zebano
Anand Tech Off Topic was talking about (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=38&threadid=1643129&frmKeyword=&STARTPAGE=1&FTVAR_FORUMVIEWTMP=Linear) Chicago Ticketing Bikers (reg. required) (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chicago/chi-0507200234jul20,1,3638903.story?page=1&coll=chi-newslocalchicago-hed) .
Many irate car drivers voiced anti-bike sentiment and I responded with the following. Was there a better way to say this (I feel like I addressed cyclists more than cagers), how do you deal with this type of anger?
I commute to work 3-5 times a week by bike (it's fun and good exercise). To some of you pissed off motorist please calm down...
These are common sense rules of the road for bicycles (I have lived in Minneapolis and now Iowa which is much calmer)...
1. A bike is defined as a motor vehicle. In some states, there are exceptions whereby you can ride on the sidewalk; If you bike at any decent speed 10+ mph this can be very dangerous. How many people stop behind stopsigns (as is the law)? When you roll practically into the intersection and I come from your left (often with obstructing trees/bushes/houses) at 18mph, how much of a chance do I have to avoid you?
2. Riding in the street. I know many routes to work. I have optimized them so that I do not have to ride on any roads with a speed limit > 35mph except for 2 blocks (45mph). These are primarily residential streets, and by going almost 20mph I don't feel I am an undue obstruction.
3. Taking the Lane This is what bikers call it when they move out into the middle of the street. This is done due to an observed psychological phenomenon: If I ride 1 foot off of the curb or parked cars, cars pass me with 1 foot of clearance, when I ride 3-4 feet off of the curb (my preferance) I receive plenty of clearance by passing motorists. Where I ride, the only way this slows people up is if there are cars parked on both sides, and 2 way traffic, in which case I sprint to the next clearing and move right so cars may pass. THis is common curtesy.
4. Turning. On a bike one of the most dangerous areas to be in is a right turn lane. Do not ride in one unless you are turning right. The reason is many motorists will zip past you and take a right directly in front of you. I don't know if they assume I only do 5mph, but it has happened many times to me. Hence if there is a turn lane, I will occupy the rightmost lane that travels straight. The only time I don't occupy the rightmost lane is to prepare for a left turn which I do just like a car.
5. Red Lights. Just don't run em, you are a motor vehicle.
6. Stop Signs. When cars are around, I stop otherwise I roll through. Putting your foot down is redicoulous, especially if you can track stand (balance the bike w/o moving) for minutes at a time, to make matters worse, many cyclists have to clip their shoes in and out of the pedals.
Cars
Please treat bikes as a slow motorcycle. Passing is fine if you can pass with more than 3 feet of clearance ( if they can touch your car, you are too close). Most will get out of your way ASAP. Also, please do not right hook a bike.
I do all this and still ge t honked/yelled/cussed at. Some people just don't have room in their life for anything that may inconvenience them..
All I ask is that you respect me, and I will do my best to respect (not hinder) you.
Thanks
Many irate car drivers voiced anti-bike sentiment and I responded with the following. Was there a better way to say this (I feel like I addressed cyclists more than cagers), how do you deal with this type of anger?
I commute to work 3-5 times a week by bike (it's fun and good exercise). To some of you pissed off motorist please calm down...
These are common sense rules of the road for bicycles (I have lived in Minneapolis and now Iowa which is much calmer)...
1. A bike is defined as a motor vehicle. In some states, there are exceptions whereby you can ride on the sidewalk; If you bike at any decent speed 10+ mph this can be very dangerous. How many people stop behind stopsigns (as is the law)? When you roll practically into the intersection and I come from your left (often with obstructing trees/bushes/houses) at 18mph, how much of a chance do I have to avoid you?
2. Riding in the street. I know many routes to work. I have optimized them so that I do not have to ride on any roads with a speed limit > 35mph except for 2 blocks (45mph). These are primarily residential streets, and by going almost 20mph I don't feel I am an undue obstruction.
3. Taking the Lane This is what bikers call it when they move out into the middle of the street. This is done due to an observed psychological phenomenon: If I ride 1 foot off of the curb or parked cars, cars pass me with 1 foot of clearance, when I ride 3-4 feet off of the curb (my preferance) I receive plenty of clearance by passing motorists. Where I ride, the only way this slows people up is if there are cars parked on both sides, and 2 way traffic, in which case I sprint to the next clearing and move right so cars may pass. THis is common curtesy.
4. Turning. On a bike one of the most dangerous areas to be in is a right turn lane. Do not ride in one unless you are turning right. The reason is many motorists will zip past you and take a right directly in front of you. I don't know if they assume I only do 5mph, but it has happened many times to me. Hence if there is a turn lane, I will occupy the rightmost lane that travels straight. The only time I don't occupy the rightmost lane is to prepare for a left turn which I do just like a car.
5. Red Lights. Just don't run em, you are a motor vehicle.
6. Stop Signs. When cars are around, I stop otherwise I roll through. Putting your foot down is redicoulous, especially if you can track stand (balance the bike w/o moving) for minutes at a time, to make matters worse, many cyclists have to clip their shoes in and out of the pedals.
Cars
Please treat bikes as a slow motorcycle. Passing is fine if you can pass with more than 3 feet of clearance ( if they can touch your car, you are too close). Most will get out of your way ASAP. Also, please do not right hook a bike.
I do all this and still ge t honked/yelled/cussed at. Some people just don't have room in their life for anything that may inconvenience them..
All I ask is that you respect me, and I will do my best to respect (not hinder) you.
Thanks