Advocacy & Safety - Crazy Riders

For the record, I am not a cyclist but I am an avid runner.

But, I came across one this morning. This guy blew a stop sign around a blind corner, taking a right turn at 20mph onto a major road during rushour. Guess who he scared the **** out of. He turned right into my lane of travel (rightmost). I couldn't slow down in time (blind corner) and couldn't swerve (car to my left, no shoulder to the right). I honked as I went by at his reckless behavior. At the next light, he decides to punch my car repeatedly and tried to rip my sideview mirror off, calling me a piece of **** because I "endangered" him.

Apparently, that guy's expectations are that cars swerve out of the way for him when he recklessly throws himself into traffic, violating a law in the process.

I would certainly hope that he wouldn't drive his car like that...why did he think it was ok for him for him to ride his bike like that?

I don't have a problem with cyclists running red lights, breaking benign traffic laws IF it is COMPLETELY safe to do so. This was clearly not the case, however. It irks me because this sort of entitlement among cyclists in Boston is no longer an anomaly and is quickly becoming the norm. This guy was so pugnacious that a person less than me would have grabbed that shiny new sand wedge in my backseat that I just bought and really made him feel endangered.

i cant say i'm a total angel when it comes to lights and stop signs, to tell you otherwise would make me a liar, but i'm not reckless like that and i do a pretty good job of keeping my cool around cars and such, as i expect them to do the same. doesn't always work. maybe he'll figure it out when someone does connect a sandwedge with his head. he should win a class 5 jackass prize.

Stuff like that happens a lot in Portland. Too bad there isn't much you can do about it...

Stoopid cager! Stop harassing the cyclist!

Steroids.

OP, did you sign up just to tell us that you saw a cyclist riding dangerously?

I'm sorry for your experience, but I don't think you're going to get much sympathy in this forum.

For every one of these "nuisances" you've dealt with, most of of us bicyclists have had them ten-fold (or more) from motorists. And when we're getting it from motorists, its not an unpleasant annoyance, but more like a terrifying, life-threatening situation.

For cyclists who ride on public roads with any traffic at all, its a daily ordeal. I consider it a major victory if I can make it though my ride and keep grinning at the onslaught of pointless, inane motorist shenanigans I'm forced to deal with.

Your comment about the sand wedge is typical of many motorists too - threats of physical violence to bicyclists are common, and usually acted out with a 5000 lb chevy or buick - so I'll take your sand wedge please - I might survive that.

Really, go get on a bike and pedal down the road aways, basically follow the rules and mind your own business - see how many people in cars %$ck with you just because they can - then come back here and share your opinions with us.

OP, did you sign up just to tell us that you saw a cyclist riding dangerously?

..and find the A&S forum...it sure looks like a sockpuppet troll to me. But if it isn't, the cyclist was wrong. Cyclists are people too...you got good folks and you got jerks.

I'm sorry for your experience, but I don't think you're going to get much sympathy in this forum.

For every one of these "nuisances" you've dealt with, most of of us bicyclists have had them ten-fold (or more) from motorists. And when we're getting it from motorists, its not an unpleasant annoyance, but more like a terrifying, life-threatening situation.

For cyclists who ride on public roads with any traffic at all, its a daily ordeal. I consider it a major victory if I can make it though my ride and keep grinning at the onslaught of pointless, inane motorist shenanigans I'm forced to deal with.

Your comment about the sand wedge is typical of many motorists too - threats of physical violence to bicyclists are common, and usually acted out with a 5000 lb chevy or buick - so I'll take your sand wedge please - I might survive that.

Really, go get on a bike and pedal down the road aways, basically follow the rules and mind your own business - see how many people in cars %$ck with you just because they can - then come back here and share your opinions with us.


I'm a cyclist, but if I am riding or driving and you blow a stop, making me come close to hitting you - you're gonna get my boot up your butt. Aint no excuse for bad manners or unsafe operation, no matter how picked on you feel.

I'm sorry for your experience, but I don't think you're going to get much sympathy in this forum.Ha!

I'm totally in sympathy with him, and if it had been my car, the JAB would be cooling his precious little temper in jail right now. Possibly with a sand wedge jammed up his...

Cyclists get an unfair amount of harassment on the road, but this sounds like it might be more like, "Stoopid cyclist, stop harassing the cager." Most of us have seen very similar behavior among cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians alike. One does something stupidly dangerous and illegal, then instantly externalizes the fault.
However if the cyclist was wrong and attacked my car, I'd assume he's trying to inflict bodily harm on me and would probably have shown him the business end of my Taurus personal protection tool.

So when someone does something this hazardous in a car, which is pretty much daily, should I sign onto carforums.net and tell them to reign in their goons?

Just asking.

I mean, I could.

So when someone does something this hazardous in a car, which is pretty much daily, should I sign onto carforums.net and tell them to reign in their goons?

Just asking.

I mean, I could.I think he's raising an important issue in the right forum. What's the problem?

So when someone does something this hazardous in a car, which is pretty much daily, should I sign onto carforums.net and tell them to reign in their goons?

Just asking.

I mean, I could.

Lets! :D

So when someone does something this hazardous in a car, which is pretty much daily, should I sign onto carforums.net and tell them to reign in their goons?

Just asking.

I mean, I could.

I guess this is what I mean. I didn't post on this site to be a troll, or to incite a flame war. My point is, this guy ignored the fact that it was HIS fault and then tried to start a fight with me despite the fact that he put his own safety in jeopardy.

Stuff like this can be perpetrated by cyclists, motorists, pedestrians, etc. alike. I understand that. My observation, however, is that these days, it seems to be getting worse. A few of you said it yourselves - motorists are crazy these days. Well, if that is the caution, why does it seem that cyclists, who are physically very vulnerable, seem to be acting MORE recklessly?

Like I said before, I am an avid runner. Living in a city, interacting with traffic is unavoidable during my runs. However, I never cross the street when there is a "dont walk" sign, unless it is completely safe to do so. Even good motorists will have their attention wander from time to time. I simply won't take that risk.

I detest statements like, "if you want motorists respect, you have to ride like motorists" usually coming from cyclists who advocate that I stop for and observe every red light (even if my vision is clear and there isn't a car to be seen for miles), make a complete stop at stop signs, again, whether or not there is other traffic present, never ride the sidewalk, always ride with traffic, no exceptions ever, not even for a fraction of a mile even if doing so enhances my safety.

That said, I still feel it important that we, as cyclists, remain objective enough to admit that it is entirely possible that the OP is not a "troll" but is relating an incident exactly as it occurred - that is possible for a cyclist to be at fault - that we are all people, no better or worse than the next.

To attack the OP's credibility ignores the fact that such riders as he describes do, in fact, exists amongst those of us who ride bikes.

I disagree that one incident is evidence that "it is getting worse." I would inquire of the OP how many similar incidents has he observed. Probably not enough to make that sort of generalization. Of course, I also don't believe that road rage is getting worse or that there should be a special law against aggressive driving (another media-invented phenomenon, IMO).

All these issues simply get more coverage (often hysterical in nature) than they did in the days before 24-hr news, the internet, video surveillance everywhere, etc.

All of that notwithstanding, we still need to be objective and certainly more tolerant of posters who relate stories that don't support the advocacy that favors us.

Caruso

2 posts? oooooooooooooooo K

Only one side of the story...

Things that make you go hmm.

Az

I was walking in a crosswalk, when a cyclist ran a red light and buzzed me. I pointed to the light and said "the light," and the cyclist's response was "F-off." It happens far more often than some of you are acknowledging. I don't think cycling advocacy is advanced by that behavior, and I don't think cycling advocacy is advanced by pretending that type of behavior simply doesn't happen, or is rare. It's not rare, it's becoming ever more common, and it's harming cycling.

I was walking in a crosswalk, when a cyclist ran a red light and buzzed me. I pointed to the light and said "the light," and the cyclist's response was "F-off." It happens far more often than some of you are acknowledging. I don't think cycling advocacy is advanced by that behavior, and I don't think cycling advocacy is advanced by pretending that type of behavior simply doesn't happen, or is rare. It's not rare, it's becoming ever more common, and it's harming cycling.

I see it happen quite a bit around here. More so since it got warmer and more people are taking to the streets.

The warm weather brings out all the bozos, cyclist or motorist or...

OTOH I have seen more people signaling turns lately as well. Makes me smile :)

Ha!

I'm totally in sympathy with him, and if it had been my car, the JAB would be cooling his precious little temper in jail right now. Possibly with a sand wedge jammed up his...

Just stick with the taser, officer ;)

I was walking in a crosswalk, when a cyclist ran a red light and buzzed me. I pointed to the light and said "the light," and the cyclist's response was "F-off." It happens far more often than some of you are acknowledging. I don't think cycling advocacy is advanced by that behavior, and I don't think cycling advocacy is advanced by pretending that type of behavior simply doesn't happen, or is rare. It's not rare, it's becoming ever more common, and it's harming cycling.

From my observations, the proportion of cyclists that really know what they're doing in traffic is pretty low. At the bottom of the scale are riders that are outright menaces, no doubt.

One of my greatest fears is that cycling becomes hugely popular, but the proportion of skilled to clueless riders stays the same.

I detest statements like, "if you want motorists respect, you have to ride like motorists" usually coming from cyclists who advocate that I stop for and observe every red light (even if my vision is clear and there isn't a car to be seen for miles), make a complete stop at stop signs, again, whether or not there is other traffic present, never ride the sidewalk, always ride with traffic, no exceptions ever, not even for a fraction of a mile even if doing so enhances my safety.

That said, I still feel it important that we, as cyclists, remain objective enough to admit that it is entirely possible that the OP is not a "troll" but is relating an incident exactly as it occurred - that is possible for a cyclist to be at fault - that we are all people, no better or worse than the next.

To attack the OP's credibility ignores the fact that such riders as he describes do, in fact, exists amongst those of us who ride bikes.

I disagree that one incident is evidence that "it is getting worse." I would inquire of the OP how many similar incidents has he observed. Probably not enough to make that sort of generalization. Of course, I also don't believe that road rage is getting worse or that there should be a special law against aggressive driving (another media-invented phenomenon, IMO).

All these issues simply get more coverage (often hysterical in nature) than they did in the days before 24-hr news, the internet, video surveillance everywhere, etc.

All of that notwithstanding, we still need to be objective and certainly more tolerant of posters who relate stories that don't support the advocacy that favors us.

Caruso

Of course, I don't have any objective data to justify my observation of a trend. It's just that - my observation. Like anything else, it could be different from someone else's. The other incident that stands out in my mind was when a cyclist blew a red light (this was in NYC) and actually hit a pedestrian in a crosswalk. She was an older lady (early 60s). Fortunately, she didn't get hurt, but the cyclist's initial reaction was that it was the pedestrian's fault...until he saw the red light. Clearly, this guy didn't even pay attention.

I do find it interesting that there are people on this thread that seem to hold the view that anyone on a bicycle can do no wrong (of course not the majority - just a few).

BikeI,

You are in a forum that is very biased in favor of bicyclist.

Go to a running forum and post the same story, you'll get a lot more stories like yours.

Bicyclists don't get respect because they act like they only have to obey the law when they feel like it.

I do find it interesting that there are people on this thread that seem to hold the view that anyone on a bicycle can do no wrong (of course not the majority - just a few).Would you quote any of the replies that states that anyone on a bicycle can do no wrong? Because I read through the responses and I didn't see anyone state anything like that.

I do find it interesting that there are people on this thread that seem to hold the view that anyone on a bicycle can do no wrong (of course not the majority - just a few).

I find it interesting that you only find interesting those on this thread you feel hold the view that anyone on a bike can do no wrong, but you seem deaf to any post or portion of post that defends your point of view.

I, for one, took issue with your contention that your single experience (and now you've cited one more) represents a trend. Other than that, my previous post was totally supportive of the balance of your point of view - but you seem to have missed that entirely?

I wonder why?

Caruso

I was walking in a crosswalk, when a cyclist ran a red light and buzzed me. I pointed to the light and said "the light," and the cyclist's response was "F-off." It happens far more often than some of you are acknowledging. I don't think cycling advocacy is advanced by that behavior, and I don't think cycling advocacy is advanced by pretending that type of behavior simply doesn't happen, or is rare. It's not rare, it's becoming ever more common, and it's harming cycling.

So is the behavior of some bad drivers harming motoring?

Are J-walkers sullying the collective reputation of pedestrians?

What, exactly, are we as a supposed group supposed to do about this particular scofflaw?

I vote nothing, which is the same reaction I suspect the above user groups would give if someone asked them about errant drivers and walkers.

But if you continue to press this as a public safety issue greater than, or even comparable to, aggressive driving, it starts to come off as a personal vendetta. A guy on a bike swore at you. Guys not on bikes swear at me sometimes. Who cares?

So is the behavior of some bad drivers harming motoring?

Are J-walkers sullying the collective reputation of pedestrians?

What, exactly, are we as a supposed group supposed to do about this particular scofflaw?

I vote nothing, which is the same reaction I suspect the above user groups would give if someone asked them about errant drivers and walkers.

But if you continue to press this as a public safety issue greater than, or even comparable to, aggressive driving, it starts to come off as a personal vendetta. A guy on a bike swore at you. Guys not on bikes swear at me sometimes. Who cares?You don't care if toxic behavior is harming cycling advocacy? Step outside of your little bubble world and listen to what people who are NOT riding bikes think of cyclists. And listen to WHY they think that.

I do care about the toxic behavior of these JABs, because it's corrosive to cycling advocacy.

You don't care if toxic behavior is harming cycling advocacy?

I have no idea what you mean by toxic behavior, but if you mean breaking the law and swearing alot (i.e. acting like other road users), then I reject the premise.

What do motorists really care about? Cyclists getting out of their way. Whether or not we follow the law is way down the list. They don't yell "follow the highway traffic act" out the window. They yell "get on the sidewalk".

And I reject that we are some kind of great big imaginary club who is failing to reign in our resident outlaws. If people think that, then they are idiots.

When the motoring organizations lobby for more lanes on the highways, I can't remember anyone saying "no, you'll just speed, tailgate, and use profanity in them".

Why are you trying to hold cyclists to some arbitrary higher code of conduct? Some characters on bikes are going to act like idiots, just as with all other classes of road users. And no, I don't care, because we're not on trial or probation. We are default road users.

I have no idea what you mean by toxic behavior, but if you mean breaking the law and swearing alot (i.e. acting like other road users), then I reject the premise.

What do motorists really care about? Cyclists getting out of their way. Whether or not we follow the law is way down the list.That's not what they unanimously say. They unanimously say they're fed up with rude, obnoxious, law-breaking cyclists. But cyclists are always pretty good at inventing non-threatening reasons to explain why they're unpopular with motorists.


They don't yell "follow the highway traffic act" out the window. They yell "get on the sidewalk".And when they're attacking cycling in a public forum, they're all saying that cyclists are rude, obnoxious scofflaws. That's not the only problem we face. People who aren't ACTIVELY opposed to cyclists also say they're rude, obnoxious scofflaws. We're creating enemies where we had none. And for what purpose?


And I reject that we are some kind of great big imaginary club who is failing to reign in our resident outlaws. If people think that, then they are idiots.

When the motoring organizations lobby for more lanes on the highways, I can't remember anyone saying "no, you'll just speed, tailgate, and use profanity in them".

Why are you trying to hold cyclists to some arbitrary higher code of conduct?We have to take "the high road," if you will, because we are a minority, and because we are vulnerable, both physically and politically. Hide your head in the sand all you want, live in a fantasy world of denial all you want, that's still the reality on Planet Earth.

That's not what they unanimously say. They unanimously say they're fed up with rude, obnoxious, law-breaking cyclists...And when they're attacking cycling in a public forum, they're all saying that cyclists are rude, obnoxious scofflaws.
Ya mean that is what "You" say; and what apparently "You" hear and "You" read because that is what "You" think.

Don't assume your over-the-top toxic thoughts on this subject are shared by any more than a handful of thinkers like yourself.

There are plenty of cyclists who cause problems by doing something both stupid and illegal, and react with anger if confronted. Just like the OP encountered. To pretend otherwise is silly. Most of them likely do not post on this forum though.

They unanimously say they're fed up with rude, obnoxious, law-breaking cyclists.

Really? It's unanimous now.

I have no idea where you are pulling this from.



And when they're attacking cycling in a public forum, they're all saying that cyclists are rude, obnoxious scofflaws.


Really? ALL of them. Each and every. Wow.




We have to take "the high road," if you will, because we are a minority, and because we are vulnerable, both physically and politically. Hide your head in the sand all you want, live in a fantasy world of denial all you want, that's still the reality on Planet Earth.

So "we" cyclists are a politically vulnerable minority, just because you declare it to be so?

Of course we are.

Let me get on the cyclist scofflaw hotline and tell them to clean up their act.

Unfortunately, the proportion of rude idiots on bicycles is about the same as the proportion of rude idiots in the general population. I try to be a careful, intelligent, safe, courteous cyclist and driver.

But sometimes I have to admit I'm an a$$.

Last week I had a fellow cyclist take a swing at me when I reminded him that he needed to signal his passes on a heavily-used MUP. Nobody got hurt, but what could have been a perfectly reasonable conversation got ugly very fast.

The problem isn't cyclists, or drivers, or runners. It's the attitude of privelige. The "I'm entitled" mentality. Sometimes you just have to walk away shaking your head...

Ya mean that is what "You" say; and what apparently "You" hear and "You" read because that is what "You" think.Nope, I mean what motorists unanimously say.


Don't assume your over-the-top toxic thoughts on this subject are shared by any more than a handful of thinkers like yourself.I haven't assumed anything. That's your fantasy.

Really? It's unanimous now.

I have no idea where you are pulling this from.Your lack of knwoledge isn't my problem. Go educate yourself if you want to know what's going on.




[Really? ALL of them. Each and every. Wow.Yep.





So "we" cyclists are a politically vulnerable minority, just because you declare it to be so?

Of course we are.

Let me get on the cyclist scofflaw hotline and tell them to clean up their act.No, you're right, we're an omnipotent majority of the road users. :rolleyes:

No crack pipe for you!

No, you're right, we're an omnipotent majority of the road users. :rolleyes:


Hey man, speak for yourself, my personal equipment still works just fine, thank you. :fight: :D ;)

Your lack of knwoledge isn't my problem. Go educate yourself if you want to know what's going on.

At least spell “knowledge” right, even if you're sketchy on what it means.






No, you're right, we're an omnipotent majority of the road users.

No crack pipe for you!

All these inane posts you've made, and nothing to support you position at all. Just more and more aggressive and offensive assertion of half-baked opinions you think are common knowledge.

Congratulations, you're now a contender for the BF "debater of the year" award. You’ve got all the tools you need to “win”.

I know if when I'm biking, one of these j*ck*ffs who run stop lights and signs hits me, it will be a day he never forgets, and he won't be riding his bike home.

CHOCOLATE! or vanilla, or strawberry, or rocky road, or mint chip, or neopolitan, or..............
Let's all go for a bike ride.:D

At least spell “knowledge” right, even if you're sketchy on what it means.I presume you know what "typo" means? If not, let me know, and I'll help you do the research. :rolleyes:



All these inane posts you've made, and nothing to support you position at all. Just more and more aggressive and offensive assertion of half-baked opinions you think are common knowledge.You say that as if you've supported any of your posts. :rolleyes:

But here you go. The anti-bike responses to a proposal to raise gas taxes by Portland Commissioner Sam Adams: (http://www.commissionersam.com/node/2536)


It's about time to collect from the bicyclists. There they are, using (and ignoring) the bike lanes, some of which replaced an entire car lane, thus cramming the streets even more.

I don't think it's too much to ask them to pay $20 every two years for a bicycle plate that must be displayed on the rear. It can be the same size as scooter plates. Too often they anonymously pedal away from some traffic crime, whether vandalizing a side-view mirror or throwing trash. Sure, it's just a small percentage, most of them young, but why should their ride be subsidized? They will never pay a cent of gas tax, but they should at least pay for the costs of their special treatment and facilities. The city should not be giving away free services, especially to the ones with bikes that cost more than some cars.


Like most city tax payers I am very tired of the City of Portland making poor decisions with tax dollars. The OSHU tram is a recent example of spending way more that budgeted and very limited benefits. Also, it is my opinion that bicyclists need to begin paying their fair share. Few of them obey traffic laws and most are inconsiderate towards anyone in an automobile. Yet, they pay no taxes to maintain the roads that they are to "share" with automobiles and buses. I say it is past time to licence them with a test of the rules of the road and a license for their bikes. Make them put a plate on he front and the back just like other users of the road. The taxes can help pay for road improvements and a side benefit will be that they will start riding responsibly when they realize that people can report their license number when they fail to stop, ignore signals and ride on the sidewalks with disregard for pedestrian safety. As far as other sources of funds I suggest you tighen your belt like the rest of us.


Why don't you build another tram and tell people that live under it that their property value increased! Oh, you already have. Or you could have your animal terrorist buddies smear feces on the roads to smooth them out. Just like they did to the Schumachers. Another way is to license bike riders, which might prevent them from blowing stop signs and lights. Every morning one of these idiots almost t-bones my car. When I get out to confront them they ride away like the cowards they are. Don't get me wrong I do occasionally see a few that actually obey laws, myself included. I would say about $500 a year for a bike license, I would gladly pay. If you can't afford that much, then get a real job. I am tired of paying the most corrupt and dim city government in this country. Your and randy leanords job is to destroy the city that my family has lived in for 7 generations. Job well done! I now encourage families and businesses to leave this city . Thanks for ruining one of the best on this planet. Go back to the state that spawned your diseased minds. Don't run for mayor you won't win. LOL

Three anti-bike responses, each describes cyclists as scofflaws, and uses that negative image of cyclists to advocate against cyclists. These posts are made on the blog of a City Commissioner who is strongly pro-bike, and therefore, these posts will not influence his position. In a town that doesn't have a strong cycling culture, these anti-cycling sentiments could very well influence public officials who have their finger in the wind. That's how politics works down here on Planet Earth.

Shall I find more evidence to support my posts? I can, you know....

"but I am an avid runner"

OK, so what?

I'm having trouble believing you presented a post that quotes "animal terrorist buddies smear feces" as a politically relevant opinion, but let's put that aside for now.

The only thing these references demonstrate is that people write letters and post uninformed opinions about stuff they don't like. That point was never in contention. I fully agree people like to whine about stuff they don't like, online and in letters to the editor. I could post stuff from people whining about j-walkers, bad drivers, and bad rollerbladers. None of that would be relevant either.

What you haven't shown is any connection between some cyclists acting like fools, and actual legislation against cyclists.

Hence, you haven't backed up your claim that cyclists, unlike other road user groups, are "more politically vulnerable". Or your implication that cyclists are the most badly behaved road user group.

But hey, maybe if you tell me I'm smoking crack again, all of these little issues will go away.

I'm having trouble believing you presented a post that quotes "animal terrorist buddies smear feces" as a politically relevant opinion, but let's put that aside for now.

The only thing these references demonstrate is that people write letters and post uninformed opinions about stuff they don't like. That point was never in contention. I fully agree people like to whine about stuff they don't like, online and in letters to the editor. I could post stuff from people whining about j-walkers, bad drivers, and bad rollerbladers. None of that would be relevant either.

What you haven't shown is any connection between some cyclists acting like fools, and actual legislation against cyclists.

Hence, you haven't backed up your claim that cyclists, unlike other road user groups, are "more politically vulnerable". Or your implication that cyclists are the most badly behaved road user group.

But hey, maybe if you tell me I'm smoking crack again, all of these little issues will go away.I rather doubt you can distill "cyclists are the most badly behaved road group" out of anything I've posted. But if you want to give it a shot, by all means, go for it. If you don't mind, I won't hold my breath while you labor with that one.

I also rather doubt you can distill anything I've posted as claiming that "cyclists acting like fools has resulted in actual legislation against cyclists." But again, if you want to give it a shot, go for it, same conditions (i.e., I won't be holding my breath while waiting).

Cycllists are a minority, and they are vulnerable, both physically, and politically. If you haven't seen anti-cyclist "legislation," you haven't been paying attention. Take a look at the "9W ban on cycling" thread as just one example.

If you want to continue believing that there's no correlation between a politically vulnerable minority behaving badly, and the resentment that bad behavior breeds leading to a backlash of majority public opinion against cyclists, you're free to do so. If you want to continue believing that a backlash of public opinion about cyclists is not harmful to cyclists and cycling, both physically and politically, you're free to continue to do so.

But I'm not buying YOUR thesis for one moment.

Where I live the police have declared a month-long crackdown on cyclists. They will be looking for and ticketing cyclists who don't follow the rules of the road, kids not wearing helmets, and bikes with no bells (a municipal by-law requires one). Why is a crackdown like this needed? As bad as many drivers are, it is very rare that you will see a driver run a red or a stop sign. Cyclists on the other hand......

That the police are bothering with such a crackdown suggests that they have received many complaints about cyclists' behaviour on the road. Let's face it, this is a car-centered world. Too many cyclists have adpoted a militant, self-righteous attitude in response to this. That is not the way to convince non-cyclists to be more accepting of the bicycle as a legitimate means of transportation that deserves equal respect. Cyclists have to take the high road and that starts with obeying the rules of the road.

Where I live the police have declared a month-long crackdown on cyclists. They will be looking for and ticketing cyclists who don't follow the rules of the road, kids not wearing helmets, and bikes with no bells (a municipal by-law requires one). Why is a crackdown like this needed? As bad as many drivers are, it is very rare that you will see a driver run a red or a stop sign. Cyclists on the other hand......

That the police are bothering with such a crackdown suggests that they have received many complaints about cyclists' behaviour on the road. Let's face it, this is a car-centered world. Too many cyclists have adpoted a militant, self-righteous attitude in response to this. That is not the way to convince non-cyclists to be more accepting of the bicycle as a legitimate means of transportation that deserves equal respect. Cyclists have to take the high road and that starts with obeying the rules of the road.


Really....? "Very rare" ? Here in Sacramento I notice a red light or sign running motorist at least once each leg of my relatively short commute. I think I would very much like to ride in your town.

I see it happen quite a bit around here. More so since it got warmer and more people are taking to the streets.

The warm weather brings out all the bozos, cyclist or motorist or...

OTOH I have seen more people signaling turns lately as well. Makes me smile :)

Yep. Good news - weather was nice for my ride this morning. Bad news - weather was nice. Idiots abound.

Today, both the "oblivious by iPod" and "weaving cell phone talker" on my commute were cyclists. IPod guy also followed me into an intersection that gave the green to cross-traffic before he started through.

Both of them were fully kitted out too, so they're apparently serious enough about cycling to drop a bunch of money on it (not that that means a helluvalot).

..and find the A&S forum...it sure looks like a sockpuppet troll to me. But if it isn't, the cyclist was wrong. Cyclists are people too...you got good folks and you got jerks.


True. For every cyclist that I see behaving responsibly, I see 3 or 4 on the wrong side of the road, on the sidewalk, no helmets, not using signals, blowing through lights as though they owned the road, and so on.

It's hard to rail on the cars that honk at you if so many cyclists are out there acting like fools.

And for me, I've not had any of the problems mentioned in this forum other than a lone redneck that go irritated when he couldn't pass me and my wife immediately(we were going around a blind curve. Good karma happening: his truck broke down just a couple miles down the road. We rode by and waved.) I live in Alabama, not exactly the cycling capital of the U.S. but everybody from the farmers at the country store to the Harley riders at the gas station have been friendly towards us wearing the spandex.

For every cyclist that I see behaving responsibly, I see 3 or 4 on the wrong side of the road, on the sidewalk, no helmets, not using signals, blowing through lights as though they owned the road, and so on.



And for every motorist that I see behaving responsibly, I see 3 or 4 speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, no seatbelts, not using signals, blowing through lights as though they owned the road, and so on.

Do you not have these types in your town?

The difference IS:
Crazy cyclists get themselves killed.
Crazy motorists get others killed.