Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Advocacy & Safety
Reload this Page >

All hail the noodle...

Notices
Advocacy & Safety Cyclists should expect and demand safe accommodation on every public road, just as do all other users. Discuss your bicycle advocacy and safety concerns here.

All hail the noodle...

Old 05-18-19, 11:58 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 38
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
All hail the noodle...

Saw this while opening a new session in Firefox...interesting... using a pool noodle to warn drivers and set distance allotted to bikes....

https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycl...=pocket-newtab
72SuperSport is offline  
Old 05-19-19, 08:11 AM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
sweeks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago area
Posts: 2,535

Bikes: Airborne "Carpe Diem", Motobecane "Mirage", Trek 6000, Strida 2, Dahon "Helios XL", Dahon "Mu XL", Tern "Verge S11i"

Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 972 Post(s)
Liked 572 Times in 393 Posts
Originally Posted by 72SuperSport
Saw this while opening a new session in Firefox...interesting... using a pool noodle to warn drivers and set distance allotted to bikes....

https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycl...=pocket-newtab
I worry that some jerk drivers might take that as a challenge to "buzz" the noodle. Having said that, I did have this Safety Wing on my folding bike. It was more conservative, and I didn't have a sense that cars gave me a wider berth, as they rarely came close to me. I eventually took it off.
In my darker moments I think about a 3-foot projecting pole with a scratch awl or a can of spray paint on the end to leave evidence of a close call. ;-)
sweeks is offline  
Likes For sweeks:
Old 05-19-19, 09:50 AM
  #3  
Cycleway town
 
MikeyMK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Milton Keynes, England
Posts: 1,402

Bikes: 2.6kw GT LTS e-tandem, 250w Voodoo, 250w solar recumbent trike, 3-speed shopper, Merlin ol/skl mtb, 80cc Ellswick

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 569 Post(s)
Liked 169 Times in 117 Posts
The principle isn't new, these folding arm things have been around for decades, i just don't think they were ever popular...

[IMG]https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....1Iiwg2dHXL.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://urbanvelo.org/wordpress/wp-c...safetywing.jpg[/IMG]

Last edited by MikeyMK; 05-19-19 at 09:53 AM.
MikeyMK is offline  
Old 05-19-19, 01:31 PM
  #4  
Cycleway town
 
MikeyMK's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Milton Keynes, England
Posts: 1,402

Bikes: 2.6kw GT LTS e-tandem, 250w Voodoo, 250w solar recumbent trike, 3-speed shopper, Merlin ol/skl mtb, 80cc Ellswick

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 569 Post(s)
Liked 169 Times in 117 Posts
Originally Posted by sweeks
I worry that some jerk drivers might take that as a challenge to "buzz" the noodle. Having said that, I did have this Safety Wing on my folding bike. It was more conservative, and I didn't have a sense that cars gave me a wider berth, as they rarely came close to me. I eventually took it off.
In my darker moments I think about a 3-foot projecting pole with a scratch awl or a can of spray paint on the end to leave evidence of a close call. ;-)
Oh i hadn't seen the link you put up, one is the same picture lol
MikeyMK is offline  
Old 05-19-19, 01:57 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NE Tennessee
Posts: 917

Bikes: Giant TCR/Surly Karate Monkey/Foundry FireTower/Curtlo Tandem

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 169 Post(s)
Liked 84 Times in 62 Posts
Oh goodness they are popular with Germans. I work for a German company and some were going to use those here. I told them it would be seen as a challenge by the rednecks.
bakerjw is offline  
Old 05-19-19, 04:45 PM
  #6  
Cop Magnet
 
JW Fas's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 331
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 239 Post(s)
Liked 273 Times in 128 Posts
I agree with the sentiment that pool noodles will be interpreted as a challenge to that small crowd of mullets who hate cyclists. Lane control still appears to be an effective deterrent against close passes.
JW Fas is online now  
Old 05-19-19, 05:26 PM
  #7  
What happened?
 
Rollfast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Around here somewhere
Posts: 8,050

Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!

Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1835 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times in 255 Posts
Snakes are supposed to love noodles, they're warm. I get a black widow or other spider trying to ride without paying fare now and then and I kick them off.
__________________
I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
Rollfast is offline  
Old 05-19-19, 05:30 PM
  #8  
What happened?
 
Rollfast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Around here somewhere
Posts: 8,050

Bikes: 3 Rollfasts, 3 Schwinns, a Shelby and a Higgins Flightliner in a pear tree!

Mentioned: 57 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1835 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times in 255 Posts
Originally Posted by sweeks
I worry that some jerk drivers might take that as a challenge to "buzz" the noodle. Having said that, I did have this Safety Wing on my folding bike. It was more conservative, and I didn't have a sense that cars gave me a wider berth, as they rarely came close to me. I eventually took it off.
In my darker moments I think about a 3-foot projecting pole with a scratch awl or a can of spray paint on the end to leave evidence of a close call. ;-)
Well, yeah, you can Walter Mitty that to Tepoketa and Beyond but you won't be down with El Jefe of Mayberry no how.
__________________
I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
Rollfast is offline  
Old 05-21-19, 07:41 AM
  #9  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,497

Bikes: Sekine 1979 ten speed racer

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1477 Post(s)
Liked 637 Times in 436 Posts
Originally Posted by sweeks
I worry that some jerk drivers might take that as a challenge to "buzz" the noodle. ...
Better they buzz the noodle than they swipe you without one. Yes, a scratching awl or a paint brush in that noodle would be a good idea.

My problem is that my rides are a combination of MUPs, bike lanes and roads. So I'd like to retract the noodle (without having to stop and adjust) when I'm on the MUP or bike lane so I won't bother other cyclists or pedestrians.

Last edited by Daniel4; 05-21-19 at 07:45 AM.
Daniel4 is offline  
Old 05-22-19, 10:58 AM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
bikecrate's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: LF, APMAT
Posts: 2,749
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 623 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 392 Times in 224 Posts
If I had to ride around with a pool noodle attached to my bike, then it is time for me to give up cycling.
bikecrate is offline  
Likes For bikecrate:
Old 05-22-19, 11:21 AM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
Posts: 1,221

Bikes: '13 Diamondback Hybrid Commuter, '17 Spec Roubaix Di2, '17 Spec Camber 29'er, '19 CDale Topstone Gravel

Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 590 Post(s)
Liked 445 Times in 260 Posts
Don't forget to remove it before riding the MUP. Or not.
Riveting is offline  
Old 05-22-19, 11:27 AM
  #12  
Lucille
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 449
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 133 Post(s)
Liked 65 Times in 35 Posts
The car passenger will just reach out and grab the noodle and there will be yet another injured cyclist.
Lucillle is offline  
Likes For Lucillle:
Old 05-22-19, 08:14 PM
  #13  
rebmeM roineS
 
JanMM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Metro Indy, IN
Posts: 16,215

Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 653 Post(s)
Liked 345 Times in 225 Posts
Originally Posted by Lucillle
The car passenger will just reach out and grab the noodle and there will be yet another injured cyclist.
Or, maybe they will set it on fire!!!!! Flaming noodle!
__________________
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
JanMM is offline  
Likes For JanMM:
Old 05-23-19, 08:49 AM
  #14  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,497

Bikes: Sekine 1979 ten speed racer

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1477 Post(s)
Liked 637 Times in 436 Posts
Originally Posted by Lucillle
The car passenger will just reach out and grab the noodle and there will be yet another injured cyclist.
Originally Posted by JanMM
Or, maybe they will set it on fire!!!!! Flaming noodle!
Knowing the crazies in cars, I doubt they'll want to risk damage to their paint jobs.
Daniel4 is offline  
Old 05-23-19, 01:36 PM
  #15  
Banned
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NW,Oregon Coast
Posts: 43,598

Bikes: 8

Mentioned: 197 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7607 Post(s)
Liked 1,354 Times in 861 Posts
from my reply in a FB post..

Wanted to offer an educational document on wind shear, the bow wake of a Zip code sized Motorhome's effects on a bicycle rider , on the roadside, as They blow buy at 65+ mph, to be on the front of the steering wheel part, of every one on the lot, but the sales guys at Garrity in Junction City , just laughed it off... (commenting on the age of the people who finally could afford one).. A few years ago, one summer, on US101 , such a wind wall knocked an elderly man on a father-son Oregon coast bike tour, off, his bike, he fell to his left and under the following trailer wheels of a truck.. I doubt the Pool Noodle would have helped...
fietsbob is offline  
Old 05-23-19, 07:24 PM
  #16  
Lover of Old Chrome Moly
 
Myosmith's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NW Minnesota
Posts: 2,949
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times in 17 Posts
So, every cyclist who wants to pass you gets pushed out into the driving lane ? ? ?

I can see vehicle passengers playing a new version of Whack-a-Mole with your brightly colored appendage, or worse, being dumb enough to grab it. IMHO it would create more problems than it solves.
Myosmith is offline  
Old 05-24-19, 02:07 AM
  #17  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Washington Grove, Maryland
Posts: 1,466

Bikes: 2003 (24)20-Speed Specialized Allez'

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 396 Post(s)
Liked 6 Times in 6 Posts
Too many bad things can happen with the 'noodle'. That is many more negatives, than any positives.
Chris0516 is offline  
Old 05-24-19, 02:12 AM
  #18  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Down Under
Posts: 1,936

Bikes: A steel framed 26" off road tourer from a manufacturer who thinks they are cool. Giant Anthem. Trek 720 Multiroad pub bike. 10 kids bikes all under 20". Assorted waifs and unfinished projects.

Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1188 Post(s)
Liked 1,154 Times in 640 Posts
I reckon a near invisible wire with a scratch tip would be more satisfying.
Trevtassie is offline  
Old 05-24-19, 05:28 AM
  #19  
Senior Member
 
Jim from Boston's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times in 171 Posts
All hail the [pool] noodle
Originally Posted by 72SuperSport
Saw this while opening a new session in Firefox...interesting... using a pool noodle to warn drivers and set distance allotted to bikes....

https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycl...=pocket-newtab
Originally Posted by sweeks
I worry that some jerk drivers might take that as a challenge to "buzz" the noodle.
Originally Posted by JW Fas
I agree with the sentiment that pool noodles will be interpreted as a challenge to that small crowd of mullets who hate cyclists.

Lane control still appears to be an effective deterrent against close passes.
Originally Posted by Lucillle
The car passenger will just reach out and grab the noodle and there will be yet another injured cyclist.
Originally Posted by Daniel4
Better they buzz the noodle than they swipe you without one. Yes, a scratching awl or a paint brush in that noodle would be a good idea.

My problem is that my rides are a combination of MUPs, bike lanes and roads.

So I'd like to retract the noodle (without having to stop and adjust) when I'm on the MUP or bike lane so I won't bother other cyclists or pedestrians
I first read about a pool noodle on a thread from 2016, and commented later:
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
Being seen

...My watchword when cycling is “Make yourself as visible as possible, and assume no one sees you.” The above posts nicely describe the use of Hi-vis clothing and lights.

One other item I read about in only one thread on BF is the somewhat whimsical idea of extending your space with the use of a pool noodle, an idea I myself have yet to try.
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
...However to add to your list of visibility aids, see this thread, Safety hack for bikes using a pool noodle.” It has a video and photo of a pool noodle.

I recall thinking it is something I might put on my bike, and a pool store is nearby my workplace, so I’ll have to check it out.
I was surprised by all the worries about antagonizing drivers with a pool noodle, I just never thought of that concern in my travels here in civilized metro Boston.
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
I have those exact thoughts whenever I am passed, even when not tooclose by motorist who does not slow down or move over slightly, just as an indication that they notice me.

I always think those self-absorbed cagers are only restrained by the thought of scratching their cars, or the hassle of filing police reports...
There is also a current thread on the Touring Forum about pool noodles, "
Why every cyclist needs a pool noodle on roads"
Originally Posted by MrJames67
https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycl...a-pool-noodle/

What an outstanding idea...

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Sometimes, all the cure in the world.

These noodles are one dollar at the Dollar Tree stores now.
Originally Posted by zweitesmal2
This is the stupidest idea yet- how to induce even more rage. Why don't you just wear a traffic cone on your head? They're free all over town. Dress as Ronald Mcdonald while you're at it.

Drivers either see you or they don't, and seeing this wobbling down the road will only anger the already volatile typical American jackass. We're already the slowest dorkiest thing on the road as it is, with our styrofoam helmets and sissy shorts.

How about you practice riding in a straight line? Ride the stripe, hold a steady pace and move over when you're obviously clogging things up. This is just common sense.

We are the weakest most vulnerable users of the roads. I like touring Europe because the drivers are skilled- they actually get training and it is expensive to get and keep a license. Not so in the US.

Riding skills trump a foam toy every time.
Originally Posted by Doug64
The picture of the rider using a noodle in the OP's link is ridiculous.

The rider is on a road with a 6-8 ft shoulder that has rumble strips near the fog line. It does not get much better than that.
That rant by @zweitesmal garnered four LIKES.

I guess the reason I never got one is that my safety practices (link) are more effective, and for the dork factor, though I still might try, even just for my commutes.

Last edited by Jim from Boston; 05-24-19 at 06:58 AM.
Jim from Boston is offline  
Old 05-27-19, 08:42 AM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
Dr.Lou's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 255
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 47 Post(s)
Liked 97 Times in 61 Posts
Originally Posted by bikecrate
If I had to ride around with a pool noodle attached to my bike, then it is time for me to give up cycling.
I couldn’t agree more. Nothing worse than vintage, Italian steel adorned with a neon pink pool noodle; however, they look at home on an SWorks or Cervelo.
Dr.Lou is offline  
Old 05-27-19, 12:26 PM
  #21  
Senior Member
 
Jim from Boston's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times in 171 Posts
Originally Posted by bikecrate
If I had to ride around with a pool noodle attached to my bike, then it is time for me to give up cycling.
Originally Posted by Dr.Lou
I couldn’t agree more. Nothing worse than vintage, Italian steel adorned with a neon pink pool noodle; however, they look at home on an SWorks or Cervelo. [/QUOTE
Originally Posted by Jim from Boston
I guess the reason I never got one is that my safety practices (link) are more effective, and for the dork factor, though I still might try, even just for my commutes.
Hey @Dr.Lou , Thanks for the clearance...I have an Sworks with an Arkel Bikepack.




What color?

Last edited by Jim from Boston; 06-01-19 at 08:14 AM.
Jim from Boston is offline  
Likes For Jim from Boston:
Old 05-27-19, 02:25 PM
  #22  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 196
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 30 Posts
We've been using a noodle on our tandem for several years now. Attached is a pic in the "stowed" configuration. It does seem to buy a bit of distance from many passing vehicles but I do think it might be seen as a challenge to someone already a threat to cyclists. Inattentive motorists are a bigger threat and the noodle probably won't help. I do agree that the noodle looks stupid but another day alive and stupid looking isn't a horrible thing. We're not going to win any fashion or speed contests anyway.
honcho is offline  
Old 05-27-19, 09:15 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Dr.Lou's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 255
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 47 Post(s)
Liked 97 Times in 61 Posts
The noodle may be the bike flag of the 21st century...
As a kid, I loved my bike flag. Too young to appreciate it for safety reasons, I just thought it was cool. Not feeling the same coolness for the noodle, however.
Dr.Lou is offline  
Old 05-27-19, 11:36 PM
  #24  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,962
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2471 Post(s)
Liked 718 Times in 511 Posts
Originally Posted by honcho
I do agree that the noodle looks stupid but another day alive and stupid looking isn't a horrible thing.
How could I disagree about another day alive, but ... could there possibly be a false equivalency here? Like big time? I mean ... are you implying that the 99.8% of cyclists that do NOT ride around with stupid looking pool noodles strapped to their rear racks are dying (literally) for them? Or ... that noodle toters have never met such a fate? Life is too short, and there are more than enough occasions to look stupid that are beyond your control to spend a single minute deliberately looking like a noob. My wife would beat me about the head and neck with brass knuckles if I ever tried to adorn our tandem thusly.
Leisesturm is offline  
Old 05-28-19, 04:51 AM
  #25  
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 196
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 30 Posts
Originally Posted by Leisesturm
How could I disagree about another day alive, but ... could there possibly be a false equivalency here? Like big time? I mean ... are you implying that the 99.8% of cyclists that do NOT ride around with stupid looking pool noodles strapped to their rear racks are dying (literally) for them? Or ... that noodle toters have never met such a fate? Life is too short, and there are more than enough occasions to look stupid that are beyond your control to spend a single minute deliberately looking like a noob. My wife would beat me about the head and neck with brass knuckles if I ever tried to adorn our tandem thusly.
To each their own. Some where helmets, some don't. Some tandem teams wear matching jerseys and look ridiculous, others have things like noodles and look ridiculous too. Some cyclists claim they would give up cycling rather than ride a recumbent. There's no one right way to appear on a bicycle. Plus, get your statistics right, it's not 99.8% that ride without a pool noodle, it's more like 99.999% that ride without a noodle. That's a big difference!

Plus, you've got bigger issues than worrying about cars if you think your wife would beat you with brass knuckles ;-)
honcho is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.