All hail the noodle...
#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
https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycl...=pocket-newtab
#2
Senior Member
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
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
https://qz.com/1620913/the-best-cycl...=pocket-newtab
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. ;-)
Likes For sweeks:
#3
Cycleway town
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]
[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.
#4
Cycleway town
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. ;-)
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. ;-)
#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.
#6
Cop Magnet
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.
#7
What happened?
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.
#8
What happened?
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
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. ;-)
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. ;-)
__________________
I don't know nothing, and I memorized it in school and got this here paper I'm proud of to show it.
#9
Senior Member
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.
Likes For bikecrate:
#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.
Likes For JanMM:
#14
Senior Member
#15
Banned
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...
#16
Lover of Old Chrome Moly
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.
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.
#17
Senior Member
Too many bad things can happen with the 'noodle'. That is many more negatives, than any positives.
#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.
#19
Senior Member
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
I first read about a pool noodle on a thread from 2016, and commented later:
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.
There is also a current thread on the Touring Forum about pool noodles, "Why every cyclist needs a pool noodle on roads"
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.
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
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.
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.
Lane control still appears to be an effective deterrent against close passes.
The car passenger will just reach out and grab the noodle and there will be yet another injured cyclist.
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
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
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.
...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.
...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 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 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...
I always think those self-absorbed cagers are only restrained by the thought of scratching their cars, or the hassle of filing police reports...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
#21
Senior Member
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
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. [/QUOTE
…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.
What color?
Last edited by Jim from Boston; 06-01-19 at 08:14 AM.
Likes For Jim from Boston:
#22
Junior Member
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.
#23
Senior Member
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.
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.
#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
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.
#25
Junior Member
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.
Plus, you've got bigger issues than worrying about cars if you think your wife would beat you with brass knuckles ;-)