Aggressive Riders on the Trail
07-28-07, 06:25 PM
#26
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My problem with the article was the hysteria and hyperbole with regards to the cyclists. Here's a quote from the article:
Originally Posted by WP
We started down the trail about 11 a.m., carefully passing numerous walkers, joggers, kids and leashed pets along the way. But soon we were besieged by swarms of other bikers who had decided the trail was their private racetrack.
I couldn't believe it when these packs of racers, all in their "cool" racing shirts, shorts and other gear, blew past us, at at least 40 mph. Not only were they unconcerned about our safety (we, at least, were on bikes), they didn't seem the least bit concerned about the children and pets on the trail either. They appeared disturbed that others were using their private racetrack and were very arrogant in their attitudes and clear belief that we should all get out of their way.
More amazing was that this wasn't an isolated event. We saw speeding bicyclists, alone and in groups, scream past us multiple times in less than 30 minutes while we were on the trail. I am amazed I didn't see bodies strewn in the wakes of these careless riders. They obviously don't know the rules of the road when it comes to sharing the trail.
I couldn't believe it when these packs of racers, all in their "cool" racing shirts, shorts and other gear, blew past us, at at least 40 mph. Not only were they unconcerned about our safety (we, at least, were on bikes), they didn't seem the least bit concerned about the children and pets on the trail either. They appeared disturbed that others were using their private racetrack and were very arrogant in their attitudes and clear belief that we should all get out of their way.
More amazing was that this wasn't an isolated event. We saw speeding bicyclists, alone and in groups, scream past us multiple times in less than 30 minutes while we were on the trail. I am amazed I didn't see bodies strewn in the wakes of these careless riders. They obviously don't know the rules of the road when it comes to sharing the trail.
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07-28-07, 07:19 PM
#27
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We haven't seen Dr pete on here much lately. Is he buzzing the Freds again?
07-28-07, 07:37 PM
#28
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BS article!!! Even top D20 racers have hard time to push 35mph on clara barton pkwy, and they tend to stay away from WOD
07-28-07, 08:04 PM
#29
RacingBear
[QUOTE=patentcad;4953379]
It's a long story. Suffice it so say that one of these velo-sheriffs subjected me to the worst police encounter of my life several years ago. I was completely exonerated (which tends to happen when some overzealous cop brings a piece of **** case to the local D.A.) but I'm still pissed. In addition, patrolling this particular bike path is like posting the National Guard in a cornfield. Trust me.
On the other hand the bike path ROCKS.
Plus I really DO want a speeding ticket on my bicycle. The other night I'm blasting through the local artsy fartsy town on my TT bike coming off a downgrade rolling out onto the flat. There is often a police speed trap there. I was going 39mph in a 30mph zone. Where are those cops when you really need them?
Laugh now, but when our supreme overlords land and take over the world you will look back and wish there were National Guard in that cornfield. 
It's a long story. Suffice it so say that one of these velo-sheriffs subjected me to the worst police encounter of my life several years ago. I was completely exonerated (which tends to happen when some overzealous cop brings a piece of **** case to the local D.A.) but I'm still pissed. In addition, patrolling this particular bike path is like posting the National Guard in a cornfield. Trust me.
On the other hand the bike path ROCKS.
Plus I really DO want a speeding ticket on my bicycle. The other night I'm blasting through the local artsy fartsy town on my TT bike coming off a downgrade rolling out onto the flat. There is often a police speed trap there. I was going 39mph in a 30mph zone. Where are those cops when you really need them?
07-28-07, 08:19 PM
#30
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Despite the fact that I think the article is poorly written it does make a good point. If you're going to be riding at a good pace you shouldn't be doing it on a MUP. You and your friends should go out exploring and find a nice stretch of out of the way roads that you can use to get in your rides. Speeds that I find fun with a good group are way too fast for a MUP.
08-06-07, 06:17 PM
#32
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Here is the Letter to the Editor of the WP I sent in response:
I'd like to respond to Brendan Hurley's letter "Aggressive Riders on the Trail" published on July 15 concerning aggressive cyclists on the Mt. Vernon Trail. First, I seriously doubt the riders Mr. Hurley referred to were traveling "at least 40 mph". The top sprinters in the world reach speeds in the low 40's, and the top track sprinters can get to nearly 45 mph. Second, just because the riders were dressed in colorful cycling clothing, which Mr. Hurley condescendingly referred to as "cool", does not mean they were racers or were engaging in racing; recreational riders wear such clothing as a matter of course.
If Mr. Hurley thinks the Mt. Vernon trail is dangerous, he should try riding on the roads in the DC area. Common sense and the law both dictate that road bikes be operated on the road and not on sidewalks, yet drivers in this area seem to think otherwise. Regarding the cyclists he encountered, Mr. Hurley stated "they obviously don't know the rules of the road when it comes to sharing the trail". Unfortunately, DC area drivers obviously don't know the rules of the road when it comes to sharing the roads with cyclists, either.
I'd like to respond to Brendan Hurley's letter "Aggressive Riders on the Trail" published on July 15 concerning aggressive cyclists on the Mt. Vernon Trail. First, I seriously doubt the riders Mr. Hurley referred to were traveling "at least 40 mph". The top sprinters in the world reach speeds in the low 40's, and the top track sprinters can get to nearly 45 mph. Second, just because the riders were dressed in colorful cycling clothing, which Mr. Hurley condescendingly referred to as "cool", does not mean they were racers or were engaging in racing; recreational riders wear such clothing as a matter of course.
If Mr. Hurley thinks the Mt. Vernon trail is dangerous, he should try riding on the roads in the DC area. Common sense and the law both dictate that road bikes be operated on the road and not on sidewalks, yet drivers in this area seem to think otherwise. Regarding the cyclists he encountered, Mr. Hurley stated "they obviously don't know the rules of the road when it comes to sharing the trail". Unfortunately, DC area drivers obviously don't know the rules of the road when it comes to sharing the roads with cyclists, either.
08-06-07, 06:32 PM
#33
Senior Member
The only people I ever see speeding on the west side bikeway, which is the only MUP I ever use other than the park roads (and they are 3 lane roads) are the jerks that think they are in the TdF on their once-a-month rides. I'll slow down or stop only to have some idiot in gym shorts decide he's going to show me how to ride. Meanwhile, we're in front of the ship terminal with people with luggage all over the place.
When I lived in Seattle, the Burke-Gilman trail was busy enough on weekends, but pretty quiet during the week. That was a very long time ago. I'd go as fast as the traffic would bear, not very most of the time.
When I lived in Seattle, the Burke-Gilman trail was busy enough on weekends, but pretty quiet during the week. That was a very long time ago. I'd go as fast as the traffic would bear, not very most of the time.
08-06-07, 06:57 PM
#34
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Maybe not on the MVT, but you can get 20 mph easy and even 30+ mph on the W&OD, Custis and Capital Cresent Trails. I sometimes do, but ONLY if there is no one in sight in front of me. Had a stretch of the CCT to myself this weekend and was doing about 20 mph, when a speedster blew by me (unannounced) doing closer to 25. I slowed to trail speed when I saw a slower bike ahead, but I'm not sure speedy did.
Last edited by cc_rider; 08-07-07 at 06:12 AM.
10-01-07, 07:35 PM
#36
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Dayum, if I had known this department existed I'd still be a cop! Where do I sign up?
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10-01-07, 08:52 PM
#38
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Guilty as charged. For those of you in PDX, you know the new Eastside MUP north of The Oaks Park.
Its the best route North - South from downtown and I was coming back from forest park with about 10 MTB / cyclocross dudes and we ran that trail in the high twenties (no speedo, but I was spinning a 44/12)at 1100 on a sunday afternoon.
It was bad, bad, bad and unsafe all around with the moms and kids and tourists and walkers, etc... on the path... Several close call and I am sure we pissed off lots of people.
But damn it, I wasn't going to slow down and get dropped in nobody else was going to slow down. Pack mentality at its finest.
Its the best route North - South from downtown and I was coming back from forest park with about 10 MTB / cyclocross dudes and we ran that trail in the high twenties (no speedo, but I was spinning a 44/12)at 1100 on a sunday afternoon.
It was bad, bad, bad and unsafe all around with the moms and kids and tourists and walkers, etc... on the path... Several close call and I am sure we pissed off lots of people.
But damn it, I wasn't going to slow down and get dropped in nobody else was going to slow down. Pack mentality at its finest.
10-01-07, 09:46 PM
#39
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40mph? I doubt that. The last time my bike saw 40mph I was in the draft of a bread truck in Southern Spain. Tongue in cheek maybe? Poetic license? Bad journalism? All of the above? Regardless, it's a stupid article. That's why I read the New York Times 
10-02-07, 04:07 AM
#41
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"No one is impressed at how fast they can ride"
at least 40mph??? Bloody hell, I am...
at least 40mph??? Bloody hell, I am...
10-02-07, 04:52 AM
#42
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I have an axe to grind with my own local idiotic Sheriff dept. that insists on patrolling our 9 mile long stretch of bike path with two fat, mind bendingly slow gumshoes on MTB's. I make sure that whenever I pass them I am always going at least 25mph (the posted limit on the bike path is 20mph) and have hit 30+ on good days. I LIVE for the day they actually write me a speeding ticket (suitable for framing and posting on BF). Those dudes can totally blow me.
On the other hand I am VERY careful with pedestrians, skaters, dog walkers, and PARTICULARLY when I see kids. Pcad is a also Pdad. I slow WAY down, even to walking speed, particularly for kids on bicycles. If you don't you are an utter pinhead. But then cycling is a pinheadfest, isn't it? And that's why it's perfect for me.
On the other hand I am VERY careful with pedestrians, skaters, dog walkers, and PARTICULARLY when I see kids. Pcad is a also Pdad. I slow WAY down, even to walking speed, particularly for kids on bicycles. If you don't you are an utter pinhead. But then cycling is a pinheadfest, isn't it? And that's why it's perfect for me.
10-02-07, 05:22 AM
#43
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10-02-07, 07:05 AM
#44
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Around here the cops patrolling the MUPs are there to discourage "other" activities more than to control speed.
10-02-07, 07:47 AM
#45
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So all the cyclists that ride this trail can sustain 1100+ watts?
https://www.kreuzotter.de/english/espeed.htm
Must be the cool shirts.
https://www.kreuzotter.de/english/espeed.htm
Must be the cool shirts.
10-02-07, 07:55 AM
#46
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So................some people don't follow rules, and some are careless?
Who knew ? !
I have tried to go 40 mph on my local designated bike path (not MUP) . I can't do it.
I want a Yellow Jersey for making Bailey's trike go 19.5 mph anyway.
Who knew ? !
I have tried to go 40 mph on my local designated bike path (not MUP) . I can't do it.
I want a Yellow Jersey for making Bailey's trike go 19.5 mph anyway.
10-02-07, 08:00 AM
#47
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40mph? I didn't know Cipo rode the MUP!
Seriously, the statement of "at least 40 mph" does lead me to believe that the entire article is exagerated or just total hyperbole. It doesn't help the author's case.
... Brad
Seriously, the statement of "at least 40 mph" does lead me to believe that the entire article is exagerated or just total hyperbole. It doesn't help the author's case.
... Brad
10-03-07, 09:38 AM
#49
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The only people I ever see speeding on the west side bikeway, which is the only MUP I ever use other than the park roads (and they are 3 lane roads) are the jerks that think they are in the TdF on their once-a-month rides. I'll slow down or stop only to have some idiot in gym shorts decide he's going to show me how to ride. Meanwhile, we're in front of the ship terminal with people with luggage all over the place.
When I lived in Seattle, the Burke-Gilman trail was busy enough on weekends, but pretty quiet during the week. That was a very long time ago. I'd go as fast as the traffic would bear, not very most of the time.
When I lived in Seattle, the Burke-Gilman trail was busy enough on weekends, but pretty quiet during the week. That was a very long time ago. I'd go as fast as the traffic would bear, not very most of the time.
10-03-07, 10:42 AM
#50
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40 mph is pretty hard to believe. It suggests that the author is over-reacting and exaggerating. Awwww. Didums widdle Op Ed writer get his widdle doors blown off?