Just trying to get a feel for where folks here stand on the notion that cyclists should stay out of the way of cars.

By the way, all of the polls I have been launching lately, including this one, are not "anonymous."
Why hide identity? If you don't want us to know what your opinion is, then why participate in these forums at all?
And if you're not willing to defend/explain your choice, then I, for one, am not interested in knowing what it is.

I voted none as my position is:

"Cyclists should move out of the way of motorists when and only when it is safe and practical because it's polite."

Al

So if you need to get in the way of motorists in order to get to a left turn lane, you would stay out of the way of faster motorists? After all, it's the polite and safe thing to do in that situation, is it not?

Of course not, I should have said: "move over when and only when it is safe and practical" I edited my original statement above.

It would not be practical to move over toward right if one was intending to turn left.

Al

I'll state the obvious...I use common sense. If I have to get in the middle of the lane and stay there for some reason, then I have no problems doing it. At the same time I do not enjoy riding with those that feel the need to educate motorists about their rights.

Sure I've flipped off a car or two (literally 1 or 2) in 19 years of riding, but it never solves anything. I also make it a point not to yell, "Oh yeah? Well when the revolution comes I'm going to melt down that SUV and make myself a bike out of it!" <--Heard on ride last year. . . not reccommended, but hilarious when said in the correct tone of voice....

But it is contridictory to making the turn.

Personally I tend to ride out of the way of motorists so I don't have to deal with them... If I am out of the way, they tend to easily flow past me... otherwise both myself and the motorists have to continually negotiate. Now "not dealing with them" does not mean ignoring them.

But I generally believe as noisebeam stated:
"Cyclists should move out of the way of motorists when and only when it is safe to do because it's polite."

It is simply a matter of reducing conflict. That doesn't mean that conflicts do not arise... they do everyday, as there are many streets in my area that require "taking the lane" simply to get on down the road. In these cases I am right in the lane (slightly to left or right of middle) and holding that position until it is safe to do otherwise.

But generally speaking, I tend to stay out of the way... but have no problem getting in their way, if the need arises.

By law in most states bicycles are vehicles and cyclists should obey all traffic laws. Since they are frequently moving more slowly than most vehicles around them cyclists should pay extra attention to the laws and customs governing slow moving vehicles.

I believe Cyclists should work and communicate with motorists as much as possible. Let them pass when it is reasonable to do so. If the motorist has shown the cyclist he is a total moron then I would recommend staying out of his way and let natural selection follow him away from you.

+1

I try to avoid the topic entirely and ride for fun and exercise.

I intend to stay alive\ out of harms way and use whatever means to do so. End of discussion.

Cyclist should feel no absolutely obligation to stay out of the way of cars. All roads and highways, unless privately owned or designated otherwise, are public access multi-use facilities.

It's not so much that I am in there way as that they are choosing to be in a hurry.

I like the way you think.

Danka :)

I think all road users should cooperate to stay out of one another's way and maximize the smooth flow of traffic while maximizing the utility of scarce resources like parking spots. No reason why the burdens should apply to a single user class.

Paul

If you're not with us, you're against us! Sound familiar? Why is it so important for you to know each individual's vote? I understand you take this thing to heart, but jeez, dude, lighten up...

Why should it be up to the cyclist? Where's the option for "The motorist should respect the cyclist's space and right to the road, be patient, and drive in a safe, responsible manner?"

I'm not interested in knowing what someone thinks if he or she has not thought about it enough to be able to explain and defend it. I want to poll those who have really thought about the issue; I have no interest in baseless opinions. I believe making voters visible helps filter out the "riff-raff" votes, if you will.

If someone can't explain why he has the opinion that he has, because he doesn't understand himself why he has the opinion that he has, then he is probably less likely to vote in a poll where people can see how he voted and ask him about it.

I want to encourage informed and thoughtful opinions. I want to encourage folks to get informed and really understand why they believe what they believe. I believe "open" polls do that better more than "closed" polls.

Motorists don't even respect the space of other motorists. Until they do I'm going to keep in mind that my 175 pound bike and rider are no match for a 3000 pound car if the car wants to push the issue.

SS

Then you agree, that the motorist is the problem and not the cyclist.

+1. I also second Psimet2001 in saying, "I use common sense."

What's the big hang-up with this topic? If the question is "Should a cyclist ride down the middle of the street?", I say NO. "Should a cyclist stay as far to the right of the road as possible?", I say YES.

Do you see yourself as a cycling advocate?

Absolutely.
The vast majority of drivers don't pay attention, or they think of no one but themselves. Not to pat myself on the back but I'm a very careful and observant driver. This is due to many years of riding a bicycle and a motorcycle and being a target of some brain-dead driver once in a while. I'm very aware of my responsibility to see what's around me because I know what it's like to be on the other side. The problem is most drivers don't.
That being said, my point was that while the problem lies with the motorist, I'm not willing to press the issue of who's right or wrong with a 3000 lb. car travelling 30 or 40 mph. Whether I'm right or wrong I'll lose. Catastophically. I somewhat admire those VCs who do ride more like they're another car, and maybe 25 years I would have been right there too. But not these days. Too many other things to live for.

SS