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Since you started reading this forum, do you ride any differently than you did before?
In particular, do you ride further left than you did before?
Do you ride centered more often than you did before?
Do you think you are a safer cyclist now than you were before? How?
If so, were changes in your riding influenced by what you read here, and, in particular, how much if any from posts written by yours truly?
(just wondering if I'm totally wasting my time here, as some keep telling me, or what)
Thanks!
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Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes. How am I safer or how do I know?
Yes. Who?
Keep it up.
Al
Since you started reading this forum, do you ride any differently than you did before?
In particular, do you ride further left than you did before?
Do you ride centered more often than you did before?
Do you think you are a safer cyclist now than you were before? How?
If so, were changes in your riding influenced by what you read here, and, in particular, how much if any from posts written by yours truly?
(just wondering if I'm totally wasting my time here, as some keep telling me, or what)
Thanks!
I am not sure if its further left or any other specific thing. But I have learned some important points about riding (in these forums) camping/touring in that forum. I try and make sure I submit to cycling forums, where we help one another, and not just politics/religion down below, where we love to argue.
roughstuff
Yes, I am more likely to "Take The Lane" in difficult traffic areas.
My commute has two sections where when I ride to the right, car bicycle conflicts occur. The first is at a freeway onramp. I have found that cars don't cut me off, speeding to get on the freeway, if I take the lane. The other is a short narrow section of road with very rough pavement. There is no appreciable shoulder here, and the rough road means that I may have to swerve to regain balance. By taking the lane I have a wider (and better) choice of pavement from which to select my line, and lower risk of encountering an obstruction that would cause me to lose my balance.
Since you started reading this forum, do you ride any differently than you did before?
In particular, do you ride further left than you did before?
Do you ride centered more often than you did before?
Do you think you are a safer cyclist now than you were before? How?
If so, were changes in your riding influenced by what you read here, and, in particular, how much if any from posts written by yours truly?
(just wondering if I'm totally wasting my time here, as some keep telling me, or what)
Thanks!
No, I ride the same as I did before. As a legal vehicle of the road.
I ride in the section of the lane depending on the dynamics of the roadway, width, traffic volume, speed limit, shoulder, debris, etc.
See previous answer.
I have always been a safe cyclist, one of the safest on the roadways. What people have posted here has not affected my cycling in anyway shape or form. I have my own unique riding style which I adapt as needed. It works great for me & may not work for others. My style keeps me safe.
IMO this thread may be a waste of time.
For years I've been a confident, assertive Vehicular Cyclist.
By law and convention I generally ride "as far right as practicable". But this doesn't mean I hug the shoulder or always ride in the bike lane...far from it.
I take the lane whenever I need to, and stay to the right (but not too far right) otherwise.
I don't "PowerWeave" in and out of the bike lane, unless conditions warrant (e.g., debris, door zones, etc.). On NOL roadways I will intentionally shift left to force overtaking traffic to adjust their position to the left, if I see that the overtaking driver isn't moving left to give me room.
Cyclists have been using these same basic techniques for sharing the roads with other vehicles for nearly 100 years...just because HH has a bug up his butt about his pet theory doesn't make it unique, innovative, useful, or true.
It's not rocket science, no matter how much bandwidth gets used up trying to explain "cognitive conspicuity" and "inadvertent drift" and "DLLP". :rolleyes:
No, I ride the same as I did before. As a legal vehicle of the road.
I ride in the section of the lane depending on the dynamics of the roadway, width, traffic volume, speed limit, shoulder, debris, etc.
See previous answer.
I have always been a safe cyclist, one of the safest on the roadways. What people have posted here has not affected my cycling in anyway shape or form. I have my own unique riding style which I adapt as needed. It works great for me & may not work for others. My style keeps me safe.
IMO this thread may be a waste of time.
You have got some ego. Can't learn anything from anyone, because you know it all already. You are a piece of work.
No, I ride the same as I did before. As a legal vehicle of the road.
I ride in the section of the lane depending on the dynamics of the roadway, width, traffic volume, speed limit, shoulder, debris, etc.
See previous answer.
I have always been a safe cyclist, one of the safest on the roadways. What people have posted here has not affected my cycling in anyway shape or form. I have my own unique riding style which I adapt as needed. It works great for me & may not work for others. My style keeps me safe.
IMO this thread may be a waste of time.
Apparently, reading this forum is a waste of time for you, since you already know everything.
Hmm, our posts are a waste of time for you, and your posts offer nothing of value to us... why are you here again???
Sorry, but most of what I have read here is either total BS or stuff I already knew. I may have picked up something useful, but not much.
(just wondering if I'm totally wasting my time here, as some keep telling me)
Yes...you are.
I ride the same as I did before I discovered BF.
HH, your posts have made me a safer rider...by outline what not to do.
(just wondering if I'm totally wasting my time here, as some keep telling me, or what)
Thanks!
:(
[group hug]I'm so sorry, did someone do or say something to make you feel unwelcome?[/group hug]
Let me clarify. I've always had vehicular cycling tendencies (learned them from my dad as a kid), but it was participating in BF that clarified them and allowed me to fine tune them for specific situations. I'm still refining my traffic cycling methods from my experience combined with BF discussion - with inputs/ideas from all points of view contributing.
Al
Let me clarify. I've always had vehicular cycling tendencies (learned them from my dad as a kid), but it was participating in BF that clarified them and allowed me to fine tune them for specific situations. I'm still refining my traffic cycling methods from my experience combined with BF discussion - with inputs/ideas from all points of view contributing.
Al
That's the key for me. I think most cyclists don't realize what clarifying [VC techniques] and fine tuning them for specific situations means, and how it applies to their own cycling.
Most are like N_C, though perhaps not as willing to admit it: "I have always been a safe cyclist, one of the safest on the roadways. What people have posted here has not affected my cycling in anyway shape or form. I have my own unique riding style which I adapt as needed. It works great for me & may not work for others. My style keeps me safe."
Your question and your answers do not match.
Your question focuses on riding further left, but your answer choices point to two other conclusions.
In my case, I have not changed where I ride on the road, but I do in fact believe that my participation in BF has helped me ride more safely. Clearly a contradiction for your poll.
Apparently, reading this forum is a waste of time for you, since you already know everything.
Hmm, our posts are a waste of time for you, and your posts offer nothing of value to us... why are you here again???
Pot, kettle, etc.
Your question and your answers do not match.
Your question focuses on riding further left, but your answer choices point to two other conclusions.
In my case, I have not changed where I ride on the road, but I do in fact believe that my participation in BF has helped me ride more safely. Clearly a contradiction for your poll.
+1
Your question and your answers do not match.
Your question focuses on riding further left, but your answer choices point to two other conclusions.
In my case, I have not changed where I ride on the road, but I do in fact believe that my participation in BF has helped me ride more safely. Clearly a contradiction for your poll.
The poll question matches the poll answers.
The question in the thread title goes with the "essay" questions in the OP.
But I admit it ends up looking a bit sloppy, especially if you expect the thread title to match the poll question.
just wondering if I'm totally wasting my time here, as some keep telling meYes.
And our time. Don't forget our time.
Yes.
And our time. Don't forget our time.
No, your time is only wasted by you... if you don't like what you read here... Don't read here.
No, your time is only wasted by you... if you don't like what you read here... Don't read here.Well, theoretically, there must be something other than HH propaganda in here. We just have to slog through endless bandwidth to find it.
No, your time is only wasted by you... if you don't like what you read here... Don't read here.
Right. Also, I find the ignore function to be very useful, and recommend it highly to be used on me by all those who don't find any value in what I have to say in my controversial way.
If you don't have me on ignore, you have no one to blame but yourself.
well this thread may have set a record for turning into ego wars, Pity, it would have been nice if we could have gotten some constructive posts from folks that have learned something.
Steve W
Thank you HH and VH supporters. Although I still tend to use bike lanes on some streets, I must say that without BH I'd be sidewalk bicycling.
Thanks to all.
I learned more about my rights on the road by reading this forum...or more to the point, I'm more likely to assert myself.
I was familiar with the laws of NC, but hesitant to follow some of them because it seemed that no one else riding did so. Now, with the knowledge that I am in the right, I feel as if I'm helping set an example to other riders on the road.
Today, I was followed by a vehicle, a gold Sentra, that has buzzed past me before on the same stretch of roadway. Today, that car didn't buzz me. I was traveling 22 in a 25 zone, fully expecting the woman to pull around me and fly past as usual. Not today. I couldn't figure out why, until I rechecked my mirror. Turns out the was a police car behind her. I speeded up a little more and as my turn approached, gave a left hand signal, fully took the lane, gave the hand signal again and made my left turn. Two or three years ago, I probably would have pulled off to the right and let both pass by then crossed the intersection.
(This also told me that she has known all along what the law is, but has ignored it...).
I learned more about my rights on the road by reading this forum...or more to the point, I'm more likely to assert myself.
I was familiar with the laws of NC, but hesitant to follow some of them because it seemed that no one else riding did so. Now, with the knowledge that I am in the right, I feel as if I'm helping set an example to other riders on the road.
Today, I was followed by a vehicle, a gold Sentra, that has buzzed past me before on the same stretch of roadway. Today, that car didn't buzz me. I was traveling 22 in a 25 zone, fully expecting the woman to pull around me and fly past as usual. Not today. I couldn't figure out why, until I rechecked my mirror. Turns out the was a police car behind her. I speeded up a little more and as my turn approached, gave a left hand signal, fully took the lane, gave the hand signal again and made my left turn. Two or three years ago, I probably would have pulled off to the right and let both pass by then crossed the intersection.
(This also told me that she has known all along what the law is, but has ignored it...).
:beer: :beer: :beer:
Thank you. You have made my day.
I don't know if my posts in particular influenced this particular change, but, for what's it's worth, this exemplifies the type of change in cyclist attitude and behavior (they are closely related, aren't they?) I hope we're all helping bring about.
Good job getting it, jwc. You're in the front of the pack now!
:beer: :beer: :beer:
Thank you. You have made my day.
I don't know if my posts in particular influenced this particular change, but, for what's it's worth, this exemplifies the type of change in cyclist attitude and behavior (they are closely related, aren't they?) I hope we're all helping bring about.
Good job getting it, jwc. You're in the front of the pack now!
Uh, doesn't hurt to have "enforcement" right at the back of the pack either.
Funny how she suddenly "knew the law" when being followed by "The Man."
I bet a few of those folks that don't ever seem to stop for "right on red" would find that brake pedal real fast if there was a black and white behind them. :rolleyes:
Uh, doesn't hurt to have "enforcement" right at the back of the pack either.
Funny how she suddenly "knew the law" when being followed by "The Man."
I bet a few of those folks that don't ever seem to stop for "right on red" would find that brake pedal real fast if there was a black and white behind them. :rolleyes:
Jeez, you have an uncanny ability to look for the downside in every situation, even if it's not there.
People naturally get more conservative in their driving when there is a cop behind them. That's probably what was mostly going on here.
In fact, that's what's really cool about jwc's post. Even with the conservative influence of the cop watching him, he felt confident enough to negotiate for the right of way to merge left in front of the motorists, causing them (including the cop) to slow down, rather than just yield by moving even further right like he used to do before reading this forum.
Instilling confidence in cyclists to assert their rights in traffic. I love it.
Having the police behind made a big difference, but, I also know the police in this town. I service the patrol cars.
Still, I wouldn't have believed that it was within my rights to take the lane (or the courage) before. I would have believed that I was the one in the wrong. How many times has someone complained that the LEO's don't follow the law as written by the state? My interaction with the local police, meaning I have made it known that I know my rights, may have made a difference as well.
We, as cyclists, usually make the point that education is important...the education of vehicle drivers and riders. The "education" of the local LEO's is just as important, maybe even more so.
Jeez, you have an uncanny ability to look for the downside in every situation, even if it's not there.
People naturally get more conservative in their driving when there is a cop behind them. That's probably what was mostly going on here.
In fact, that's what's really cool about jwc's post. Even with the conservative influence of the cop watching him, he felt confident enough to negotiate for the right of way to merge left in front of the motorists, causing them (including the cop) to slow down, rather than just yield by moving even further right like he used to do before reading this forum.
Instilling confidence in cyclists to assert their rights in traffic. I love it.
Sorry, I didn't see it as a downside... more like a touch of irony.... in particular, not for the cyclist, but for the motorist who suddenly "knew" the law. :D
Having the police behind made a big difference, but, I also know the police in this town. I service the patrol cars.
Still, I wouldn't have believed that it was within my rights to take the lane (or the courage) before. I would have believed that I was the one in the wrong. How many times has someone complained that the LEO's don't follow the law as written by the state? My interaction with the local police, meaning I have made it know that I know my rights, may have made a difference as well.
We, as cyclists, usually make the point that education is important...the education of vehicle drivers and riders. The "education" of the local LEO's is just as important, maybe even more so.
Fully agree... And I think a huge issue is that all traffic must co-operate with each other and quit trying to treat the road as if it is some sort of race track.
Saw a great video earlier today... check it out... I would love to see this as part of all Driver Training classes.
http://bikelib.org/video/index.htm
I think there is a touch of some marginal cycling examples in this, but overall the message is good.
Well, today was a pretty good day.
It has been rather chilly the past couple of days, 36F this morning (33F yesterday morning), which for the southeast is pretty cold considering that Sunday, it was around 70F. I was standing outside this afternoon talking to a firefighter dropping off his Explorer and mentioned that I biked to work. He made the comment, "Too cold for that". The salesman standing with us made the comment that I generate my own heat when riding in to work. The firefighter, said "do you mean a motorcycle or a bike". When he found out I meant a bicycle, he looked at me and said, "I admire you for that".
Made my afternoon.
Made my afternoon.
Thanks for passing on the positive karma.
Your title says "Do you ride further left" and your poll question asks "are you a safer cyclist." I have a problem with this.
Your title says "Do you ride further left" and your poll question asks "are you a safer cyclist." I have a problem with this.:lol:
Good catch, sbhikes! And the propaganda spins on...
IMO this thread may be a waste of time.
But not so much of a waste that you decided to read it, vote and write an opinion
These forums have helped some. But honestly I was already riding in a pretty safe manner in my opinion. Many things written on these forums have cemented my resolve.
-D
I think things I have picked up here have vastly improved the safety of my riding. First and foremost would be that I started using a mirror after 20 years of cycling without one.
Now, I never get surprised by an overtaking vehicle. I see them coming well in advance and position myself laterally according to traffic and road conditions. I still get close-passed now and then but now I know it is coming and I have allotted a ton of lane width to my right to move over. I am much more proactive in blocking, hand signaling and moving aside to encourage passing when safe to do so.
And since I ride a tandem a lot and have someone other than myself to worry about, these techniques have really made a difference.
It takes only one counterexample to conclude a statement is false. Thefore anyone who said "Yes, you are wasting your time, HH; i.e., nobody gained anything from your posts" is very obviously wrong because the first person to reply to the OP disproved it.
Yet several people who posted afterwards came out with this statement anyway. Clearly they are ignorant of the most basic principles of logic or they choose to ignore them.
You have got some ego. Can't learn anything from anyone, because you know it all already. You are a piece of work.
Where the **** did I claim I know everything? Had I meant to say that I would have come right out & said it, not be subtle or beat around the bush about it. I don't know everything.
It is just I either do not want to copy the riding style of certain individuals here, so I choose not to learn from them, the OP is one of them, for various reasons, or the info here is a regurgitation of the same thing over & over again just put in differant terms that mean the same thing.
It seems every time I choose not to sugar coat certain things & express a disagreement about it here & I'm blunt about it I get stomped on. So I decided **** you then I won't say anything about certain things. You don't like it, tough ****.
Apparently, reading this forum is a waste of time for you, since you already know everything.
Hmm, our posts are a waste of time for you, and your posts offer nothing of value to us... why are you here again???
See my response to San Rensho & apply to yourself.
See my response to San Rensho & apply to yourself.
I reiterate....why post?
I reiterate....why post?
If you're going to ask me this question you should ask all others who have responded with similar responses to mine.
IMO this thread may be a waste of time.
Who else made this statement?????
Since you started reading this forum, do you ride any differently than you did before?
In particular, do you ride further left than you did before?
Do you ride centered more often than you did before?
Do you think you are a safer cyclist now than you were before? How?
If so, were changes in your riding influenced by what you read here, and, in particular, how much if any from posts written by yours truly?
(just wondering if I'm totally wasting my time here, as some keep telling me, or what)
Thanks!
I have not changed my riding style since Helmet Head came along. There are almost no bike lanes for me to use on my 15 mile route to work, and I was already in the habit of riding vehicularly before I met him.
But since Helmet Head came (and I say this respectfully, since I do respect Serge, even if we sometimes disagree,) I have found a new respect for the diversity of opinion regarding bike facilities, i.e. bike lanes and bike paths. I have come to realize that not all roads lead to Rome, and that in fact, some bike facilities do.
It wasn't so much Helmet Head's fault. His passionate VC arguments brought his antagonists out of the woodwork, so to speak. They spoke their minds, and that is often the beginning of revelation: the open sharing of information.
At this point, I think my position is less anti-bike-facility and more anti-sloppy-bike-facility. That, and also my unchanged viewpoint that cyclists should now, and always, be afforded their equal share of the expensive roadway system we all pay for.
I answered no just because I've always ridden more to the left than other cyclist I see. I guess it's just the way I learned to ride.
I answered no just because I've always ridden more to the left than other cyclist I see. I guess it's just the way I learned to ride.
+10
...and i don't understand why people seem to think that subjective responses to loaded questions are valid data that can be used to "prove" that one is right.
grow up. (not just you HH, i refer to several new threads in here that employ the same method)
At this point, I think my position is less anti-bike-facility and more anti-sloppy-bike-facility.
I thought that's what it was when I got here too.
I thought that's what it was when I got here too.
But you think anyone who disagrees with you about the total abolition of all bike facilities falls into that category. Maybe you just can't read the fine print, yet.
I miss understood. I see, you're saying you're now less anti-bike-facility then you were before, and you're more anti-sloppy-bike-facility then you were before. Right?
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