Advocacy & Safety - Jerk cyclists on the road

The A1A ocean drive route I ride is full of cyclists at almost any given time on weekends. Maybe 1 out of 5 who pass me signal they are about to pass with an "on your left" holler. Do they think I have super human hearing or eyes in the back of my head? Do they not realize that cyclists crash into each other and it could be pretty nasty? The ones that do this are on their fast road bikes all decked out in the latest gear pushing 20mph so I assume they're regular riders. What's the deal here? They piss me off more than motorists because they're supposedly cyclists. Now I yell at them to please signal.

They just look good. They are not educated, just newbies.

oceanrider

That really used to piss me off to when I started riding. I have had more problems with stupid cyclists than with motorists. I use a glasses mounted mirror and ck it often.
But as time goes by fewer and fewer cyclists pass me. Where are all those cyclists going ?? ehhehe

Ride Safe and get a mirror .....Dudley

I used to hate that!

I ended up getting a new road bike and ride a lot more. Now, fewer # end up passing me, and I pass a lot more!

BTW, I always call out when overtaking riders!

L8R

Since I live in a college town the bike lanes are always filled with folks on Huffies riding to class. I say more power to 'em, but they're a reall pain to pass safely in crowded bike lanes. 90% of the time it's no big deal, I usually just holler that I'm going to pass and they're cool. Sometimes, though, people either freak out (scared, shocked) because they didn't hear me coming up behind them and start swerving all over the place or they get offended that I'm passing them and shoot me dirty looks. Either way, I expect it so I don't really care. When I notice a biker coming up behind me I try to get over so they have plenty of room to get by. People almost never holler that they want to pass. That's their problem, not mine.

As long as Im riding predictably, I expect other riders to pass me with no problems. I really dont expect them to shout, just give sufficient clearance, and I dont move in for them.
My worst experience with another rider on the road was when I passed him, then 100m further on clearly signalled a nearside hand turn and slowed. He snuck through on my inside and I almost turned into him.

Thats not counting the numerous near collisions Ive had with hapless wheeled pedestrians on shared use trails and paths.

Originally posted by MichaelW
As long as Im riding predictably, I expect other riders to pass me with no problems. I really dont expect them to shout, just give sufficient clearance, and I dont move in for them.


Same here Michael. I've never shouted at another cyclist as a warning (except for one guy who was all over the place) It's like skiing, the person passing has the responsibility to do so safely.

Maybe it's a European thing?

When on bike, I pass cyclists the same way I would do it by car: I wait until I have enough room to pass, then move left and pass quickly the other guy with some clearance (say 4-5'), then I move back in place.

I don't say anything, nor do I expect anyone to say anything when they pass.

As long as I ride in a perfect straight line, passers (cars or bicycles) should have no problems in passing me safely -- if there is enough room. And if I move sideways, it's my responsability to check for traffic behind, including cyclists who are passing me.

BTW, my helmet mirror is a good tool to stay aware of my surroundings.

Regards,

It is similar around Ft. Lauderdale on A1A.What is worse is when they do it flying through a red light where your waiting.One idiot, who I've unfortunately encountered more than once, at top speed swerved into the road (off of the bike lane )between two crowded lanes of traffic waiting at the light and proceeded to run the light (I guess though that was better than buzzing by me).Usually if I am passing someone at significantly higher rate of speed on the A1A bike lane I'll glance behind and move into the traffic lane if clear otherwise I'll simply slow down somewhat (moving left as far as possible)and say something only if there appears to be a need to.

When on bike, I pass cyclists the same way I would do it by car: I wait until I have enough room to pass, then move left and pass quickly the other guy with some clearance (say 4-5'), then I move back in place.

I don't say anything, nor do I expect anyone to say anything when they pass.

I do the same. I used to call out "coming past", but this tended to startle some riders causing them to look over their shoulder and swerve. Also a lot of cyclists wear headphones so they can't hear me anyhow.

CHEERS.

Mark

I am probably one of those riders who yell out 'on your left' because I believe it is the right thing to do in order to pass someone. I try not to be rude about it though and I don't pass the person going 20mph. I believe that all cyclists should be aware of many things happening around them esp. on crowded bike trails. I too have been passed, sometimes I am startled when they don't say anything. I am not sure of this but if you were to look this up in any of of the bicycling organizations that this is the right call. If I scare someone because of it , it is not my intention. To begin with though you should use common sense as to how fast to go.

I'm generally startled when someone passes me without some type of signal. It's usually when they're going a lot faster tham I am and I don't hear the gears that it's a problem. What if I was going to venture out into the lane of traffic for some reason and I was to look back and left. There's usually at least a slight drift and BAM, that's all it might take.

I still have lots to learn about cycling and the rules of the cycling road. Perhaps I'm in the wrong or maybe it's just a personal preference. Is there a sort of rule about this? Inquiring minds want to know :confused:

After bike commuting for many years I look at it as a judgment call when to call out as I pass. If it is a single rider holding a good line I usually don't call out - no need to. If it is a group that is changing positions I will call. With people walking or people riding at a walking pace I slow down and more often than not I don't announce my presence - to many times I have and people will panic. I would rather have them panic while I'm abreast with them, rather than when they are in front of me. Each time I pass I try not to pass at great rate of speed - to fast and that just freaks people out.

I pretty much agree with ss that its a judgement call and that out of common courticy(sp)you should slow down and not buzz too close by a cyclist or pedestrian(it is similar too some motorists who do the same to cyclists).Like them(ignoring rude motorists) I suggest you simply ignore rude cyclists as your unlikely to change their immature behavior and there is no use in letting it ruin your ride. .On sidewalks or bike paths pedestrians and slower cyclists often clog up the entire lane nesessitating calling out your presence.Here I usu use"coming thru"and let them decide how to move as I find "on your left" startles and confuses most and they instinctively look left and sometimes even move left.Actually though I try to avoid paths and sidewalks and this is one major reason why.

I agree with sscyco. It's a judgment call really. The irritating thing about calling out is that the party in front of you jumps the wrong way about 50% of the time. Does anybody know how to say "on your right" or "on your left" in Spanish?

[i] The ones that do this are on their fast road bikes all decked out in the latest gear pushing 20mph... [/B]

I don't mean at all to diminish the importance of your thread but I just gotta say, I am sure looking forward to having a problem while passing someone like that someday! :lol:

Carl

My biggest problem is with 2- or 3-abreast joggers hogging the entire bike lane. If they are facing me, I motion to them to move toward the curb (or onto a sidewalk, if present, since California does have mandatory sidepath laws for pedestrians). However, if they are going my direction, I do yell, "on your left" or, "coming through," if traffic conditions do not permit me to pass them conveniently and safely.

If a bike lane is wide enough to share, I ride toward the right (curb side) and pass on the left. If everyone followed this protocol (think of German motorists on the Autobahn), life would be alot simpler.

Originally posted by oceanrider
The A1A ocean drive route I ride is full of cyclists at almost any given time on weekends. Maybe 1 out of 5 who pass me signal they are about to pass with an "on your left" holler. Do they think I have super human hearing or eyes in the back of my head? Do they not realize that cyclists crash into each other and it could be pretty nasty? The ones that do this are on their fast road bikes all decked out in the latest gear pushing 20mph so I assume they're regular riders. What's the deal here? They piss me off more than motorists because they're supposedly cyclists. Now I yell at them to please signal.
Perhaps some consideration is needed, here. Don't fast movers have any responsibility towards those who don't share their narrow focus? Maybe they should pick a less crowded place to train.

sscyco:
After bike commuting for many years I look at it as a judgment call when to call out as I pass. If it is a single rider holding a good line I usually don't call out - no need to.

I've been riding for many years, and I've passed a lot of other riders. And I've been passed quite a few times, too. Before I pass someone I usually try to make sure they know I'm behind them. Standard ettiquette is probably to call out "on your left" and I do that sometimes, but a lot of people think that's rude. It works well in some cases, but usually only with experienced riders.

A lot of times I try to make some other kind of noise. Sometimes I can make enough noise with the gears on my mountain bike, but the gears on my road bike don't make a lot of noise. I'm considering getting a bell as suggested in another thread, because it's a pretty non-threatening noise, and most people know what it means. And you could do it from some distance so the rider in front would have plenty pf advance warning.

MichaelW:
As long as Im riding predictably, I expect other riders to pass me with no problems. I really dont expect them to shout, just give sufficient clearance, and I dont move in for them.

A lot of times there's plenty of room, and I just pass. A rider (or a rollerblader) on a bicycle path should be aware that someone might pass them and, as long as they're keeping a straght line on the right, I don't see any need to signal. An amazing number have headphones on and aren't going to hear me anyway.

When I'm going slowly, I ride to the right, and I don't expect people to signal when they pass.

oceanrider:
I'm generally startled when someone passes me without some type of signal. It's usually when they're going a lot faster tham I am and I don't hear the gears that it's a problem. What if I was going to venture out into the lane of traffic for some reason and I was to look back and left. There's usually at least a slight drift and BAM, that's all it might take.

I understand your concern, but some riders are more annoyed by someone calling out than they are if you don't call out. Many times, passing without a signal is safer than signalling. If I pass without signalling, it's only when there's enough room that a slight drift to the left by the other rider isn't going to make much difference, unless they do it before I reach them, which might happen if I call out.

A lot of times when I pass I'll say "You're ok, plenty of room". Sometimes someone will say something like, "oops, sorry" and I'll say, "hey, no problem."

sscyco:
I would rather have them panic while I'm abreast with them, rather than when they are in front of me.

Yea, exactly. If I'm really going that much faster than they are, I'll be by them before they swerve in to me.

Rotifer:
The irritating thing about calling out is that the party in front of you jumps the wrong way about 50% of the time.

It seems like it's at least 50% of the time. A lot of times, calling out only means that someone who wasn't in my way will move into my way.

Calling out is, many times, counter-productive. And it's annoying to some people, somewhat like a car honking every time they pass a cyclist. It's just not necessary. I'm not going to swerve into the traffic lane simply because it's dangerous, whether I hear anyone coming or not.

John E:
If a bike lane is wide enough to share, I ride toward the right (curb side) and pass on the left. If everyone followed this protocol, life would be alot simpler.

Simpler, yes. Share the road.

Cheers

How the &*%$ hard do you have to be riding to have too little wind left to say "on your left?" It usually seems to be, as others have posted here, a matter of years of experience on the bike.
Manners come with time.

Just as a car does not anounce its presence with a horn when passing another car, I do not anounce my presence when on a bike. Rather I do as a car and take responsibility for avoiding an accident. Most of the time this means getting into the lane of traffic and pushing harder to pass more quickly.

I do, however, try to get in a word of greeting when I am abreast the other person. After all, there are few of us cycling as it is.

BR,

Just an interesting point, if you were to review your state motor vehicle law, I think you would be surprised to learn than a motorist is supposed to announce passing through the use of the horn. Now whether it is really a good idea, I don't know.

I do remember that (car passing bicycle). I had one do that one time and it made me nearly jump out of the pedels. :eek:

I have been both the passee and the passer on many ocassions (although I've not yet managed to do them both at the same time http://www.smilies-world.de/Smilies/Smilies_klein_1/biggrinflip.gif ). Basically, there are rules I live by in both roles.

if you are the passer. Show a bit of commonsense. Personally I don't yell out because I don't like people doing it to me. I will wait until there is some space, then I will pass, the same thing I expect cars to do when passing me. To try to squeeze past at impossible speeds when there is no space is just plain stupid and dangerous.

if you are the passee. Basically be consistent, and accept that the rider who has just chased you down from 1km behind is simply going faster. Don't bother trying to weave all over the road just to stay in front of them (I've seen it happen), they'll just blow by later on anyway.

If everyone passing says on your left, pretty soon everyone will know that on your left means some one is passing on your left. Someone may not like it, I don't like someone swerving into me as I pass them because they don't know I am there. Karl

The potential for injury, or worse, to me is likely to prevent me from ever assuming that any action I take to avoid collision with another human being will always work.

Yelling on your left, bye your leave, coming up behind you, look out or even a bell and a horn isn't enoug for me. Unless my warning action is acknowledged or I personally know the other person, I ain't going around 'em at a speed any higher than one where I can stop, get my feet off the pedals and down before falling if they do the wrong thing.

If there are to many folks on the path or road, I'll ride somewhere else or at another time, or simply ride like a sightseer until I get to clear road. I don't intend to be lying flat on my back telling someone they were in the wrong.

Carl

Today I decided to pay attention to the passer/passee situation remembering all the input (and there was a lot) on the thread.

Because of the heat, it wasn't very much of an issue. Not many cyclists on the road. One cyclist passed me and I passed another. Just as he was coming into my peripheral vision, he greeted me with a gentle but audible good morning. I thought that was a good way to pass so when it was my turn to pass someone, I greeted my passee.

By jo, I do like that. Thanks for the education.

Yea No kidding! I thought it was just me! That happens to me all the time. The other day, I was on the bike path. Some woman rang her bell and passed me. I did not know what the heck the bell was all about until I almost hit her!!PS i kinda like the geer. I just wish I could afford it!!!

Originally posted by Ginger
Yea No kidding! I thought it was just me! That happens to me all the time. The other day, I was on the bike path. Some woman rang her bell and passed me. I did not know what the heck the bell was all about until I almost hit her!!PS i kinda like the geer. I just wish I could afford it!!!
Now I'm confused.

This issue has been a peeve of mine as well. I agree that it's situational and there are times when calling out your pass is unnecessary; but on my commute, there are plenty of times when people's silence makes me nuts. One stretch of the bike lane has parked cars on your right, and a busy lane on your left. Personally, I want as much information as I can get about what's around me, including overtaking bikers, so I know "which way to jump" in case of a problem. This street constantly has car doors opening, cars pulling out from the curb, entering from side streets, and an apparently endless stream of bikers who can't be bothered to call out. I suspect that, around here, if people don't know how to react to "on your left" it's because they never flippin' hear it!