Originally Posted by
John Forester
So what? I've frequently done this, and all I feel is superiority over those who erroneously believe that speed makes right. They have the speed to overtake; let them overtake in the normal manner, as with any other slow driver.
Now, if the circumstances are such as to prevent overtaking for a long distance, which, if it occurs at all, is usually on a road that does not permit 50mph traveling, and if there is a safe place for a cyclist to stop to let the waiting traffic overtake, then I do so. The law says that when five or more vehicles are behind, that stop, where safe, is mandatory, but I will do so with less of a train.
But just like drivers, many cyclists are too rude, inpatient and incompetent to give a crap about traffic laws, let alone common courtesy. Seriously, too many cyclists would rather hug the gutter and allow traffic to squeeze them, or hog the lane just cuz they can, because they are still moving. To take the lane but then actually pull off and stop our forward progress to allow others to pass, is as sinful as slowing forward momentum for things like stop signs and traffic lights. WTF, the drivers are the enemy...why should we lower ourselves to be courteous to the bastiges!
This concept of courtesy by cyclists to motorists is crazy, John...and the thought of actually stopping a bike, on purpose, is pure heresy - thou shalt be sacrificed at the altar of the bike lane gods!