capolover

I see guys with helmets and full commuting gear on the goddamn sidewalk. It pisses me off for several reasons.

1. Other motorists will be encouraged to think that bikes shouldn't be on the road. "Why aren't you on the sidewalk like that guy?"

2. Why would you have so much gear and put the time into a bike, but not ever ride in the road?

3. Its illegal and dangerous for everybody.

4. They look like little pricks.

So what attitude should I have?
I guess I should pull over and encourage them to try the road, but I don't have the time. Usually I just feel disgust and want to ignore their presence.

Does that make me a jerk? Yes it does.

timdoug

Advocacy and Safety.

making

I rode on part of the side walk between the apartments and hospital for about 200 yards. It was faster, safer and no one was out walking at 0600. The other 14 miles were like you, in traffic. Try not to get so pissed off, it is bad for you.

capolover

The internet is all about exaggeration.

It is annoying though, like a lip smacker at lunch.

JanMM

Invite them to lunch, and then explain how things are supposed to work. (Bikes as vehicles on roadways.)

Mendel

Better that they are on the sidewalk than going the wrong way in traffic / bike lane or riding on the street at night with out lights.

anthegreat1

I admit I do take the sidewalk occasionally but sometimes it's a little safer for me. I am still trying to build up my endurance so that I can go at a decent speed for road riding.

capolover

The sidewalk makes me paranoid. It's just so small and confining to me.

Taking the lane in a responsible and friendly fashion is so easy and safe, and you feel great doing it.

jpdesjar

sometimes i am just playing around and i ride up the sidewalk so i can ride of the edge of a curb...just testing my skills, but yeah those peoples who ride on sidewalks should really give the road a try

timdoug

Can I ride on a MUP, or just roads?

jpdesjar

wherever you like

robmcl

+1

capolover

What if they are going the wrong way on the sidewalk without light at night?

jpdesjar

it begins

mangosalsa

When I cross over I-40 just after my bus terminal shortcut, I ride "wrong way" on the MUP [is there such a thing?] for about a block and then cross over. I know it's legal, but it feels awkward going against traffic, even on the path. It used to bother me more to see people riding on the sidewalk instead of the road. Now I guess I feel that "whatever gets you there" will work. I've got redneck drivers in Excursions to direct my attention to. Besides, who is walking on the sidewalks around here these days? If the sidewalks had burger & biscuit stands, and cigarette machines, they'd be packed!

mangosalsa

They are a minority. A minority that will end up [hope not] getting leg-sucked by a car backing out of a driveway.
Take them under your wing and train them in the ways of the force.

Aquajag

That would be my pet peeve: riders without lights. I got pulled over my 2nd night commuting because I didn't have a taillight and it's required by law where I live. Yet, 3-4 times a week I see bike ninjas...no lights, helmet, nothing at all. And yes, some of them are riding the wrong way on the sidewalk (not on the street thankfully).

capolover

Downtown Raleigh is full of people walking to work and that's where I saw two gooners riding on the sidewalk this morning. I live on the other side of downtown and work in Cary, so I see it all.

There weren't even that many cars on the road.

Not to mention Hillsborough street is full of walking students for miles.
Just because you don't live in a proper city... haha.

markf

Around here it's legal to cycle on the sidewalk, you just have to follow the same rules as pedestrians and give way to pedestrians. If someone is more comfortable doing that, why should anyone else care?

jaa1085

Maybe it feel's great to you, but some people are just not comfortable riding in the road.

Get over it.

And it doesn't matter if motorists see cyclists riding on the sidewalk or on the road, they are still going to think all cyclists should be riding on the sidewalk.

cycle2work

Because you see someone on the sidewalk at one particular moment, you assume they don't ever ride on the road?

Perfectly legal in the state of Massachusetts under certain conditions:

Chapter 85, Section 11B.
Bicycles; operation and equipment; regulations; federal product safety standards, effect; races; violations; penalties

Every person operating a bicycle upon a way, as defined in section one of chapter ninety, shall have the right to use all public ways in the Commonwealth except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bicycles have been posted, and shall be subject to the traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth and the special regulations contained in the section, except that: (1) the bicycle operator may keep to the right when passing a motor vehicle which is moving in the travel lane of the way, (2) the bicycle operator shall signal by either hand his intention to stop or turn, and (3) bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks outside business districts when necessary in the interest of safety, unless otherwise directed by local ordinance. A person operating a bicycle on the sidewalk shall yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian.


Please elaborate. Do you mean they're actually dressed like small penises? Do you have any pictures?

capolover

That's like saying riding in the back of a pickup is comfortable to you.

It's illegal, unsafe, and a bad idea.

If you don't feel comfortable riding in the road you shouldn't commute to work on a bike.

mangosalsa

Hehe ... I don't miss it, that's for sure. Your right though. In that area the sidewalks are packed.
I ride in Chapel Hill a lot, and the police in there will "shoo" bicycles off the sidewalk. What are
the rules over there in Raleighwood?

capolover

1. If they are on the sidewalk in one of the safest areas of the city where tons of people walk around, then yes.......I assume they don't have a working brain or just too scared/selfish to get out of the way. As I get into Cary and it turns into a single lane of roaring death I could understand it... but 4 lanes of wide road and lots of people.........get the hell off the sidewalk.

2. Well it's illegal in NC and it reinforces peoples ignorance.

3. Yes. With big hairy balls because they are going on at about .5 miles per hour getting in everybodies way with their massive saddle bags.

Roody

Sidewalk riders outnumber street riders at least 20 to 1 in my city.

It bothers me too. Not so much when I'm riding, but when I'm walking. Sidewalk cyclists are annoying to pedestrians and sometimes even dangerous. I feel like yelling "Get on the streeet!"