Originally Posted by
Mr Sinister
... Some people hate bicyclists.
I had to go out and get something, so I did. Well I came across people in one of the charity rides today. They act like they own the roads. I mean they were riding 4-5 wide, taking up both lanes on a 2 lane road. They didn't care about protecting their line. Going up hills some of them would dart to the left and almost get hit by a vehicle, and then act like it was the drivers fault.
This was a charity event for MS. I wasn't the only one getting upset with their riding skills. A truck decided to pass them, while using the other lane, and a cyclist didn't want him to pass, so he darted in front of him. Guy in the truck hit the horn, and you could see him yelling at the cyclist.
Now on these charity events do most people ride like this? I mean this had to be about 100 - 200 people riding like they owned the roads. I've never done a charity ride, and after seeing how they ride, I don't know if I will.
Your concerns are certainly valid. Keep in mind, though, for many people with a hatred of cyclists, it's evolved into irrationality. No amount of understanding of us or riding, no amount of knowledge of the laws will convince them to "get along" with us. They hate because they hate. And of course, any infraction or slight on our part (perceived or real) will just inflame them.
Out of curiosity, did the riders have numbers on? (how you identified them as event riders?) Or possible local riders mixed up?
I rarely do organized/charity rides for some of the same reasons you mentioned. So many people are riding now, and they just up and start doing centuries or other challenges when they don't know or don't have the skills (never been taught, probably). Physically, they complete them, but they do dangerous things out there, to themselves and other riders near them. It is very frustrating.
FWIW, in California at least, there are no laws requiring cyclists to ride less than 4-5 abreast. Many drivers (even some police) don't know this and just assume we're supposed to ride single file. Some even think we're supposed to always ride on bike paths or MUPs.