So today I was riding along one of the less travelled roads in the area doing an easy spin. I was doing the vehicular cycling thing, following all the traffic laws and special laws for bikes (hand signals, ride towards traffic, etc.), and out of nowhere this guy comes barreling towards me doing 30 around a sharp 90* turn, nearly hitting me head on. He stopped and asked me wtf I thought I was doing, and I told him I was riding my bike and his inattentiveness almost took me out. He went off on some rant about being a biker and something about riding towards traffic (not exactly sure what he said because I was too pissed), so I assured him that I was in fact riding towards traffic like I was supposed to and that he almost killed me! I know I shouldn't have, but I screamed various explitives at him, and things quickly escalated to the point where I nearly went after him with my frame pump.
Fortunate for the cager, he left in a hurry, before I had a chance to throw down. Guess this 6'2'' 169lb mountain of muscle scared the guy off. :D Feckin cagers, they gotta learn to share the road.
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
what do you mean when you say you ride toward traffic? are you riding in the left lane against the flow?
galen_52657
Um...you ride with traffic....not against
paednoch
Riding a bicycle against traffic in my state is AGAINST THE LAW. Al vehichles (man powered or not) are supposed to obey all traffic laws..of which include riding on the correct side of the road WITH the flow of traffic.
caloso
OP, you said "riding towards traffic" three times, so I'm thinking it's not a typo. But to be clear, do you mean that you cycle on the left against traffic?
twahl
I'll echo what everyone else said. From the sounds of your report, and the sounds of the incident, you've led us all to believe that you were riding on the left side of the road facing traffic, which is illegal and stupid. If this is correct, you're lucky you haven't been killed before today, so quit calling people childish names.
TheKillerPenguin
No way guys, I'm clearly in the right here. The guy almost ran me over, I was over to the side of the road and yes I was riding towards traffic. I dont understand how you could all be so wrong about the law. I thought you knew what you were talking about in the advocacy and safety forum.
genec
No way guys, I'm clearly in the right here. The guy almost ran me over, I was over to the side of the road and yes I was riding towards traffic. I dont understand how you could all be so wrong about the law. I thought you knew what you were talking about in the advocacy and safety forum.
We do.
Ride with the flow of traffic... that is the law. I do not know of one single state where the law is to ride against the flow of traffic.
Perhaps you should look at this:
http://bikesense.bc.ca/ch4.htm
Or better yet, do a google search on bicycle traffic safety, and take a safe riding course.
caloso
Hmm. Google "New York bicycle laws" and the first hit is from the NYDOT (http://www.dot.state.ny.us/pubtrans/share.html)
Must bicyclists drive with traffic or facing traffic? What about pedestrians?
The law requires that bicyclists drive with traffic (Sec. 1234(a) (http://www.dot.state.ny.us/pubtrans/share.html#1234)). Bicycling against traffic is a leading cause of bicycle accidents. Going with traffic makes bicyclists more visible, and their movements more predictable, to motorists.
DataJunkie
Yup....the law. You would get an earful from cyclists around here if you tried to pull that. Plus, I tend to play chicken with wrong way cyclists. In this case the motorist was correct.
Not a cager. A motorist. Repeat after me....motorist. Cager = stupid term.
twahl
It ain't April Fool's Day, so you're either a tremendous troll or a tremendous fool.
galen_52657
Check this link penquine
http://www.safeny.com/bike-ndx.htm#top
Here is a cut and paste:
Bicyclists are required to follow the same laws and rules of the road as motorists. This includes riding on the right side of the road as well as obeying traffic signs and signals. Riding on the left side of the road, facing traffic is a common action on the part of the bicyclist that can cause a crash. Other actions or "missing actions" on the part of the bicyclist that can cause crashes are:
entering a road from a driveway or other entrance point without slowing or stopping for traffic,
riding into an intersection without obeying stop or yield signs or traffic signals,
riding on sidewalks where this is prohibited,
weaving in and out of the street,
crossing driveways without observing traffic,
riding at night without lights,
turning without signaling or looking for traffic, and
attempting to pass a motorist at a roadway junction.
caloso
It ain't April Fool's Day, so you're either a tremendous troll or a tremendous fool.
Not mutually exclusive. He could be both.
sgtsmile
He should not have done that to you, but not only were you in violation of the traffic laws, but if you had gone for him with your pump, you would in all likelihood be charged with assault with a weapon.
TheKillerPenguin
I dont know why you're all so sure you're right when you're obviously not. It's like the advocacy forum is bizarro world. Next thing I know you'll be lecturing me about why I should lay down the money for a helmet.
CB HI
He is just a troll who is bored with the Politics & Religion forum.
genec
He is just a troll who is bored with the Politics & Religion forum.
Obviously looking for an argument.
M: Ah. I'd like to have an argument, please.
R: Certainly sir. Have you been here before?
M: No, I haven't, this is my first time.
R: I see. Well, do you want to have just one argument, or were you thinking of taking a course?
M: Well, what is the cost?
R: Well, It's one pound for a five minute argument, but only eight pounds for a course of ten.
M: Well, I think it would be best if I perhaps started off with just the one and then see how it goes.
R: Fine. Well, I'll see who's free at the moment.
Pause
R: Mr. DeBakey's free, but he's a little bit conciliatory.
Ahh yes, Try Mr. Barnard; room 12.
M: Thank you.
(Walks down the hall. Opens door.)
Q: WHAT DO YOU WANT?
M: Well, I was told outside that...
Q: Don't give me that, you snotty-faced heap of parrot droppings!
M: What?
Q: Shut your festering gob, you tit! Your type really makes me puke, you vacuous, coffee-nosed, maloderous, pervert!!!
M: Look, I CAME HERE FOR AN ARGUMENT, I'm not going to just stand...!!
Q: OH, oh I'm sorry, but this is abuse.
M: Oh, I see, well, that explains it.
Q: Ah yes, you want room 12A, Just along the corridor.
M: Oh, Thank you very much. Sorry.
Q: Not at all.
M: Thank You.
(Under his breath) Stupid git!!
(Walk down the corridor)
M: (Knock)
A: Come in.
M: Ah, Is this the right room for an argument?
A: I told you once.
M: No you haven't.
A: Yes I have.
M: When?
A: Just now.
M: No you didn't.
A: Yes I did.
M: You didn't
A: I did!
M: You didn't!
A: I'm telling you I did!
M: You did not!!
A: Oh, I'm sorry, just one moment. Is this a five minute argument or the full half hour?
M: Oh, just the five minutes.
A: Ah, thank you. Anyway, I did.
M: You most certainly did not.
A: Look, let's get this thing clear; I quite definitely told you.
M: No you did not.
A: Yes I did.
M: No you didn't.
A: Yes I did.
M: No you didn't.
A: Yes I did.
M: No you didn't.
A: Yes I did.
M: You didn't.
A: Did.
M: Oh look, this isn't an argument.
A: Yes it is.
M: No it isn't. It's just contradiction.
A: No it isn't.
M: It is!
A: It is not.
M: Look, you just contradicted me.
A: I did not.
M: Oh you did!!
A: No, no, no.
M: You did just then.
A: Nonsense!
M: Oh, this is futile!
A: No it isn't.
M: I came here for a good argument.
A: No you didn't; no, you came here for an argument.
M: An argument isn't just contradiction.
A: It can be.
M: No it can't. An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition.
A: No it isn't.
M: Yes it is! It's not just contradiction.
A: Look, if I argue with you, I must take up a contrary position.
M: Yes, but that's not just saying 'No it isn't.'
A: Yes it is!
M: No it isn't!
A: Yes it is!
M: Argument is an intellectual process. Contradiction is just the automatic gainsaying of any statement the other person makes.
(short pause)
A: No it isn't.
M: It is.
A: Not at all.
M: Now look.
A: (Rings bell) Good Morning.
M: What?
A: That's it. Good morning.
M: I was just getting interested.
A: Sorry, the five minutes is up.
M: That was never five minutes!
A: I'm afraid it was.
M: It wasn't.
Pause
A: I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to argue anymore.
M: What?!
A: If you want me to go on arguing, you'll have to pay for another five minutes.
M: Yes, but that was never five minutes, just now. Oh come on!
A: (Hums)
M: Look, this is ridiculous.
A: I'm sorry, but I'm not allowed to argue unless you've paid!
M: Oh, all right.
(pays money)
A: Thank you.
short pause
M: Well?
A: Well what?
M: That wasn't really five minutes, just now.
A: I told you, I'm not allowed to argue unless you've paid.
M: I just paid!
A: No you didn't.
M: I DID!
A: No you didn't.
M: Look, I don't want to argue about that.
A: Well, you didn't pay.
M: Aha. If I didn't pay, why are you arguing? I Got you!
A: No you haven't.
M: Yes I have. If you're arguing, I must have paid.
A: Not necessarily. I could be arguing in my spare time.
M: Oh I've had enough of this.
A: No you haven't.
M: Oh Shut up.
TheKillerPenguin
^ :D I heard advocacy and safety was the place to be if you want to argue.
-=Łem in Pa=-
^^^ No it isnt.
velonomad
I dont know why you're all so sure you're right when you're obviously not. It's like the advocacy forum is bizarro world. Next thing I know you'll be lecturing me about why I should lay down the money for a helmet.
sorry dude but New Paltz is Bizarro World, That is why I love hanging there. Now get your do-rag and sandals ass on the other side of the road
Great troll though! ( is this Gary?)
I-Like-To-Bike
PenguinDeD,
Whatcha think about bike lanes and wearing lycra bibs to McDonalds for Happy Meals?
TheKillerPenguin
sorry dude but New Paltz is Bizarro World, That is why I love hanging there. Now get your do-rag and sandals ass on the other side of the road
Great troll though! ( is this Gary?)
Negatory. And I know what you mean about the do-rag and sandals thing :D
PenguinDeD,
Whatcha think about bike lanes and wearing lycra bibs to McDonalds for Happy Meals?
Lycra is good for any occasion. even weddings.
caloso
I dont know why you're all so sure you're right when you're obviously not. It's like the advocacy forum is bizarro world. Next thing I know you'll be lecturing me about why I should lay down the money for a helmet.
Yup. That confirms it: both a troll and a fool. At least fill out your organ donor card so whatever's left of you can be re-cycled. Hopefully it'll be your head, since it's obviously unused.
fordfasterr
It would be a liability to give someone else his head... sheesh.... they are better of with whatever is left of their old one than to get his ! LOL
Cynikal
Yup. That confirms it: both a troll and a fool. At least fill out your organ donor card so whatever's left of you can be re-cycled. Hopefully it'll be your head, since it's obviously unused.
^For the win!
Blue Order
An especially nice touch is how this idiot is right and everybody else-- including the statute books-- is wrong. :roflmao:
genec
So did anyone happen to notice Cleese and Idle in the little sig window of the OP?
Blue Order
This has got to be the funniest thread ever!!!!!!
"I was riding vehicularly, facing traffic...." :roflmao:
TheKillerPenguin
Yup. That confirms it: both a troll and a fool. At least fill out your organ donor card so whatever's left of you can be re-cycled. Hopefully it'll be your head, since it's obviously unused.
Just another glaring example of how wrong you all are in Advocacy and Safety. They can't perform head transplants :rolleyes: c'mon, get with it.
Blue Order
Yes they can....
SouthTJ
No they can't. :p
tomg
penquinDeD:
on my tour to maine (east coast) in 2004, we went through new paltz, new york. there is no law to ride against the traffic. we rode with the law (always), with traffic flow direction. i always ride with the law backing me.
you should explore and stick to the law, it will be on your side. try getting a helmet and mirror mounted so you can see what's coming up behind you.
it will get easier to follow the law as you practice driving your bicycle! check your local bicycle coalition, if you question my, or everyone else's reply, to your original post!
tomg
noisebeam
What do you guys mean against traffic is non vehicular?
Check out this video, this funny truck with the flashing lights looks like a vehicle to me. I say follow his lead, it will be helpful to have him nearby.
Video (http://www.optionnz.com/users/afs/060608-1654.10948ambi.avi)
(now if we want to derail Penguin's thread, we could debate if the mini-van who turned in front of the flashing truck is an idiot or not. I wonder if he saw it and intentionally turned in front, or if he got lucky)
Al
Monoborracho
I dont know why you're all so sure you're right when you're obviously not. It's like the advocacy forum is bizarro world. Next thing I know you'll be lecturing me about why I should lay down the money for a helmet.
Keep it up Penguin, you'll be a grease spot on the road and then you won't care what the law says (but really, you are blatantly wrong)>
How the heck do you make a right turn from the left lane "facing traffic"? Man, I'd like a video of that routine.
Blue Order
It's satire. Great satire. He's riding vehicularly, against traffic. Taking the lane, against traffic, and nearly had a head-on. But he scared the motorist off with his 6'2", 169 pounds of muscle. :roflmao:
古強者死神
No he didnt ^^
rgtft
yes I was riding towards traffic. I dont understand how you could all be so wrong about the law. I thought you knew what you were talking about in the advocacy and safety forum.
Troll me a river
2manybikes
If you get tired take a nap in the correct vehicular lane position of the road. :p ;)
shokhead
Just another glaring example of how wrong you all are in Advocacy and Safety. They can't perform head transplants :rolleyes: c'mon, get with it.
If we could we would misplace yours,weenie.
ThatWhichRolls
So did anyone happen to notice Cleese and Idle in the little sig window of the OP?
No...did notice Cleese and Palin, though. ;)
FLBandit
Lycra is good for weddings??!! Who knew?
fthomas
It ain't April Fool's Day, so you're either a tremendous troll or a tremendous fool.
I'll second that!
late
Hi,
there are a number of problems with riding against the flow. One if the worst
is at intersections. Every year a few cyclists die because a motorist doing EXACTLY what he is supposed to runs the fool over.
The motorist is not expecting oncoming traffic in his own lane. Exactly what happened in your case. So he DOES NOT LOOK for oncoming traffic. And runs the fool over.
There are several books out there on bike riding. I like Forest's Effective Cycling,
but there are newer and better ones. They all say the same thing about this one.
Riding against the flow is much more dangerous. Collisions happen more frequently, and are more likely to be fatal.
I dont know what you think you are doing, but this is a serious issue, and I don't appreciate the cavalier treatment. If you are simply mistaken, it's time to get one of those books, and research the subject while you're still alive.
SingleSpeeDemon
^^^ No it isnt.
:roflmao:
Artkansas
I dont know why you're all so sure you're right when you're obviously not. It's like the advocacy forum is bizarro world. Next thing I know you'll be lecturing me about why I should lay down the money for a helmet.
If you are right, then the entire state of New York is wrong. As it says in the New York DOT website "The law requires that bicyclists drive with traffic." New York DOT website (http://www.dot.state.ny.us/pubtrans/share.html#1234)
Is summer too long and boring? Well just go ride against traffic without your helmet. And don't bother yourself with those pesky red lights either, they are probably just for cars.
One last question. What is the correct spelling of your name? We don't want to make a mistake in engraving when you get your Darwin award for your tombstone.
jeff-o
Is the problem here with the definition of the word "towards?" On your side of the yellow line, were cars moving in the same direction as you, or the opposite?
TheKillerPenguin
If you are right, then the entire state of New York is wrong. As it says in the New York DOT website "The law requires that bicyclists drive with traffic." New York DOT website (http://www.dot.state.ny.us/pubtrans/share.html#1234)
Is summer too long and boring? Well just go ride against traffic without your helmet. And don't bother yourself with those pesky red lights either, they are probably just for cars.
One last question. What is the correct spelling of your name? We don't want to make a mistake in engraving when you get your Darwin award for your tombstone.
My guess is one of two things-
1. Some DMV stooge got the info on the website wrong.
2. New York is wrong, and I'm right.
I mean, seriously, think of it this way. Cars head towards each other all the time, otherwise they'd always be heading in the same direction. To drive vehicularly, should one always follow the flow of the traffic that is coming against him, IE should he simply turn around and proceed to follow, abandoning all the things he wanted to do for the day? Of course not, that's silly, and its just as silly to assume one should do that on their bike!
late
My guess is one of two things-
Cars head towards each other all the time, otherwise they'd always be heading in the same direction. To drive vehicularly, should one always follow the flow of the traffic that is coming against him, IE should he simply turn around
You are stupid or trolling. I'm going to join the others and assume it's a troll.
Go be a fool somewhere else.
nova
You are stupid or trolling. I'm going to join the others and assume it's a troll.
Go be a fool somewhere else.
Heh he should be realy glad im not a admin or mod here he and facethem would be long long gone.
Notice i did not say hh would be cause oops guess what while i tend to not agree with him i also a gree his views are just that his views. He is not spreading completly false information just for the thrill of it and in many place id say you can saftly do as he sugests. He also doesnt start posts like this to only start fights.
Besides give me a few more months and ill have him wipped in to shape :)
But penguin and face them are trolls pure simple and nothing more.