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Old 03-25-10 | 01:00 PM
  #26  
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KonAaron Snake
Fat Guy on a Little Bike
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15,946
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From: Philadelphia, PA

Bikes: Two wheeled ones

I actually have more problems with cyclists and pedestrians than I do with cars (granted the ones with cars are going to be a LOT more frightening). Based on that statement...here's a few tips...

Look salmon directly in the eyes...maybe a slight head shake to let them know they're behaving poorly and you're not moving for them.

Watch the sidewalks, especially at lights, for jay walkers and idiots stepping out in front of you. I will yell to alert people if I see a potential problem. Pedestrians are looking for cars, not bikes, when they check for traffic.

STAY AWAY from kids on bikes...they often lack control and behave foolishly. Slowly pass them and then speed up. This is especially true on MUPs.

Signal...even if it's not neccassary. I find that cars respect you more if you do.

There is NEVER an excuse or reason to ride on a busy sidewalk in a high traffic area. NEVER. If you need to use it, get off the bike and walk it. In a residential area...like a suburb or neighborhood...I might slip onto one very briefly, but I generally avoid them. I know how annoying it is as a pedestrian to have cyclists on your path.

I do a rolling stop at stop signs (unless there is poor visibility) and treat reds as stop signs. It's not strictly legal, but I find it to be safer and that it helps to avoid cars that are turning.

I will filter...just as cars try to pass me when they're faster, I try and pass them. I do it responsibly and carefully. I've found it does annoy cars, but I've come to accept the occassional honk so as to avoid standing behind them and sucking exhaust fumes. I also try and stick to roads with paths to avoid having to filter.
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