Bad driving habits that annoy you the most?
08-25-15, 01:22 PM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,992
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2494 Post(s)
Liked 738 Times
in
522 Posts
This depends on your riding situation. For me it's definitely being hit from behind, because my riding is largely rural. I'm getting passed by sleepy drivers in the morning doing 60 MPH on roads with no shoulders, and passing perhaps one intersection per mile, and even many of those are Ts not full intersections.
08-25-15, 01:24 PM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
Probably the closest I've ever come to death on the commute was partially due to a driver who was trying to be nice. I was waiting at a stop sign on a small side street, she was on the main street, no stop sign or light for her, but she stopped in the middle of the intersection and tried to wave me and some other riders through. There was sort of a stand off but after awhile the impatient jackass 3 cars back decided to gun it around the right side of Mrs. Nice. Impatient jackass just missed the front wheels of us waiting on the side street.
08-25-15, 01:45 PM
#28
Senior Member
According to the only in depth study I've seen on the subject it is correct.
https://bikeleague.org/sites/default/...port_final.pdf
https://bikeleague.org/sites/default/...port_final.pdf
08-25-15, 01:47 PM
#29
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 141
Bikes: Multiple GIANT bicycles
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This one here. Though I disagree about the suburbs. Here the secondary and tertiary roads are pretty good. There are no parked cars to worry about dooring you, and they are generally well kept. Still got to be vigilant about cars backing out of driveways.
Riding on secondary and tertiary routes downtown is a different story; there are way too many hazards on those side streets, not he least of which is how narrow the roads are.
Riding on secondary and tertiary routes downtown is a different story; there are way too many hazards on those side streets, not he least of which is how narrow the roads are.
Now cycling in a suburb anywhere else in the GTA on the other hand... Absolutely horrible. 3 lane highways with cars whizzing past you at 80 km/hr just isn't safe or fun. I take the side roads when commuting and on long fitness rides, the best part of cycling in the suburbs is the 5 minute ride out of the city and into the country... I find drivers in the country to be very respectful and almost always give you way more than 1 metre when passing.
08-25-15, 02:40 PM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Toronto, CANADA
Posts: 6,201
Bikes: ...a few.
Mentioned: 47 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2010 Post(s)
Liked 408 Times
in
234 Posts
It's funny though. A couple weeks ago, I rode downtown Toronto for the first time. Granted it was at noon and wasn't busy, I enjoyed it. Cars don't travel as fast and I found a lot of the drivers to be wary and careful of cyclists. They respected my right of way and were careful not to door me.
Now cycling in a suburb anywhere else in the GTA on the other hand... Absolutely horrible. 3 lane highways with cars whizzing past you at 80 km/hr just isn't safe or fun. I take the side roads when commuting and on long fitness rides, the best part of cycling in the suburbs is the 5 minute ride out of the city and into the country... I find drivers in the country to be very respectful and almost always give you way more than 1 metre when passing.
08-25-15, 03:17 PM
#31
FLIR Kitten to 0.05C
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Posts: 5,331
Bikes: Roadie: Seven Axiom Race Ti w/Chorus 11s. CX/Adventure: Carver Gravel Grinder w/ Di2
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2349 Post(s)
Liked 406 Times
in
254 Posts
Honestly, I'd rather have the creeper come up behind me that I can spot in the mirror who sits there...as opposed to the person who comes up behind and lays on their horn loud enough to wake the dead.
08-25-15, 04:11 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: La La Land (We love it!)
Posts: 6,301
Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
9 Posts
My wife and I were riding in Santa Barbara and some dumbass redneck did that in his pickup.
Being the feisty thing she is, my wife flipped him off and he pulled in front of us and jumped out of the truck, itching for a fight. Fortunately, all this happened in front of a fire house so I calmly told my wife to go over and ask them to call the police and tell them we were being assaulted.
Needless to say, he didn't stick around long...
__________________
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
08-25-15, 09:37 PM
#33
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 141
Bikes: Multiple GIANT bicycles
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh, good point!
My wife and I were riding in Santa Barbara and some dumbass redneck did that in his pickup.
Being the feisty thing she is, my wife flipped him off and he pulled in front of us and jumped out of the truck, itching for a fight. Fortunately, all this happened in front of a fire house so I calmly told my wife to go over and ask them to call the police and tell them we were being assaulted.
Needless to say, he didn't stick around long...
My wife and I were riding in Santa Barbara and some dumbass redneck did that in his pickup.
Being the feisty thing she is, my wife flipped him off and he pulled in front of us and jumped out of the truck, itching for a fight. Fortunately, all this happened in front of a fire house so I calmly told my wife to go over and ask them to call the police and tell them we were being assaulted.
Needless to say, he didn't stick around long...
08-25-15, 10:34 PM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Kent Wa.
Posts: 5,332
Bikes: 2005 Gazelle Golfo, 1935 Raleigh Sport, 1970 Robin Hood sport, 1974 Schwinn Continental, 1984 Ross MTB/porteur, 2013 Flying Piegon path racer, 2014 Gazelle Toer Populair T8
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 396 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
7 Posts
That 3' thing again. Sigh. I'm just saying.. sometimes you are not the cyclist being passed. Sometimes you are on the OTHER side of the road minding your own business, and some truck that is bent on giving the cyclist on his side of the road the customary 3' is now heading right at you!! I wonder if there are even as many cyclists in your entire state, as there are in just one square mile of Portland. When you have that many cyclists (and cars) in a few dozen square miles, reality starts to set in. Concepts like 3' of passing distance go right out the window... where they belong. A car in its lane does not have to leave it to pass a cyclist in the bike lane. In fact, it better not around here. That would be one hell of a wreck. Nor is expecting the car to wait for oncoming traffic to clear before passing practical. That is not going to happen. So he is going to pass. Right now. Ready or not, here he comes. Handle it. Guess what? You just did. If you are able to get home and pull up BF to complain about driver behavior I'd say you are doing pretty well.
08-25-15, 11:36 PM
#35
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 141
Bikes: Multiple GIANT bicycles
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That 3' thing again. Sigh. I'm just saying.. sometimes you are not the cyclist being passed. Sometimes you are on the OTHER side of the road minding your own business, and some truck that is bent on giving the cyclist on his side of the road the customary 3' is now heading right at you!! I wonder if there are even as many cyclists in your entire state, as there are in just one square mile of Portland. When you have that many cyclists (and cars) in a few dozen square miles, reality starts to set in. Concepts like 3' of passing distance go right out the window... where they belong. A car in its lane does not have to leave it to pass a cyclist in the bike lane. In fact, it better not around here. That would be one hell of a wreck. Nor is expecting the car to wait for oncoming traffic to clear before passing practical. That is not going to happen. So he is going to pass. Right now. Ready or not, here he comes. Handle it. Guess what? You just did. If you are able to get home and pull up BF to complain about driver behavior I'd say you are doing pretty well.
08-25-15, 11:42 PM
#36
I don't get out enough
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: las vegas
Posts: 270
Bikes: Gary Fisher Marlin, Bike E rx, Diamondback Centurion Expert TG, early 80's steel bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
For me? It's the people who won't pass you even after waving them on and they have the room to pass. I know they mean well. But next thing you know a line forms, and who do they see slowing them down? Not the car who won't pass, the cyclist slowing him down.
08-26-15, 09:03 AM
#37
Senior Member
Probably the closest I've ever come to death on the commute was partially due to a driver who was trying to be nice. I was waiting at a stop sign on a small side street, she was on the main street, no stop sign or light for her, but she stopped in the middle of the intersection and tried to wave me and some other riders through. There was sort of a stand off but after awhile the impatient jackass 3 cars back decided to gun it around the right side of Mrs. Nice. Impatient jackass just missed the front wheels of us waiting on the side street.
08-26-15, 09:14 AM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,992
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2494 Post(s)
Liked 738 Times
in
522 Posts
Not only is the 3 feet/1metre rule common sense, but it's a law in many states, countries and cities for very good reason. Passing a cyclist by mere inches or a couple of feet just isn't safe. Nobody is saying that motorists must leave their lane to overtake. We're just saying that we need ROOM.
A better LAW, in my opinion is the law that operates in much of Germany and The Netherlands: a driver overtaking a cyclist must slow to 19mph as he pulls past. When you reduce the speed differential between overtaking cars and cyclists you greatly reduce the possibility of serious injury or death from a collision should one occur. You don't need to force vehicles into oncoming traffic to create an unreasonably large passing zone when speed differentials are reduced to just several miles an hour or less.
08-26-15, 09:34 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
Waiting for a left turn signal in a line of cars, the car in front of me just sits there letting a big gap open up in front of her. Finally she gets untracked and with a hard acceleration makes it to the light on green or yellow. Meanwhile she's gapped me in turn by a hundred feet or more, and all of the cars behind me. That's the most annoying bad habit.
The drivers on a side street that charge up to the intersection really fast, even hanging their fender out, are a close second. I have no choice but to ride my brakes, because I can't really tell if they're going to stop. Or stop and then jump out in front/at me, as sometimes happens.
The drivers on a side street that charge up to the intersection really fast, even hanging their fender out, are a close second. I have no choice but to ride my brakes, because I can't really tell if they're going to stop. Or stop and then jump out in front/at me, as sometimes happens.
08-26-15, 10:01 AM
#40
Senior Member
- passing 50 ft before a stop sign/street light
- being waved through a dangerous intersection like they are doing me a favor
- being passed too close
- assuming I'm not going very fast so they pull out in front of me
- being waved through a dangerous intersection like they are doing me a favor
- being passed too close
- assuming I'm not going very fast so they pull out in front of me
08-26-15, 10:16 AM
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: La La Land (We love it!)
Posts: 6,301
Bikes: Gilmour road, Curtlo road; both steel (of course)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 273 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
9 Posts
Well, in the drivers' defense, many of them wave us through because so many cyclists blow through stop signs and red lights and cut the cars off.
As a cyclists who also drives I see stuff like this all the time...
As a cyclists who also drives I see stuff like this all the time...
__________________
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here...
08-26-15, 10:31 AM
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,347
Bikes: Felt TK2, Felt Z5
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 943 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 20 Times
in
20 Posts
Those are in my top 5 for sure. Number 1 though is the pass and stop, or pass and turn. Pass me in a hurry to get to a stop sign. WTF? Not only do you pass me, but you do it close to me, too close. I have the lane or at least part of it. If I was a car you wouldn't be passing me, and guess what? I am going the speed limit or damn near close to it on the side streets. Now, the pass and turn gets me so frustrated. You just passed me, you saw me, and now you are going to speed up to get in front of me, then slow down to turn right in front of me. Why? Let me continue on at the rather brisk pace that I am riding at. Turn behind me and keep everything running smoothly.
08-26-15, 10:46 AM
#43
Mostly harmless ™
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Novi Sad
Posts: 4,430
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1107 Post(s)
Liked 216 Times
in
130 Posts
Taking the lane solves close passing for me.
Got used to people never using turn signals. Reading "body language", and traffic situation to make things work.
The only thing that I hate are cars pulling out without noticing me (or making a left turn in front of me, blocking my path). I watch out for them, but sometimes it's impossible to see the driver's face, and sometimes they look right through you. Always fingers on the brakes, always making sure I can stop (or swerve) if they decide to go.
Got used to people never using turn signals. Reading "body language", and traffic situation to make things work.
The only thing that I hate are cars pulling out without noticing me (or making a left turn in front of me, blocking my path). I watch out for them, but sometimes it's impossible to see the driver's face, and sometimes they look right through you. Always fingers on the brakes, always making sure I can stop (or swerve) if they decide to go.
08-26-15, 10:50 AM
#44
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 141
Bikes: Multiple GIANT bicycles
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Since when does something being a law mean it makes good sense. Obviously passing with inches to spare is unsafe. How many cagers do that? A couple of feet? If you can't handle being passed by two feet you should be riding the bus. And no, a vocal contingent of cyclists is not saying they need ROOM, they are saying they need 3' exactly please, no more, no less. And they invent all manner of cockamamie implements to attempt to enforce it.
A better LAW, in my opinion is the law that operates in much of Germany and The Netherlands: a driver overtaking a cyclist must slow to 19mph as he pulls past. When you reduce the speed differential between overtaking cars and cyclists you greatly reduce the possibility of serious injury or death from a collision should one occur. You don't need to force vehicles into oncoming traffic to create an unreasonably large passing zone when speed differentials are reduced to just several miles an hour or less.
A better LAW, in my opinion is the law that operates in much of Germany and The Netherlands: a driver overtaking a cyclist must slow to 19mph as he pulls past. When you reduce the speed differential between overtaking cars and cyclists you greatly reduce the possibility of serious injury or death from a collision should one occur. You don't need to force vehicles into oncoming traffic to create an unreasonably large passing zone when speed differentials are reduced to just several miles an hour or less.
I'm not saying that 3 feet should be the exact amount. It should be the minimum in most scenarios. There's no excuse for lowering your speed down to 30 km/hr and passing right next to a cyclist with a whole other lane beside you. Of course it depends on the scenario. If for example I am on a downtown street with lots of traffic and narrow lanes, I won't mind cars passing close to me once it's slow and careful.
08-26-15, 12:42 PM
#45
of Clan Nrubso
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Kitsap
Posts: 376
Bikes: Cannondale F400, Surly LHT,Motobecane Le Champion Ti, Novara Veloce
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I get a lot of both of these, and yes they are very annoying. It's a peculiar, fuzzy line when courtesy goes too far.
Here in WA there are special license plates that you can get (supports the Bicycle Alliance of Washington); it amazes me
how many of the drivers that insist on me going first when it's their turn have these plates. I'd think that other cyclists
would understand this annoyance.
08-26-15, 01:09 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
I'm not saying that 3 feet should be the exact amount. It should be the minimum in most scenarios. There's no excuse for lowering your speed down to 30 km/hr and passing right next to a cyclist with a whole other lane beside you. Of course it depends on the scenario. If for example I am on a downtown street with lots of traffic and narrow lanes, I won't mind cars passing close to me once it's slow and careful.
08-26-15, 01:37 PM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Zinj
Posts: 1,826
Bikes: '93 911 Turbo 3.6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Are you referencing previous discussions on this forum?
08-26-15, 02:47 PM
#48
Senior Member
I don't like it when drivers honk at me before overtaking for no apparent reason. Maybe they are trying to let me know they are there, or they are just annoyed, or whatever. It's never clear. I already know they are there, and I am riding in a straight line in complete control with plenty of room to pass. No reason to honk other than to startle me.
I also don't like it when someone passes close to an intersection, and are unable to fully pass, so they arrive at the intersection next to me at the same time. I'm not slowing down or falling in line behind them, so they end up having to give room and then pass again after the intersection. Demonstrates a lack of courtesy and judgment.
I also don't like it when someone passes close to an intersection, and are unable to fully pass, so they arrive at the intersection next to me at the same time. I'm not slowing down or falling in line behind them, so they end up having to give room and then pass again after the intersection. Demonstrates a lack of courtesy and judgment.
08-26-15, 04:27 PM
#49
Day trip lover
Join Date: May 2009
Location: capital city of iowa
Posts: 813
Bikes: '16 Giant Escape 3 (fair weather ride), Giant Quasar (work in progress), 2002 saturn vue (crap weather ride)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 21 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
bad driver habits i find annoying...
1. talking on their cellular phones while driving, can't even begin to count how many close calls I've had because of this one.
2. passing me and nearly getting in a wreck just because they don't have the patience to wait 15-30 seconds for me to turn at the stop sign (this one happened today on my way home).
3. turning off their lights in an attempt to mow me down.
4. passing so close i get forced off the shoulder. the shoulder!
i'm sure there's more, but those are my biggies.
2. passing me and nearly getting in a wreck just because they don't have the patience to wait 15-30 seconds for me to turn at the stop sign (this one happened today on my way home).
3. turning off their lights in an attempt to mow me down.
4. passing so close i get forced off the shoulder. the shoulder!
i'm sure there's more, but those are my biggies.
08-27-15, 05:21 AM
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Bruce Twp, MI
Posts: 305
Bikes: Huffy Sienna Cruiser
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 54 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
mr geeker, your list sounds quite dangerous. Seriously. People trying to mow you down while you're on the shoulder??? Not good.