Stoeger

...people are terrible drivers! Not like I'm telling you something you don't know, but holy man! I thought the neon orange jersey would make me more visible, but apparently not. Countless times getting cut off, people trying to squeak in front of me at light, etc. Once I get more miles under me it'll be coutnry rides only!

Hammertoe

I can't imagine riding in the city...

All the stopping, cars, pedestrians, road hazards, etc...

I like to get on the bike and ride...

But more power to those who do...

It would be like me riding in 35 degree drizzle (something I avoid)....Hardcore...

CastIron

I just get a lot more aggressive in city traffic. Folks tend to play nicer when you hold your own decisively.

BillyD

There's a nack to it. It requires a special set of riding skills. Just this weekend as I was riding in a little bit of traffic I thought longingly about it. I miss it. It's a challenge that you can't replicate anywhere else.

Anybody can ride on a quiet country road.

Stoeger

I don't even live in a big city, but people still drive crazy, sometimes I wish I had my panitball gun w/ me

grahny

Yup... polite aggressitivity (yes, that's a word, just trust me) is the way to do it. A challenge describes it well. The area that I live in is fairly big for cycling, so drivers are either

A) used to it and deal with it (yea! ride another day!)
B) used to it and are frustrated with it and want you dead (aka voluntary manslaughter)
C) not sure what to do so they give you plenty of room (yea! ride another day!)
D) not sure what to do and let you barely escape with your life (aka involuntary manslaughter)

Philly is trying to be cycling friendly, but not all the citizens are in on it apparently

ViperZ

It's just another element in cycling, the more you experience it, the less offencive it may become.

Hammertoe

I would have to learn to track stand....

And get a bell....

ViperZ

Those are 2 readily attainable items

grahny

I was riding down a local path where there's tons of people walking, riding, running, etc... this guy in front of me was ringing his bell like there was no tomorrow. Not one person even noticed and he was struggling to get through. I jumped in front of him and just yelled "HEADS UP" at everyone (fairly loud) and they moved like they were on fire. The voicebox is mightier than the bell

As for track stands... I've come to learn to watch lights as I approach and slow enough so that I creep forward towards the light until it turns.... albiet track stands are much cooler

SpotTheCat

cell phones have made driving in traffic so much harder. Today I saw a guy on his phone look right at me before cutting me off, with his phone to his shoulder and a cigarette in his hand.

transplant

awwwww, it's fun... admit it

Xrisnothing

In the city you've just got to ride like you own the road. Ride in the middle of the lane and keep up with or go faster than the traffic.

I absolutely hate it when people try to cut in front of me at a light. I'll take my bike, walk in front of them and set it back down and wait for the green.

jjvw

I love city riding with all its perils and excitement. It used to terrify me when I first started a few years back. The best advice is to be very assertive and take the lane when needed. The people who do it well make it look like ballet with a little bit of shouting.

Recumbomatic

I went cycling in Central Park last weekend. I forgot how poorly the streets of NYC are paved, potholes and cracks galore. I'm a recreational rider, haven't gotten out much until recently.

Tapeworm21

There is no way to describe the rush you get zipping through traffic in heavy populated areas. On my days off, I often commute into San Francisco just to ride with all the traffic. I feel safe around cars that can barely move. Keeps you on your toes too.

Savagewolf

I ride almost everywhere these days. I bike to work and back through the city, and then when I get home I take off into the countryside. I find that even with the hassles of dealing with drivers, I'd still rather be on a bike if I can manage it. I usually only drive when I have to be somewhere immediately or I'll be carrying too much to take by bike.

waterrockets 

+1 I love riding with a bunch of cars in an urban environment. Other than the stops, it's really really fun. I still head down South Congress to sprint with the cars sometimes at lunch. I'll get up to 25mph, and wait for the right car to come around me like an attack in a race, and I fight onto their wheel. Very fun. I also enjoy cruising between the cars and the level of alertness that comes from the adrenaline.

It's a real high. I've been doing it for 16 years without incident...

trek1

We all hate it but it is quite a challange, you get the passive won't pass you and the agressive don't care how I get by you drivers. I try and avoid by riding lower speed roads or park roads with lots of shoulder room. It seems with our high-tech age people foret how to deal with bikers and that they exist.

astrodaimler

I'm originally a NY'orker but now in Socal. I kinda miss dodging cabs, dogs, pedestrians, stealing hot dogs when the vendor sticks his hand out. You get tough cycling skin in the city.

Godwin

We all complain about it like we hate it, but secretly we love it. We usually feel like the underdog and sometimes it almost feels like a form of rebellion or protest or something I can't really think of the word for right now.

Lots of stories and practices in the A&S forrum. Learn VC.

CastIron

WTH is "VC" anyway?

ElJamoquio

Which city?

VeganRider

So true Tapeworm.. +1
For a "treat" I like to go downtown when there are special events or rush hour traffic if I'm able just to play in the city. Sometimes I get way too carried away, honest it's not my norm. Teasing every driver that's antagonizing over each forward inch of pavemnt as you sail past everyone, splitting and weaving in and out lanes making a mockery out of the mass of congestion. You know they feel it, and it hurts, and they crave your nerve and your freedom.

Xrisnothing

vehicular cycling