work in lower Manhattan where traffic is very congested. I\’m amazed by the number of fools who cycle and think they are the same as an automobile. There\’s no quick fix for this except common sense and courtesy on the part of drivers and cyclists.
I\’ll tell what a quick fix for this is. Motorists should start plowing these bike riding, hippie commie \”I\’m saving the world by not polluting on my bike\” make me want to barf idiots right into the blacktop! Then, the City should give the motorist a medal for a job well done.
Ok, now you have touched a nerve, but where do I begin… First, why must you refer to us cyclists as those fancy dressed bikers? Is that because you feel threatened by our level of fitness and, due to your own dismal level of fitness, wouldn\’t be caught dead in the same clothing? I don\’t refer to you people as those uppity, suit wearing insurance nerds. (I work in marketing so that doesn\’t apply to me.) Second, I think drivers are less conscious of bikers, than bikers are conscious of drivers. Me on a bike vs. you in a car? That is one battle I don\’t want to try, so don\’t think for a second that I believe I \”own\” the road and you have to fall in behind me. Trust me, I know you are there! Just be polite and pass with care. Slowing down for a quarter of a mile isn\’t going to make you late. Finally, share the road, as the law requires. Can\’t tell you how many times I have to lock up my wheels because some moron is too impatient and turns right in front of me, rather than wait five seconds for me to pass.
Ok, it\’s 3:00 on Friday and I am stepping down from my soapbox. I look forward to your responses!
TPG – I don\’t think I understand your statement regarding the auto turning right in front of you. If you are behind, do you not have to stop/slow while they turn as you would in a car?
In general, I agree, drivers need to be more aware of cyclists. If we can\’t do it on our own (and it doesn\’t seem we can) then it must be legislated.
I like the outfits… improves the view while I follow patiently behind.
If I am riding thru a green light at an intersection, many times cars will speed up to quickly make the right turn in front of me. Since I am going straight and have the right of way, the cars should wait until I am thru the intersection. Hope that explains it.
And for those of you who think you are being witty as we both wait at a red light… No, I don\’t have any Grey Poupon.
Not sure if we need more legislation. Common sense would work in this and many other situations.
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This is a shame. When I was younger, motorists were aware of us kids riding our bikes along the side of the road and just watched out for us. And us kids also knew enough to watch out for cars coming at us and from behind. For some reason, drivers no longer operate with the care necessary for safety for themselves and others. And as for those riders with the light-weight ten speeds, wearing helmets and neoprene riding suits, for some reason, they challenge drivers with a chauvinistic attitude that they are going to demand their share of the road, even if you have to hit them! This legislation wasn\’t needed in the past but the future will see more where members of society no longer take responsibility for themselves but rather make demands of others!
I agree with these remarks totally. Drivers everywhere seem to be more agressive and less courteous. If I get there first I win attitude. On the other side, I once had one of those fancy dressed bikers pull out in front of my car in a small town and when I honked my horn he started swearing at me as if it was my fault he wasn\’t paying attention. Why can\’t we all just get along?
I wish they would put legislation here (Louisiana) that the bicyclists cannot ride on highways. We have bicyclists that hog up an entire side of two way highways where vehicles are allowed to go 55 mph. Seems to me they should not be there. It\’s a danger to everyone.
I know drivers in vehicles can be aggressive and discourteous, but the bicyclists act like they own the highways.
They have very nice bike paths here, but they are too good for that. They might have to brake, unlike the vehicles driving on highways.
There are places where cyclists don\’t belong. They are banned on turnpikes and parkways, but other highways involving speed limits of 55mph or more have no restrictions. The fact is, some cyclists aren\’t content with hugging the shoulder. They drift into the driving lane (not cycling lane). On more than one ocassion I was driving a two-lane country highway,came over a ridge in the road, and found a cyclist in the center of my lane. I work in lower Manhattan where traffic is very congested. I\’m amazed by the number of fools who cycle and think they are the same as an automobile. There\’s no quick fix for this except common sense and courtesy on the part of drivers and cyclists.
Bill,
I\’ll tell what a quick fix for this is. Motorists should start plowing these bike riding, hippie commie \”I\’m saving the world by not polluting on my bike\” make me want to barf idiots right into the blacktop! Then, the City should give the motorist a medal for a job well done.
Why the drunk biking provision?
Ok, now you have touched a nerve, but where do I begin… First, why must you refer to us cyclists as those fancy dressed bikers? Is that because you feel threatened by our level of fitness and, due to your own dismal level of fitness, wouldn\’t be caught dead in the same clothing? I don\’t refer to you people as those uppity, suit wearing insurance nerds. (I work in marketing so that doesn\’t apply to me.) Second, I think drivers are less conscious of bikers, than bikers are conscious of drivers. Me on a bike vs. you in a car? That is one battle I don\’t want to try, so don\’t think for a second that I believe I \”own\” the road and you have to fall in behind me. Trust me, I know you are there! Just be polite and pass with care. Slowing down for a quarter of a mile isn\’t going to make you late. Finally, share the road, as the law requires. Can\’t tell you how many times I have to lock up my wheels because some moron is too impatient and turns right in front of me, rather than wait five seconds for me to pass.
Ok, it\’s 3:00 on Friday and I am stepping down from my soapbox. I look forward to your responses!
TPG – I don\’t think I understand your statement regarding the auto turning right in front of you. If you are behind, do you not have to stop/slow while they turn as you would in a car?
In general, I agree, drivers need to be more aware of cyclists. If we can\’t do it on our own (and it doesn\’t seem we can) then it must be legislated.
I like the outfits… improves the view while I follow patiently behind.
Kay, I agree with you 100% on the view. I live off of a 2 lane country road, and alsmost always slow down to enjoy the view from behind.
Kay,
Glad you enjoy the view! I try my best!
If I am riding thru a green light at an intersection, many times cars will speed up to quickly make the right turn in front of me. Since I am going straight and have the right of way, the cars should wait until I am thru the intersection. Hope that explains it.
And for those of you who think you are being witty as we both wait at a red light… No, I don\’t have any Grey Poupon.
Not sure if we need more legislation. Common sense would work in this and many other situations.