Traffic IS TERRIBLE!
#101
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I find "kvetching" no different than "meshugana." Both are much more lightweight insults than what's commonly used in English. Neither is "kvetching" censored by the forum. The more popular - and generally outright disrespectful - "*****ing" is.
-Kurt
Last edited by cudak888; 10-17-22 at 08:46 AM.
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#102
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I've been riding a lot recently and I have come away with the distinct impression things have changed.
Automobile drivers are noticeably less respectful of the vehicle code, "the rules of the road". Also, they are less respectful of other drivers, exhibiting behaviors that almost qualify as "predatory" - lane changes, passing on the right, accelerating from a red light,....
The other thing is, there seems to be a LOT of traffic, lots of cars on the road at all times of day.
I mean all of this in an absolute sense, not just relative to the reduced levels seen during the pandemic shut down.
One more thing I'm seeing is an ever-increasing number of ebikes. They are everywhere, all the time. People (kids and adults) are riding them at ever increasing speeds. They have morphed into and are driven like electric motorcycles not electically-assisted bicycles, yet they occupy the bike lanes and bike paths and are entirely disrespectful of the rules of the road. Oddly, these have added to the number of vehicles on the road, not reduced the number of cars.
Taken together, bike riding, especially at peak traffic times, feels distinctly more hazardous and a bit less fun. THAT is a BAD thing!
Thoughts, anyone?
Automobile drivers are noticeably less respectful of the vehicle code, "the rules of the road". Also, they are less respectful of other drivers, exhibiting behaviors that almost qualify as "predatory" - lane changes, passing on the right, accelerating from a red light,....
The other thing is, there seems to be a LOT of traffic, lots of cars on the road at all times of day.
I mean all of this in an absolute sense, not just relative to the reduced levels seen during the pandemic shut down.
One more thing I'm seeing is an ever-increasing number of ebikes. They are everywhere, all the time. People (kids and adults) are riding them at ever increasing speeds. They have morphed into and are driven like electric motorcycles not electically-assisted bicycles, yet they occupy the bike lanes and bike paths and are entirely disrespectful of the rules of the road. Oddly, these have added to the number of vehicles on the road, not reduced the number of cars.
Taken together, bike riding, especially at peak traffic times, feels distinctly more hazardous and a bit less fun. THAT is a BAD thing!
Thoughts, anyone?
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#103
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I shoulda stayed in C&V for my own good. Live and learn...
Flip side, folks

DD
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#105
Newbie
People for the most part just seems to hate bicycles and cyclists. Just seeing their comments wishing death on cyclists online is bad enough until you realise these types of people are often passing you in a car.
On my last ride I was stopped in a traffic jam, and the woman in the car behind me yelled at ME for stopping even though it was cars infront that stopped me. I mean, what? In fact, almost every time I get honked or shouted at, it's somebody trying to intimidate for fun or out of ignorance, when I'm just cycling along out of their way and they can easily overtake. Drivers don't care what the reason is either, if you're on a bike, you are fair game to be bullied and yelled/honked at.
On my last ride I was stopped in a traffic jam, and the woman in the car behind me yelled at ME for stopping even though it was cars infront that stopped me. I mean, what? In fact, almost every time I get honked or shouted at, it's somebody trying to intimidate for fun or out of ignorance, when I'm just cycling along out of their way and they can easily overtake. Drivers don't care what the reason is either, if you're on a bike, you are fair game to be bullied and yelled/honked at.
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#106
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I guess the key to happiness while cycling around traffic boils down to EXPECTATIONS. When I push off on my bike my expectations are very low - I fully EXPECT to be disrespected by mean people and overlooked by distracted drivers. If I were to roll out with expectations that motorists should do what they are SUPPOSED to do, along with being alert, respectful and nice, I would be a miserable SOB or just DEAD by now.
Yes, I am "fair game" by my own choice. I alter my routes and techniques to suit the situation but also chose NOT TO RIDE at certain times and places. I'm certain this eliminates a lot of potential angst aimed at me.