How do you ride?
11-27-12, 10:31 AM
#226
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01-19-13, 12:51 PM
#227
the digitalmouse
A ride through Copenhagen, Denmark on a recumbent trike I used to store for sale. Gives you a sense of my daily rides around town.
01-19-13, 01:17 PM
#228
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I live in Manchester which is a fairly big city and I live in the suburbs.
There is a canal running through my area and I find its towpaths very useful for avoiding traffic and for getting around the area.
There is also a river running not far away
which I ride on fairly often and it is well used locally for walking dogs, riding horses and of course cycling.
There is pretty decent cycle provision in Manchester on some routes though there are some areas fairly lethal to cyclists still where I have yet to venture.
I had cause to ride into Manchester today and I went down one main route with no problems in the usual Saturday shopping traffic. There are cycle lanes down most of the route tho I had to filter into the middle lane on two occasions as the left lane filtered off to the left only and I was heading straight on.
Also there is a cycle lane at a major junction which cars have to cross over in order to turn left but I stay out of it and take the lane to the right instead until the lights where it just goes straight n.
There are good cycle paths on the pavement further on and where it ends at busy traffic lights its possible to cross over onto wide cycle paths on the opposite side.
This is useful in rush hour when its pretty daunting to be coming off the cycle path and back onto the road with loads of cars stopped at the red light.
I was never sure whether to just come off the path and carry on down the road or to wait until the lights changed green but now its easier just to cross.
But then I have to cross back over the road further on when the cycle land ends and its only pavement where its illegal to ride.
So in busy rush hour its sometimes just easier to get onto the road and carry on.
But mostly I just ride my bike wherever I go, running errands going to work or visiting my folks whatever, and also go on organised rides led by British Cycling trained ride leaders who take us on rides varying from 2/3 miles to 27 miles + on or off road which are great fun and saves riding alone.
There is a canal running through my area and I find its towpaths very useful for avoiding traffic and for getting around the area.
There is also a river running not far away
There is pretty decent cycle provision in Manchester on some routes though there are some areas fairly lethal to cyclists still where I have yet to venture.
I had cause to ride into Manchester today and I went down one main route with no problems in the usual Saturday shopping traffic. There are cycle lanes down most of the route tho I had to filter into the middle lane on two occasions as the left lane filtered off to the left only and I was heading straight on.
Also there is a cycle lane at a major junction which cars have to cross over in order to turn left but I stay out of it and take the lane to the right instead until the lights where it just goes straight n.
There are good cycle paths on the pavement further on and where it ends at busy traffic lights its possible to cross over onto wide cycle paths on the opposite side.
This is useful in rush hour when its pretty daunting to be coming off the cycle path and back onto the road with loads of cars stopped at the red light.
I was never sure whether to just come off the path and carry on down the road or to wait until the lights changed green but now its easier just to cross.
But then I have to cross back over the road further on when the cycle land ends and its only pavement where its illegal to ride.
So in busy rush hour its sometimes just easier to get onto the road and carry on.
But mostly I just ride my bike wherever I go, running errands going to work or visiting my folks whatever, and also go on organised rides led by British Cycling trained ride leaders who take us on rides varying from 2/3 miles to 27 miles + on or off road which are great fun and saves riding alone.
01-29-13, 05:05 AM
#229
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I think it important to be seen and able to see no matter what I look like. Hi viz wear is my preference and rear view mirrors were practical. I am trying out an helmet mirror I have just made, which surprisingly is very practical. I am relatively new to cycling and see the danger to cyclists much more than when I drove my car. It amazes me that some road bikers still choose not to take precautions. "See and be seen".
03-30-13, 04:29 PM
#231
Musicgalaxyman
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Oh boy....I can tell right now my answer is going to be weird.
I do not ride on roads, an acquaintance got wrapped in a truck wheel well after the truck ran him over, guess I'm paranoid. They couldn't find him after the accident..."where's the rider?"
I ride on dirt bike trails, of which there are many where I live. All year round, in snow, unless so deep I can't keep the wheels moving.
I do not ride on roads, an acquaintance got wrapped in a truck wheel well after the truck ran him over, guess I'm paranoid. They couldn't find him after the accident..."where's the rider?"
I ride on dirt bike trails, of which there are many where I live. All year round, in snow, unless so deep I can't keep the wheels moving.
08-06-13, 10:19 AM
#232
Newbie
Could not agree more. I now wear hi visibility jersey and always wear a mirror. Some people say a mirror will not save you and by the time you see a drifting vehicle it's too late. Well, I was able to see a Van last summer weaving on highway and I could tell immediately it was time to get out of the way. The woman driving was drunk - told to me by a kind motorist who stopped when they saw me take half a digger in the gravel. They had been following her and called 911. I can easily say I would of been hit and probably mangled if not for my mirror. Here in Wisconsin I am lucky in one sense to have some great low traffic highways to ride but there are also drunks, uneducated drivers, texters like everywhere else to always keep an eye out for. Be defensive always!
08-15-13, 01:27 PM
#233
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I live in a rural/urban city with ample bike lanes and most of the streets are 25-35 MPH. There are many cross streets with street parking and for these I act as if I am a motorist. When I have a bike lane, ours are wide enough for 2 abreast, I ride in those. They are well kept and cleaned of debris often. It's a college town so the driving can be a bit hectic at time. If I'm on one of our more major roads without a bike lane, I ride the shoulder, which can be a bit treacherous.
If I'm at a stop sign or red light without a bike lane and there are already cars stopped ahead of me, I do NOT pass in the shoulder but simply wait in line like a motorist. While waiting, I make sure to make eye contact with the drivers around me, just so I know that they know I'm there. When turning right without having to stop, I put my left arm up in the air in a fist then motion to the right. The only thing that is tricky is navigating to a left turning lane. I try to plan my routes so as to maximize my use of right hand turns so that I can avoid crossing traffic lanes.
deputyjones, you should research your community and see if there are any bicycle safety rally rides. These are rides where sometimes over 100 cyclists get together and ride through town in an effort to spread awareness for "VC". They are typically fun events with the cyclists dressing up to a theme. Especially look for one around Halloween.
If I'm at a stop sign or red light without a bike lane and there are already cars stopped ahead of me, I do NOT pass in the shoulder but simply wait in line like a motorist. While waiting, I make sure to make eye contact with the drivers around me, just so I know that they know I'm there. When turning right without having to stop, I put my left arm up in the air in a fist then motion to the right. The only thing that is tricky is navigating to a left turning lane. I try to plan my routes so as to maximize my use of right hand turns so that I can avoid crossing traffic lanes.
deputyjones, you should research your community and see if there are any bicycle safety rally rides. These are rides where sometimes over 100 cyclists get together and ride through town in an effort to spread awareness for "VC". They are typically fun events with the cyclists dressing up to a theme. Especially look for one around Halloween.
10-13-13, 04:02 PM
#234
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As a kid I lived in a small urban sprawl housing development with back roads. I started biking rural roads in Western PA and trails through the woods on a mountain bike. In college I biked with a mountain bike to campus on paved trails. I mostly stuck to campus/trails/pathways around the small college town. In my mid twenties I moved to Denver where I put the Denver bar scene in far more importance than cycling. I never biked streets and mostly stuck to city bike trails. Then somebody stole my Cannondale mountain bike in downtown Denver one day. I then went cycleless for three years.
At the age of 30 I moved back home (well the city of Pittsburgh not the exurbs) and I bought my Cannondale Bad Boy. I figured it would be a bike for me, and I wanted to be one of those urban cyclist as at this time. At first I had to learn something I never really did before, and that is to safely bike city streets. I remember when I started I would do what I would never do now such as timidly riding as far over to the right in door zones and then getting squeezed in by cars going the same speed. I was to afraid to take lanes.
Now I am bold in my cycling. I route throughout the city everyday in 25 to 35 mile zones. There are other 45 MPH 2 lane arteries in the city. I tend to stay off these and use parallel routes. Pittsburgh has old, windy, narrow streets with lots of street parking. Building bike lanes is not as easy as some newer flat cities where bike lanes can be painted on the streets far easier. I ride using bike lanes, sharrow roads, and streets that run through neighborhoods with limited grid lock. I mostly take the lane while biking close to the speed limit on flat streets or down hill. I then will move over while going up hill. I stop at all red lights, cross walks for pedestrians, and signal. However, in a residential neighborhood I will treat a stop sign as a yield if no car is there. If a car is there I stop as if I am a car as well and let them go first. I try to cycle in sync with traffic. Going down main streets I take the lane, and accelerate at the same pace as the car ahead of me. My eyes always scanning the road anything. Even while going the same speed with traffic I will typically still get a guy behind me that feels that he has to get a head of me only because I am a bike. If I am doing the speed with traffic then I boldly take the middle and make squeezing me over into the door zone impossible. Pittsburgh built many bike trails along all the rivers in the last 10 years including finalizing the GAP to downtown. Although a few weekends through summer I would hop on this early enough at sun rise and do a century down past Connellsville and back I tend to stay off these trails. They get very crowded filled with the trail villains of riders who ride abreast, in the wrong lane, or weekend Sunday biker pace. The only trail I take anymore is one from the jail downtown to Oakland on weekday rides. I tend to like to bike with traffic instead as it is more intense and fun. Although I try my best to follow laws and rules that is not to say I have not had my run ins with angry drivers. That is a negative of urban cycling as to mountain/bike trail that I use to only do. I have had my countless experiences of a red pick up angry I was in front of him at a stop sign and try to run me off the road and more. But I sure will probably save these stories for another thread.
I cycle only for recreation and still have to commute by car to my office in the suburbs. I think my next cycle will be a good Cyclocross cycle for long rural rides, city commuting, parks, and our crappy winters we have here. Next year I would like to also purchase a mountain bike hardtail to take weekend rides out in the mountains, but will always be a urban cyclist every day on my badboy till I get old and move to the mountains for good.
At the age of 30 I moved back home (well the city of Pittsburgh not the exurbs) and I bought my Cannondale Bad Boy. I figured it would be a bike for me, and I wanted to be one of those urban cyclist as at this time. At first I had to learn something I never really did before, and that is to safely bike city streets. I remember when I started I would do what I would never do now such as timidly riding as far over to the right in door zones and then getting squeezed in by cars going the same speed. I was to afraid to take lanes.
Now I am bold in my cycling. I route throughout the city everyday in 25 to 35 mile zones. There are other 45 MPH 2 lane arteries in the city. I tend to stay off these and use parallel routes. Pittsburgh has old, windy, narrow streets with lots of street parking. Building bike lanes is not as easy as some newer flat cities where bike lanes can be painted on the streets far easier. I ride using bike lanes, sharrow roads, and streets that run through neighborhoods with limited grid lock. I mostly take the lane while biking close to the speed limit on flat streets or down hill. I then will move over while going up hill. I stop at all red lights, cross walks for pedestrians, and signal. However, in a residential neighborhood I will treat a stop sign as a yield if no car is there. If a car is there I stop as if I am a car as well and let them go first. I try to cycle in sync with traffic. Going down main streets I take the lane, and accelerate at the same pace as the car ahead of me. My eyes always scanning the road anything. Even while going the same speed with traffic I will typically still get a guy behind me that feels that he has to get a head of me only because I am a bike. If I am doing the speed with traffic then I boldly take the middle and make squeezing me over into the door zone impossible. Pittsburgh built many bike trails along all the rivers in the last 10 years including finalizing the GAP to downtown. Although a few weekends through summer I would hop on this early enough at sun rise and do a century down past Connellsville and back I tend to stay off these trails. They get very crowded filled with the trail villains of riders who ride abreast, in the wrong lane, or weekend Sunday biker pace. The only trail I take anymore is one from the jail downtown to Oakland on weekday rides. I tend to like to bike with traffic instead as it is more intense and fun. Although I try my best to follow laws and rules that is not to say I have not had my run ins with angry drivers. That is a negative of urban cycling as to mountain/bike trail that I use to only do. I have had my countless experiences of a red pick up angry I was in front of him at a stop sign and try to run me off the road and more. But I sure will probably save these stories for another thread.
I cycle only for recreation and still have to commute by car to my office in the suburbs. I think my next cycle will be a good Cyclocross cycle for long rural rides, city commuting, parks, and our crappy winters we have here. Next year I would like to also purchase a mountain bike hardtail to take weekend rides out in the mountains, but will always be a urban cyclist every day on my badboy till I get old and move to the mountains for good.
10-13-13, 04:09 PM
#235
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05-15-14, 06:04 PM
#237
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I just started riding again (since that post-childhood hiatus)
I live in a denser neighborhood in mid-sized city in a big metro, in a fairly bike friendly section. We've got lots of utilitarian, transportation and racer riders in the vicinity. There are at least half a dozen bike shops in my 1-1.5 mile radius serving different meets: commuters, racers, fixie riders and everyone else. We have bike lanes, bike boulevards but some of the infrastructure is disconnected.
I work 30 miles from home in a more suburban city. I did a bike + transit commute for our bike to work day, and I am thinking about biking 1-2x a week on the heavy traffic days. (It would mean 1 mile to the train, 45 minutes on the train and 4.5 miles to work and of course the reverse)
I ride on the weekend to errands and on weekdays if it makes sense. I am utilitarian, and bike to groceries, the farmer's market, the gym, brunch and the like. I have lots of friends who are car-free so sometimes I am the DD, and drive on those days. If I am headed to the "city" for an even, I bike over to the train station since it is faster than the bus and parking is easier.
I have a new school city bike, and I've got basket, bells and other accessories. A pannier is on its way, otherwise I stick with my baskets and racks. I bike in my "regular" clothing, and go slow. No racing for me! No trails either, I don't really like the outdoors. I ride in the bike lane, on bike boulevards or quitters side streets. I am too scared to bike on major streets, and just get out and walk (unless they are wide and bikes are a frequent sight).
If my work situation changes I might look to make it a bike commute instead!
I live in a denser neighborhood in mid-sized city in a big metro, in a fairly bike friendly section. We've got lots of utilitarian, transportation and racer riders in the vicinity. There are at least half a dozen bike shops in my 1-1.5 mile radius serving different meets: commuters, racers, fixie riders and everyone else. We have bike lanes, bike boulevards but some of the infrastructure is disconnected.
I work 30 miles from home in a more suburban city. I did a bike + transit commute for our bike to work day, and I am thinking about biking 1-2x a week on the heavy traffic days. (It would mean 1 mile to the train, 45 minutes on the train and 4.5 miles to work and of course the reverse)
I ride on the weekend to errands and on weekdays if it makes sense. I am utilitarian, and bike to groceries, the farmer's market, the gym, brunch and the like. I have lots of friends who are car-free so sometimes I am the DD, and drive on those days. If I am headed to the "city" for an even, I bike over to the train station since it is faster than the bus and parking is easier.
I have a new school city bike, and I've got basket, bells and other accessories. A pannier is on its way, otherwise I stick with my baskets and racks. I bike in my "regular" clothing, and go slow. No racing for me! No trails either, I don't really like the outdoors. I ride in the bike lane, on bike boulevards or quitters side streets. I am too scared to bike on major streets, and just get out and walk (unless they are wide and bikes are a frequent sight).
If my work situation changes I might look to make it a bike commute instead!
05-17-14, 09:02 PM
#238
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I live within 6 miles of most destinations, so I cycle mainly for commuting purposes. If you see me on my bike, I'm probably headed to work, to the grocery store, to the bank, to the post office, to the movies, or to somewhere downtown. The mall and other stores are all on major six-lane highways at the other end of town, so I drive there if I need to go. I only use the main highways if it's before 7am. If it's later in the day, I'll take a different route so I don’t have to deal with lots of car traffic. So far, though, all the motorists have been courteous—I ride like I drive, and I’m fine. I don’t typically start out when it’s raining, but I have ridden home in the pouring rain on many occasions, and it really is quite a treat!
City cycling's a lot of fun, and offers a view and orientation of the city that I would never have gotten had I continued to drive my car everywhere. I don't have to hunt for a parking space. I don't have to pay for a parking space. I don't feel hungry after I ride. I don't feel bad about my car not having a sunroof.
I also have a roadie that I ride on the dedicated bicycle trail just for fun. It was actually the first bike that I bought, but I didn't want to worry about my $800 baby getting stolen if I left her parked outside for any amount of time, so I bought my less expensive commuter to zip around town with. I haven’t lost any weight (yet), but it’s done wonders for my mental health.
City cycling's a lot of fun, and offers a view and orientation of the city that I would never have gotten had I continued to drive my car everywhere. I don't have to hunt for a parking space. I don't have to pay for a parking space. I don't feel hungry after I ride. I don't feel bad about my car not having a sunroof.
I also have a roadie that I ride on the dedicated bicycle trail just for fun. It was actually the first bike that I bought, but I didn't want to worry about my $800 baby getting stolen if I left her parked outside for any amount of time, so I bought my less expensive commuter to zip around town with. I haven’t lost any weight (yet), but it’s done wonders for my mental health.
06-07-14, 01:34 PM
#239
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Like the OP, I also regularly ride in two distinctly different areas.
Where I live and work:
Rural idyll, for the most part. There's a gently crumbling castle down the road. Narrow hedge-lined country lanes sometimes half the width of driveways I was used to back in the States. Horses, tractors, the occasional cyclist. The English love their cars, so there are also plenty of those on the 'arterial' (I'll call them for laughs) roads. Also potholes slowly taking over some sectors.
It's beautiful but quite dull; perfect for thinking and/or cruising with tunes (not meant to start a debate!). Having said that, you've got to keep your eyes open, and cultivate the ability to see around corners.
Cue John Denver. Except…
This is where I often go for recreation:
A place where everyone is coming at you with everything, everywhere at all times. I ride fast and happy. Go to the head of the queue at lights. Filter, filter, filter. Come home exhausted but still buzzing.
Where I live and work:
Rural idyll, for the most part. There's a gently crumbling castle down the road. Narrow hedge-lined country lanes sometimes half the width of driveways I was used to back in the States. Horses, tractors, the occasional cyclist. The English love their cars, so there are also plenty of those on the 'arterial' (I'll call them for laughs) roads. Also potholes slowly taking over some sectors.
It's beautiful but quite dull; perfect for thinking and/or cruising with tunes (not meant to start a debate!). Having said that, you've got to keep your eyes open, and cultivate the ability to see around corners.
Cue John Denver. Except…
This is where I often go for recreation:
A place where everyone is coming at you with everything, everywhere at all times. I ride fast and happy. Go to the head of the queue at lights. Filter, filter, filter. Come home exhausted but still buzzing.
Last edited by 905; 06-08-14 at 12:27 AM.
06-13-14, 09:47 PM
#240
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It depends on what I'm riding, bike-wise.
Road bike: I'm either on 35 to 45 MPH urban roads, either one or two lanes. I ride on the side, in the lane but near the curb. Traffic seems to be kind enough, usually, and moves well out of my way. I'm more inclined to go further in a ride than attempt to get over into the left lane to turn if it looks like it may slow down a car behind me. I do blow stop signs and the occasional red light, but the stop signs only when there is no traffic in sight, and the red light only when there is no road to my right and no one on the left is turning my way/multi-lane. It's not exactly legal, but I don't exactly care.
MTB: If I'm on the road with it I ride like a total dirt bag. On the sidewalk, on the road, in the grass, on the dirt, between cars, down the yellow. I rarely ride this on the road, actually I only ride this on the road at school if I am late for class, as it allows me to go down stairs, jump up and down walls, and bunny hop most anything shorter than 3 feet, like those pesky neon pedestrian signs in the middle of the road. Yell at me, but I don't exactly care.
BMX: I stick to the sidewalk and pretend I'm just a pedestrian. My rationale is that I am on a low bike, it doesn't have the gearing to go too quick, and I don't ride BMX for cruising. Plus, if I am going slow I'll miss some sick street spots like walls or rails or ramps.
Road bike: I'm either on 35 to 45 MPH urban roads, either one or two lanes. I ride on the side, in the lane but near the curb. Traffic seems to be kind enough, usually, and moves well out of my way. I'm more inclined to go further in a ride than attempt to get over into the left lane to turn if it looks like it may slow down a car behind me. I do blow stop signs and the occasional red light, but the stop signs only when there is no traffic in sight, and the red light only when there is no road to my right and no one on the left is turning my way/multi-lane. It's not exactly legal, but I don't exactly care.
MTB: If I'm on the road with it I ride like a total dirt bag. On the sidewalk, on the road, in the grass, on the dirt, between cars, down the yellow. I rarely ride this on the road, actually I only ride this on the road at school if I am late for class, as it allows me to go down stairs, jump up and down walls, and bunny hop most anything shorter than 3 feet, like those pesky neon pedestrian signs in the middle of the road. Yell at me, but I don't exactly care.
BMX: I stick to the sidewalk and pretend I'm just a pedestrian. My rationale is that I am on a low bike, it doesn't have the gearing to go too quick, and I don't ride BMX for cruising. Plus, if I am going slow I'll miss some sick street spots like walls or rails or ramps.
06-29-14, 10:07 AM
#241
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I too ride my bike sitting down (lol). But seriously, I've been riding more upright. The slouched forward has been giving me back pain.
07-01-14, 12:43 PM
#242
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09-27-14, 10:22 AM
#243
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I ride only on bike trails. How works your brakes on wet roads. One time that is was around two years ago on bike trail start rain and make my brakes not work at all is was very slippery how i can make my brakes works good on wet terrain
09-27-14, 10:50 AM
#244
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I live in The Netherlands and I think it is a great country to ride bicycles. The infrastructure is almost perfect for cyclists. I live in a village, but it does have bike lanes and bike traffic signs and lights pratically everywhere.
09-27-14, 12:08 PM
#245
Mechanic/Tourist
All rim brakes will not work as well when wet. You will also have less road traction. Assuming you have alloy (aluminum) rims, you need to make sure the pads are in good condition and not contaminated with oils, debris, etc. and that cable/housing is the right length and well lubricated. Then when you brake you need to use mostly the front brake and shift your weight toward the rear.
09-27-14, 12:10 PM
#246
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thank you for the answer. After i stop get flats on my rear wheel this time. Fix that problem i cant locate why i get flat agin. I want ride the winter time
02-15-15, 12:23 PM
#248
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How do I ride? - Interesting question, best answer is I ride the road on a MTB (Huffy Rock Creek, full suspension) with rear rack, panniers, and some times a duffle on top of that.
Where I live? - Altamonte Springs, FL - high traffic suburbia north of Orlando, FL - some bicycle lanes and some neighborhood areas.
Where I work? - Winter Garden, FL - far west of Orlando, FL (and a 24.6 mile ride, via city, bicycle trails, industrial area, and country roads).
Type of Riding? - Commuting, grocery shopping, and errand running.
Edit: I tend to ride the road, follow all traffic laws (stop at ALL stop signs and red lights - even for turning right on red into bike lane), due to the weight of my bicycle on my commute I average around 10 mph, and so far have a recorded (via Strava) of 20.6 mph (can we all say downhill with weight)...
Also, this weekend the bike is getting another upgrade to 'cruiser' tires (can't get the 'new' ones I want and I have a set of those with tubes on another bike - daughters bike that was in a car vs bicycle crash - rim is horribly bent - but the tire is holding air, was only used for about 20 miles total - so those tires are getting moved to my rims) - my current tire is 26x1.75 and those are 26x2.35 (and since I've done a similar swap on previous MTB - I know they will fit the frame).
Where I live? - Altamonte Springs, FL - high traffic suburbia north of Orlando, FL - some bicycle lanes and some neighborhood areas.
Where I work? - Winter Garden, FL - far west of Orlando, FL (and a 24.6 mile ride, via city, bicycle trails, industrial area, and country roads).
Type of Riding? - Commuting, grocery shopping, and errand running.
Edit: I tend to ride the road, follow all traffic laws (stop at ALL stop signs and red lights - even for turning right on red into bike lane), due to the weight of my bicycle on my commute I average around 10 mph, and so far have a recorded (via Strava) of 20.6 mph (can we all say downhill with weight)...
Also, this weekend the bike is getting another upgrade to 'cruiser' tires (can't get the 'new' ones I want and I have a set of those with tubes on another bike - daughters bike that was in a car vs bicycle crash - rim is horribly bent - but the tire is holding air, was only used for about 20 miles total - so those tires are getting moved to my rims) - my current tire is 26x1.75 and those are 26x2.35 (and since I've done a similar swap on previous MTB - I know they will fit the frame).
Last edited by randallovelace; 02-27-15 at 08:49 PM. Reason: Additional thoughts.
02-27-15, 12:54 AM
#249
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How I ride depends on environment and mood.
I live in a small town of 9000ish people, many of the people here have no idea how to react to a cyclist. I used to follow traffic laws and it almost got me into more accidents than I can count. Now, when I ride here I tend to be courtious, but aggressive. I'm going to slow down and look, I'm not cutting anyone off, but I'm running that red light. I'm not going to stop at it and let some jack hole making a right turn run over me or cut me off as they pass me and then make a right turn. Bike traffic infractions carry a max of a $25 fine in this state, or at least that's what it was last time I checked. I hit sidewalks in or out of the business district and cut through parking lots. I just treat them like their out to get me and I'm going to take the easiest, and safest path I see between me and my destination.
When I have my trailor attached with my dog in it, much different. Slow slow slow, refuse to let you let me go first. Avoid stop lights all together. More sidewalks. More side streets.
When I travel and ride in KC, many of them know how to react to a cyclist, or at least far more than here. In a large group, I conform. Alone, I obey traffic laws.
So, sometimes I am exemplary, sometimes I give us a bad name.
I live in a small town of 9000ish people, many of the people here have no idea how to react to a cyclist. I used to follow traffic laws and it almost got me into more accidents than I can count. Now, when I ride here I tend to be courtious, but aggressive. I'm going to slow down and look, I'm not cutting anyone off, but I'm running that red light. I'm not going to stop at it and let some jack hole making a right turn run over me or cut me off as they pass me and then make a right turn. Bike traffic infractions carry a max of a $25 fine in this state, or at least that's what it was last time I checked. I hit sidewalks in or out of the business district and cut through parking lots. I just treat them like their out to get me and I'm going to take the easiest, and safest path I see between me and my destination.
When I have my trailor attached with my dog in it, much different. Slow slow slow, refuse to let you let me go first. Avoid stop lights all together. More sidewalks. More side streets.
When I travel and ride in KC, many of them know how to react to a cyclist, or at least far more than here. In a large group, I conform. Alone, I obey traffic laws.
So, sometimes I am exemplary, sometimes I give us a bad name.
