This is not fair - parked motor vehicle
09-21-17, 07:29 AM
#26
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As a cyclist, especially in traffic, encountering a vehicle where we don't expect it can trigger anxiety. Add elevated adrenaline levels to the mix and you have a good recipe for rage. With time and experience we can learn to identify what constitutes a potential threat and what doesn't. We can also learn to recognize the effects of the heightened awareness, territorialism and adrenaline that keep us safe.
I realize that you don't consider a pick-up blocking a cycling path a threat, merely an inconvenience; but seeing a large vehicle facing you where you don't expect it can trigger all the subconscious and reflexive physical reactions that are needed to stay safe, and these physiological responses can color our perception and memories of the experience leading to residual anger and other lasting emotional responses.
I have been trying to recognize this in myself, and it has led to less anger towards other drivers both on my bike and in my car, even when the other driver is a complete and total a**h***. I still have a ways to go.
I realize that you don't consider a pick-up blocking a cycling path a threat, merely an inconvenience; but seeing a large vehicle facing you where you don't expect it can trigger all the subconscious and reflexive physical reactions that are needed to stay safe, and these physiological responses can color our perception and memories of the experience leading to residual anger and other lasting emotional responses.
I have been trying to recognize this in myself, and it has led to less anger towards other drivers both on my bike and in my car, even when the other driver is a complete and total a**h***. I still have a ways to go.
09-21-17, 08:12 AM
#28
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They were there cutting grass around nearby homes. Seriously, it's a private landscaping company, and the guys were about 20 feet away with weed whackers. Not a government work crew, not cutting the grass in public area for ease in visibility, they were private contractors cutting around the homes there. That's such an oh god emergency to justify the vehicle there.
And if the path says "Pedestrians and Bicycles Only" then that means only. It's the same sort of thing as someone able-bodied using the handicap stall when all the rest are open. It's just plain wrong, it's just plain a**holeness, and just like the able-bodied using handicap facilities, I'm going to say something. It's not right and it breaks the rules.
And frankly I don't understand the mindset of "oh, blocking the entire thing isn't a big deal". I wasn't the only one affected, there's little kids that I doubt have hit 2nd grade using that path daily that would have to scoot around, same with the mothers that have jogging strollers, and at least one person in a wheelchair I've seen a few times. It's a big deal because they were lazy and they didn't belong on that path. And notice that they didn't even leave a driver in case it needed to be moved? It's there for the long term.
And if the path says "Pedestrians and Bicycles Only" then that means only. It's the same sort of thing as someone able-bodied using the handicap stall when all the rest are open. It's just plain wrong, it's just plain a**holeness, and just like the able-bodied using handicap facilities, I'm going to say something. It's not right and it breaks the rules.
And frankly I don't understand the mindset of "oh, blocking the entire thing isn't a big deal". I wasn't the only one affected, there's little kids that I doubt have hit 2nd grade using that path daily that would have to scoot around, same with the mothers that have jogging strollers, and at least one person in a wheelchair I've seen a few times. It's a big deal because they were lazy and they didn't belong on that path. And notice that they didn't even leave a driver in case it needed to be moved? It's there for the long term.
Call the non-emergency police number for your area, then reach inside and honk the truck's horn until someone comes to tell you to stop. Then, hand them your phone so they can explain why they're blocking the path.
You're right: they're wrong, but, what do you want us to do about it?
Look for the bright side: they're removing tall grass that could harbor ticks that carry disease, and beautifying the neighborhood, including the scenery along your path.
09-21-17, 09:23 AM
#29
Junior Member
I would suggest a kindly word a letter to the Landscaping Company. Think about it if you write a nasty letter, or put a nasty note on the window, if you were in their position would you pay any attention? You would probably say that spandex wearing tree hugging bicyclist needs to get off their soapbox. Whereas if you write a kind letter, stating that you commute on that road, kids commute on their way to school, Etc. They're more likely to say hey employees just park on the grass... Especially if you point out that they do a nice job in their Landscaping (regardless if you feel that way).
Calling to local law enforcement on the non-emergency number is a another good idea, but I suspect in most communities the amount of time it would take for the law enforcement to get to something of this low of a priority would be pretty high and the truck will have moved by that point... Then again if you see the truck out there every Friday morning at 8am, perhaps the local law enforcement would be willing to swing by at 8:15 the following Friday.
I would suggest that you just be cool about it, as what's that old saying... You'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar? Something like that
Calling to local law enforcement on the non-emergency number is a another good idea, but I suspect in most communities the amount of time it would take for the law enforcement to get to something of this low of a priority would be pretty high and the truck will have moved by that point... Then again if you see the truck out there every Friday morning at 8am, perhaps the local law enforcement would be willing to swing by at 8:15 the following Friday.
I would suggest that you just be cool about it, as what's that old saying... You'll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar? Something like that
09-21-17, 10:44 AM
#30
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When adult pedestrians encounter obstacles on sidewalks, they walk around them. When adult motorists encounter obstacles on the roadway, they drive around them. Functioning adults gracefully negotiate minor inconveniences with serenity and goodwill.
Without emotionally triggering anyone, I'd gently suggest that cyclists are not a persecuted victim-class. I understand that the current grievance culture rewards offense-taking. I realize for some there is an emotional comfort in acting and demanding to be coddled as infants who are entitled to reside in a utopia free from even the most inconsequential of imperfections. And to vindictively nurture and seek retribution for any and all perceived slights, trivial as they may be.
I'm just suggesting one be discreet in their infantilism. I mean, if wearing diapers is your thing, cool, but maybe keep it indoors.
Without emotionally triggering anyone, I'd gently suggest that cyclists are not a persecuted victim-class. I understand that the current grievance culture rewards offense-taking. I realize for some there is an emotional comfort in acting and demanding to be coddled as infants who are entitled to reside in a utopia free from even the most inconsequential of imperfections. And to vindictively nurture and seek retribution for any and all perceived slights, trivial as they may be.
I'm just suggesting one be discreet in their infantilism. I mean, if wearing diapers is your thing, cool, but maybe keep it indoors.
Last edited by Daves_Not_Here; 09-21-17 at 05:37 PM.
09-23-17, 01:58 PM
#31
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They were there cutting grass around nearby homes. Seriously, it's a private landscaping company, and the guys were about 20 feet away with weed whackers. Not a government work crew, not cutting the grass in public area for ease in visibility, they were private contractors cutting around the homes there. That's such an oh god emergency to justify the vehicle there.
Bid48 Proj 1 2015 03-05-2015 Boulevard & greenspace mowing & litter removal Northern Exposure Landscaping $93,464.80
09-23-17, 02:22 PM
#32
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How about these finest? (Not thoughtless btw.)
-mr. bill
09-23-17, 04:08 PM
#33
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You guys are...wow. Kinda like my husband, when I point out the patterns everywhere in everything he dismisses it as "coincidence". No matter what the patterns are, it's "coincidence" and "meaningless" and "people being stupid" and "not deliberate". No, I know better. Everywhere it's the same thing, everywhere, in all aspects of life. It's deliberate to hinder, always.
But as far as dedhed's comment, the wooden fences are patio specific. You can't see the property fence line in the pictures, and the workers 20 feet to the right were within the property fence line.
As far as Daves_Not_Here, it's the slippery slope thing. Call people out on their deliberate actions, or call nothing. Anything in between is the slippery slope that will only take you to one extreme or the other in end, so define what end you want in the first place.
You'd think there'd be a tad bit of sympathy over how no matter where people not in cars go, cars are going to do whatever it takes to take it away. All the time, everywhere. I don't talk about the other stuff since it's not bike related, but people try to take over and over, manipulating their way in, making it look meaningless and thoughtless so most people are fooled into thinking that.
But as far as dedhed's comment, the wooden fences are patio specific. You can't see the property fence line in the pictures, and the workers 20 feet to the right were within the property fence line.
As far as Daves_Not_Here, it's the slippery slope thing. Call people out on their deliberate actions, or call nothing. Anything in between is the slippery slope that will only take you to one extreme or the other in end, so define what end you want in the first place.
You'd think there'd be a tad bit of sympathy over how no matter where people not in cars go, cars are going to do whatever it takes to take it away. All the time, everywhere. I don't talk about the other stuff since it's not bike related, but people try to take over and over, manipulating their way in, making it look meaningless and thoughtless so most people are fooled into thinking that.
09-23-17, 04:12 PM
#34
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09-23-17, 04:39 PM
#35
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Didn't bother me one bit to close off this bus route, traffic, and bike lanes. My responsibility is to the workers and general public safety whether that inconveniences people or not. Nobody relishes a full road shutdown in a densely populated and tightly parked area a block from a major university.
But you know what, people adapted and found a way to continue on with their lives.
But you know what, people adapted and found a way to continue on with their lives.
09-23-17, 04:57 PM
#37
Full Member
Wow, doesn't take much to get someone's nose out of joint. Looking at the picture there doesn't seem to be any safe parking areas in the roadway. He is cutting the grass so he probably didn't want to park on the grass. It probably took more time to take a picture of this major faux pas then just to go around it and enjoy your ride.
09-23-17, 05:30 PM
#38
Non omnino gravis
Seeing a work truck parked like that doesn't especially bother me, I think because I've done my fair share of manual labor, and spent more than my fair share of time in those trucks. The guy driving it didn't park there specifically to inconvenience anyone-- he parked there to be close to the job, so he could maybe get home a few minutes earlier. Same reason I don't go out and yell at the UPS guy when he parks at the end of my driveway. He's just trying to get through the day.
I ride around landscaping trucks parked in the bike lane a few times every week. Same for trash trucks, street sweepers, cop cars, and on and on and on. Just people minding their business.
I ride around landscaping trucks parked in the bike lane a few times every week. Same for trash trucks, street sweepers, cop cars, and on and on and on. Just people minding their business.
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09-23-17, 10:10 PM
#40
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What a drama thread.
Yeah, definitely should have called in SWAT.
Yeah, definitely should have called in SWAT.
09-23-17, 10:29 PM
#41
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Seeing a work truck parked like that doesn't especially bother me, I think because I've done my fair share of manual labor, and spent more than my fair share of time in those trucks. The guy driving it didn't park there specifically to inconvenience anyone-- he parked there to be close to the job, so he could maybe get home a few minutes earlier. Same reason I don't go out and yell at the UPS guy when he parks at the end of my driveway. He's just trying to get through the day.
I ride around landscaping trucks parked in the bike lane a few times every week. Same for trash trucks, street sweepers, cop cars, and on and on and on. Just people minding their business.
I ride around landscaping trucks parked in the bike lane a few times every week. Same for trash trucks, street sweepers, cop cars, and on and on and on. Just people minding their business.
09-23-17, 11:15 PM
#42
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You guys are...wow. Kinda like my husband, when I point out the patterns everywhere in everything he dismisses it as "coincidence". No matter what the patterns are, it's "coincidence" and "meaningless" and "people being stupid" and "not deliberate". No, I know better. Everywhere it's the same thing, everywhere, in all aspects of life. It's deliberate to hinder, always.
Gently: if you truly feel that, "No, I know better. Everywhere it's the same thing, everywhere, in all aspects of life. It's deliberate to hinder, always", you are exhibiting stereotypical paranoia. I'm not trying to insult you or make you feel badly. Lord knows, we all have our own emotional baggage and neuroses. I would just ask if this way of experiencing the world is working for you and strengthening your relationships. Do you feel empowered and happy? If not, you have lots of options available to you, but only you have the power to pursue them.
My previous post was condescending as it was directed towards the larger A&S Dramasphere and some of its denizens. This one to you is sincere and I'm hopeful you'll take it in that spirit.
09-24-17, 06:02 AM
#43
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If you get the same feedback from different people, it warrants consideration.
Gently: if you truly feel that, "No, I know better. Everywhere it's the same thing, everywhere, in all aspects of life. It's deliberate to hinder, always", you are exhibiting stereotypical paranoia. I'm not trying to insult you or make you feel badly. Lord knows, we all have our own emotional baggage and neuroses. I would just ask if this way of experiencing the world is working for you and strengthening your relationships. Do you feel empowered and happy? If not, you have lots of options available to you, but only you have the power to pursue them.
My previous post was condescending as it was directed towards the larger A&S Dramasphere and some of its denizens. This one to you is sincere and I'm hopeful you'll take it in that spirit.
Gently: if you truly feel that, "No, I know better. Everywhere it's the same thing, everywhere, in all aspects of life. It's deliberate to hinder, always", you are exhibiting stereotypical paranoia. I'm not trying to insult you or make you feel badly. Lord knows, we all have our own emotional baggage and neuroses. I would just ask if this way of experiencing the world is working for you and strengthening your relationships. Do you feel empowered and happy? If not, you have lots of options available to you, but only you have the power to pursue them.
My previous post was condescending as it was directed towards the larger A&S Dramasphere and some of its denizens. This one to you is sincere and I'm hopeful you'll take it in that spirit.
I'll add out of curiosity: do you (the OP) happen to smoke weed regularly?
Because I've seen this kind of paranoia...
09-24-17, 06:32 AM
#44
C*pt*i* Obvious
Seeing a work truck parked like that doesn't especially bother me, I think because I've done my fair share of manual labor, and spent more than my fair share of time in those trucks. The guy driving it didn't park there specifically to inconvenience anyone-- he parked there to be close to the job, so he could maybe get home a few minutes earlier. Same reason I don't go out and yell at the UPS guy when he parks at the end of my driveway. He's just trying to get through the day.
I ride around landscaping trucks parked in the bike lane a few times every week. Same for trash trucks, street sweepers, cop cars, and on and on and on. Just people minding their business.
I ride around landscaping trucks parked in the bike lane a few times every week. Same for trash trucks, street sweepers, cop cars, and on and on and on. Just people minding their business.
If this was the same truck that is parked there day after day, then it might be worth having a discussion to try and find a better solution.
09-24-17, 08:21 AM
#46
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As a cyclist, especially in traffic, encountering a vehicle where we don't expect it can trigger anxiety. Add elevated adrenaline levels to the mix and you have a good recipe for rage. With time and experience we can learn to identify what constitutes a potential threat and what doesn't. We can also learn to recognize the effects of the heightened awareness, territorialism and adrenaline that keep us safe.
I realize that you don't consider a pick-up blocking a cycling path a threat, merely an inconvenience; but seeing a large vehicle facing you where you don't expect it can trigger all the subconscious and reflexive physical reactions that are needed to stay safe, and these physiological responses can color our perception and memories of the experience leading to residual anger and other lasting emotional responses.
I have been trying to recognize this in myself, and it has led to less anger towards other drivers both on my bike and in my car, even when the other driver is a complete and total a**h***. I still have a ways to go.
I realize that you don't consider a pick-up blocking a cycling path a threat, merely an inconvenience; but seeing a large vehicle facing you where you don't expect it can trigger all the subconscious and reflexive physical reactions that are needed to stay safe, and these physiological responses can color our perception and memories of the experience leading to residual anger and other lasting emotional responses.
I have been trying to recognize this in myself, and it has led to less anger towards other drivers both on my bike and in my car, even when the other driver is a complete and total a**h***. I still have a ways to go.
09-24-17, 09:35 AM
#47
Senior Member
Personally, I'm glad when I see trucks parked like that. It keeps them out of the road where I'm riding my bike.
Last edited by brianmcg123; 09-24-17 at 12:46 PM.
09-24-17, 12:45 PM
#48
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We had the standard PITA of repair crews putting their signs right in the middle of a sidewalk (more like a MUP in function) by the university until a few wheelchair users complained to the university administration about having to roll through a muddy section of grass to go around them. Now the signs go in the mud and the wheelchairs (and other users) stay on the concrete.
As a bonus, the cleaning crews were raising hell about having to clean up after wheelchairs that shouldn't have had to get muddy in the first place.
09-25-17, 12:55 AM
#49
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I had to laugh today. I'm coming down the bridge to the Queen Mary, and right at the bottom where I like to go fast were two work trucks TOTALLY BLOCKING the path right and they could have parked ANYWHERE ELSE. I had to COMPLETELY STOP and pick my way around the trucks and then PEDAL ALL THE WAY to the Queen Mary. And I'm laughing thinking Man I know some people who would be really pissed right now.
Guy in the drivers seat is on his phone, looks up and says Oh crap, I'm totally blocking you. I said Believe me, it's absolutely no problem, I'm just a guy on a bike, you guys have to actually work on such a beautiful day.
No, I did not photograph his truck, and no, I don't care that he was on his phone, and no, I will not be calling in a complaint.
Guy in the drivers seat is on his phone, looks up and says Oh crap, I'm totally blocking you. I said Believe me, it's absolutely no problem, I'm just a guy on a bike, you guys have to actually work on such a beautiful day.
No, I did not photograph his truck, and no, I don't care that he was on his phone, and no, I will not be calling in a complaint.