Originally Posted by
SquidPuppet
This is specifically where I have an issue. This method of bicycle operation is FAR from courteous. It's disruptive to the normal and safe flow of traffic. Period.
I don’t doubt that whatever method you’re imagining has that disruptive effect. But I assure the method I employ and have tried to describe here does not.
My first priority is safety, but courtesy and not being disruptive is a close second. That’s why I use a mirror, communicate, and frequently employ the
and release part of control and release. I judge the effectiveness of my anti-disruption efforts by how I’m treated by others. I consider any expression of frustration or anger expressed towards me to be a sign I could have handled something better and I analyze what happened very closely and try to learn how I could have done better. The result is almost no such incidents in 3-5 thousand miles per year for over ten years.
Originally Posted by
SquidPuppet
I ride in any and all traffic lanes at certain times. But I employ a method of timing that allows me to get where I want to go by slotting in when traffic slows, so as not to impede it's natural pace.
That sounds familiar.
By understanding how traffic flow works, cyclists can take advantage of the major roads without excessive interaction with high volumes of auto traffic. Understanding of traffic flow and road design also helps them to plan ahead when navigating complex intersections and interchanges, reducing the need for unnecessary and stressful merging and negotiation. “Control & Release” techniques are taught for locations with difficult motorist passing conditions. Cyclists aware of signal timing and traffic platooning can get the roadway all to themselves (or nearly so) for surprisingly long periods. Lane position is discussed in varying contexts; narrow two-lane roads require different approaches than wider, multi-lane roads, and higher-speed roads require different strategies than low-speed. The effectiveness of assertive lane position is backed by powerful video take from the cyclist’s point of view as well as the motorist’s.
cyclingsavvy.org/about/cyclingsavvy-origins-and-principles/
Originally Posted by
SquidPuppet
If traffic doesn't slow enough, I stop and wait for clean moment so that I can fluidly merge or cross lanes. You might ask, "Why should I have to stop or wait for a better moment? Why not employ the 'Control and Release' method?". My answer is, "Why is it OK for me to inconvenience dozens of other people for the sake of my convenience?"
If you’re in a car in traffic and you need to slow down to cyclist speed to look for an address or parking spot, do you pull over and wait until a clean moment?
The “inconvenience” cyclists usually cause is just a delay of a few seconds which is pretty comical compared to the minute or two they often have to wait at traffic lights.
But if you’re really that sensitive to causing any delay for others no matter how minor, yeah, you need to pull off the road. That’s sad.
Originally Posted by
SquidPuppet
If you need to cross two lanes to get to a left turn lane, why not work on improving your "Timing & Slotting" skills instead? Good "Timing & Slotting" skills are far safer and definitely more courteous.
Yes. This is a technique taught by CyclingSavvy. Have you taken a course? They have an online version now. But often it’s not a practical option and, again, the delay caused by negotiation to merge is minimal, especially compared to the red light delay which renders the delay I cause moot. I mean, if you’re delayed by five seconds to get to a signal where you need to wait 60 seconds, what difference does it really make? None. Nada. Zilch.
Originally Posted by
SquidPuppet
There is also the elegance factor. Watching a highly skilled bicyclist employ the "Stealth & Blend" technique in heavy traffic is a thing of beauty. He safely navigates his route without disrupting the rush hour automobile ballet of chaos. He's out there, in it, but he isn't part of it. He uses all lanes, solo, elegant, fluid, clean, precise, stealth. His presence has no impact on his surroundings.
Again, this is only feasible in certain conditions. Often the combination of traffic speed and density along with lane narrowness precludes the ninja style from being employed. But where it’s doable, so is the
and release part of control and release, which is basically the same thing.
Originally Posted by
SquidPuppet
"Control and Release" is so clumsy that it borders on barbaric. It's as if finding a safe and elegant solution was too difficult, so barging, thrusting, and clogging became the tactics de jour. Those videos are difficult for me to watch. It's like a "How To" series being taught by Laurel and Hardy.
Interesting. Just curious. What’s your crash history?