Cyclists behaving badly thread
10-15-11 | 07:41 AM
#76
On the lam
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,470
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From: The Village
My post was not made in a serious vein, just a poke at a collection of some BF so called cycling taboos.
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10-15-11 | 08:30 AM
#77
Been Around Awhile
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,679
Likes: 1,990
From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
When you are trading nasty zingers with a Serious Cyclist™ Dud(e) some of his attitude might rub off on your posts. Sorry to miss the non serious intent of your post
10-23-11 | 04:44 PM
#78
24-Speed Machine
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,056
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From: Wash. Grove, MD
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
I was just surfing the A&S forum, when I remembered this: https://www.wtop.com/?nid=&sid=1996050 being mentioned in another A&S thread.
10-23-11 | 09:22 PM
#79
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On your right
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern California
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Elite
I was just surfing the A&S forum, when I remembered this: https://www.wtop.com/?nid=&sid=1996050 being mentioned in another A&S thread.
10-23-11 | 09:56 PM
#80
24-Speed Machine
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,056
Likes: 2
From: Wash. Grove, MD
Bikes: 2003 Specialized Allez 24-Speed Road Bike
These situations (blind pass leading to potential head-on collision on MUP) are the ones that make me most nervous around here -- it is not that uncommon to have two pace lines pass within a few feet of one another with a closing speed of 40 to 50 mph. The presences of pedestrians and cyclists adds an unpredictable element and some cyclists get irritated if they have to slow down. That said, I've not yet heard of a mass pile-up so it's probably not as big of a deal as I think it is.
I live near the trail mentioned in the link, along with one other trail north of it. The trail mentioned in the link, is a highly used MUP on the weekends, since it goes from Montgomery County(MD) to Northwest DC. I have been on bike trails in Northern VA during a club ride on a weekend, where they were a very highly trafficked MUP.
11-02-11 | 01:15 AM
#81
Thread Starter
On your right
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern California
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Elite
Out cycling this weekend with a cub-scout troop and their parents -- 16 adults and children total riding down the San Gabriel River trail between Long Beach and Seal Beach. I'm one of two regular cyclists on the ride, coaching our guys to ride single file and steady on the right and not to swerve into the overtaking or oncoming bicycle traffic.
I made a point to shut up and try to see the experience through the eyes of the adults who ride very infrequently (only when forced by their kids), to understand why they don't ride more. My findings were probably of no surprise to people here:
1. Few are willing to ride on streets, bike lanes or not. They limit themselves to paths with no motorist traffic.
2. More experienced cyclists that speed closely through clusters of slower cyclists and children are perceived as being dangerous, particularly on the River trail, where going off the path can put you into sharp boulders or down a 45 degree wall. Most have observed collisions in the past.
3. Some experienced cyclists are perceived as being haughty, especially when expressing annoyance towards children; although, some of this could be self-consciousness in adults about the obvious differences in weight and fitness, or the sense that the slower, less experienced cyclists are not welcome on the bike path.
From the point of view of advocacy and increasing ridership, it seems that making less experienced rdiers feel safe and welcome may be a good first step.
I made a point to shut up and try to see the experience through the eyes of the adults who ride very infrequently (only when forced by their kids), to understand why they don't ride more. My findings were probably of no surprise to people here:
1. Few are willing to ride on streets, bike lanes or not. They limit themselves to paths with no motorist traffic.
2. More experienced cyclists that speed closely through clusters of slower cyclists and children are perceived as being dangerous, particularly on the River trail, where going off the path can put you into sharp boulders or down a 45 degree wall. Most have observed collisions in the past.
3. Some experienced cyclists are perceived as being haughty, especially when expressing annoyance towards children; although, some of this could be self-consciousness in adults about the obvious differences in weight and fitness, or the sense that the slower, less experienced cyclists are not welcome on the bike path.
From the point of view of advocacy and increasing ridership, it seems that making less experienced rdiers feel safe and welcome may be a good first step.
11-02-11 | 09:09 AM
#82
Godfather of Soul
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Austin, TX
Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Vortex, 2010 Specialized Tricross Expert,2008 Gary Fischer Hi Fi Carbon, 2002 Specialized S-Works hard tail, 1990 Kestrel KM 40
It would also go a long way for new riders to learn that more experienced/faster cyclists weren't necessarily being haughty or annoyed by their presence on the trail, and that they could fit in really well by learning the etiquette and riding predictably. If a rider I'm approaching isn't paying attention, is riding unpredictably, or doing something else to make them a danger, that's when I get annoyed and haughty, and it isn't necessarily always new riders doing this.
11-02-11 | 11:37 PM
#83
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 799
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From: Bay Area, California
Bikes: Pacific Reach, Strida
The vast majority of people who ride bicycles are not aware that there is any such thing as cycling etiquette, so you first have to get their minds over that hurdle. I encounter this at work, where the two other daily bike commuters think I'm a crackpot because I don't generally ride on the sidewalk or the wrong side of the street, I signal turns and stop at stop signs, sometimes take the lane, make vehicular left turns, etc. I have on occasion mentioned various aspects of good cycling technique and they basically reacted as if I'd said something insane. People who use their bikes to get around are often not interested in cycling as a thing in itself, and consequently have almost no exposure to cycling culture and the ideas those within it take for granted. When you say they should learn, you're forgetting that there really is no readily available source of knowledge for them.
07-10-12 | 02:50 AM
#84
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On your right
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern California
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Elite
Example -- Riding through groups of pedestrians at high speeds
We provide for your entertainment another installment of Boneheaded Cyclist Wins Friends, Influences People
So it's Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago in Long Beach and I'm west bound on the MUP that runs along the beach from the peninsula in Belmont Shores to Shoreline Village. Anybody that lives here knows this is no place to hammer, especially on weekends, when the path is filled with dogs, pedestrians, cyclists, toddlers, skateboarders, speed-walkers, roller-bladers, you name it. This is a place to cruise, sight see and get your heart rate back down.
I get to the Belmont Pool and next thing I know, I'm in the middle of a running event. It's an out and back so the MUP is filled with runners going both directions. I could have bailed and popped up to Ocean Blvd. but there were pleny of gaps, so I just matched runners speed at 5 mph and went with the flow on the right side. No drama, life is good.
I saw him coming down the center towards me from about 50 yards out. He appeared to be an avid cyclist (full roadie kit, shaved legs, etc.) and was storming down the center of the path between the two lines of runners at about double the speed of the runners, and angrily yelling, "coming through! That's right, I'm riding here! ..." He was essentially playing chicken with the runners in the center. If they had not jumped out of his way, he would have hit them.
What he left in his wake was literally scores of pissed off runners. People kind of glanced at me, as if to say, "what gives with you guys." What is ironic to me is how cyclists resent their treatment by impatient motorists, but when the shoe is on the other foot, they mirror the same behaviors and attitudes towards pedestrians.
So it's Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago in Long Beach and I'm west bound on the MUP that runs along the beach from the peninsula in Belmont Shores to Shoreline Village. Anybody that lives here knows this is no place to hammer, especially on weekends, when the path is filled with dogs, pedestrians, cyclists, toddlers, skateboarders, speed-walkers, roller-bladers, you name it. This is a place to cruise, sight see and get your heart rate back down.
I get to the Belmont Pool and next thing I know, I'm in the middle of a running event. It's an out and back so the MUP is filled with runners going both directions. I could have bailed and popped up to Ocean Blvd. but there were pleny of gaps, so I just matched runners speed at 5 mph and went with the flow on the right side. No drama, life is good.
I saw him coming down the center towards me from about 50 yards out. He appeared to be an avid cyclist (full roadie kit, shaved legs, etc.) and was storming down the center of the path between the two lines of runners at about double the speed of the runners, and angrily yelling, "coming through! That's right, I'm riding here! ..." He was essentially playing chicken with the runners in the center. If they had not jumped out of his way, he would have hit them.
What he left in his wake was literally scores of pissed off runners. People kind of glanced at me, as if to say, "what gives with you guys." What is ironic to me is how cyclists resent their treatment by impatient motorists, but when the shoe is on the other foot, they mirror the same behaviors and attitudes towards pedestrians.
07-10-12 | 09:45 AM
#85
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
Perhaps I can offer a perspective from a cyclist/cop view. First, a little bit about me. I'm a cop in Northern CA. I took up cycling almost a year ago. I've logged 3000 miles this year, ridden 1 century, several metric centuries, and several half-centuries. I love cycling and I've also lost 35 lbs.
I know that motorist can be jackasses and ignorant when it comes to cyclists. I also believe that some cyclists are also jackasses and ignorant. It's like how some of the public view cops...you don't remember the positive contacts but the negative contacts will be forever ingrained in your mind. It's the same with cyclists.
As a motorist, I've come across riders on a one lane mountain road, 3 riders across, effectively blocking the lane and making passing the cyclists unsafe. I've encountered a single rider on the same road, riding in the center of the roadway with the bike helmet strapped onto the handle bars. Today, while working, I had a cyclist in a busy intersection who was stopped in the left turn with no cars in the lane. The light didn't change for the cyclist and, as I drove by in my police car, he looked at me, raised both arms and yelled at me (as if I could do anything about the light).
Here's some information that might help everyone here. If you encounter a signal light that won't change for bicycles, don't yell at the cops. Call Traffic Engineering and tell them. I guarantee that a normal citizen complaining will hold more weight that if a cop calls them up and tells them.
About cars making right turns at an intersection where there is a bike lane. The CA Vehicle Code (CVC) requires drivers to make a right turn as close as practical to the right curb or edge of the roadway [22100(a) CVC]. Also, the driver can be in the bike lane to make a right turn 200 feet from the intersection, even if the dotted lines aren't 200 feet long [22109(a)(3) CVC].
Now, about riders riding side-by-side. 21202(a) CVC says for cyclists going slower than the normal flow of traffic is required to ride as near to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway AS PRACTICAL EXCEPT WHEN: (1) overtaking or passing a cyclist, pedestrian, or slower vehicle, (2) preparing to make a left turn at an intersection, private road or driveway, (3) REASONABLY necessary to avoid hazardous conditions or debris.
21208(a) CVC requires cyclists to use the bike lane when traveling below the normal speed of traffic. The same exceptions listed above also apply here.
I hope this bit of information helps and it is not my intention to offend or upset any riders here. Feel free to ask me questions if you have any.
I know that motorist can be jackasses and ignorant when it comes to cyclists. I also believe that some cyclists are also jackasses and ignorant. It's like how some of the public view cops...you don't remember the positive contacts but the negative contacts will be forever ingrained in your mind. It's the same with cyclists.
As a motorist, I've come across riders on a one lane mountain road, 3 riders across, effectively blocking the lane and making passing the cyclists unsafe. I've encountered a single rider on the same road, riding in the center of the roadway with the bike helmet strapped onto the handle bars. Today, while working, I had a cyclist in a busy intersection who was stopped in the left turn with no cars in the lane. The light didn't change for the cyclist and, as I drove by in my police car, he looked at me, raised both arms and yelled at me (as if I could do anything about the light).
Here's some information that might help everyone here. If you encounter a signal light that won't change for bicycles, don't yell at the cops. Call Traffic Engineering and tell them. I guarantee that a normal citizen complaining will hold more weight that if a cop calls them up and tells them.
About cars making right turns at an intersection where there is a bike lane. The CA Vehicle Code (CVC) requires drivers to make a right turn as close as practical to the right curb or edge of the roadway [22100(a) CVC]. Also, the driver can be in the bike lane to make a right turn 200 feet from the intersection, even if the dotted lines aren't 200 feet long [22109(a)(3) CVC].
Now, about riders riding side-by-side. 21202(a) CVC says for cyclists going slower than the normal flow of traffic is required to ride as near to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway AS PRACTICAL EXCEPT WHEN: (1) overtaking or passing a cyclist, pedestrian, or slower vehicle, (2) preparing to make a left turn at an intersection, private road or driveway, (3) REASONABLY necessary to avoid hazardous conditions or debris.
21208(a) CVC requires cyclists to use the bike lane when traveling below the normal speed of traffic. The same exceptions listed above also apply here.
I hope this bit of information helps and it is not my intention to offend or upset any riders here. Feel free to ask me questions if you have any.
07-10-12 | 06:04 PM
#86
We provide for your entertainment another installment of Boneheaded Cyclist Wins Friends, Influences People
So it's Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago in Long Beach and I'm west bound on the MUP that runs along the beach from the peninsula in Belmont Shores to Shoreline Village. Anybody that lives here knows this is no place to hammer, especially on weekends, when the path is filled with dogs, pedestrians, cyclists, toddlers, skateboarders, speed-walkers, roller-bladers, you name it. This is a place to cruise, sight see and get your heart rate back down.
I get to the Belmont Pool and next thing I know, I'm in the middle of a running event. It's an out and back so the MUP is filled with runners going both directions. I could have bailed and popped up to Ocean Blvd. but there were pleny of gaps, so I just matched runners speed at 5 mph and went with the flow on the right side. No drama, life is good.
I saw him coming down the center towards me from about 50 yards out. He appeared to be an avid cyclist (full roadie kit, shaved legs, etc.) and was storming down the center of the path between the two lines of runners at about double the speed of the runners, and angrily yelling, "coming through! That's right, I'm riding here! ..." He was essentially playing chicken with the runners in the center. If they had not jumped out of his way, he would have hit them.
What he left in his wake was literally scores of pissed off runners. People kind of glanced at me, as if to say, "what gives with you guys." What is ironic to me is how cyclists resent their treatment by impatient motorists, but when the shoe is on the other foot, they mirror the same behaviors and attitudes towards pedestrians.
So it's Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago in Long Beach and I'm west bound on the MUP that runs along the beach from the peninsula in Belmont Shores to Shoreline Village. Anybody that lives here knows this is no place to hammer, especially on weekends, when the path is filled with dogs, pedestrians, cyclists, toddlers, skateboarders, speed-walkers, roller-bladers, you name it. This is a place to cruise, sight see and get your heart rate back down.
I get to the Belmont Pool and next thing I know, I'm in the middle of a running event. It's an out and back so the MUP is filled with runners going both directions. I could have bailed and popped up to Ocean Blvd. but there were pleny of gaps, so I just matched runners speed at 5 mph and went with the flow on the right side. No drama, life is good.
I saw him coming down the center towards me from about 50 yards out. He appeared to be an avid cyclist (full roadie kit, shaved legs, etc.) and was storming down the center of the path between the two lines of runners at about double the speed of the runners, and angrily yelling, "coming through! That's right, I'm riding here! ..." He was essentially playing chicken with the runners in the center. If they had not jumped out of his way, he would have hit them.
What he left in his wake was literally scores of pissed off runners. People kind of glanced at me, as if to say, "what gives with you guys." What is ironic to me is how cyclists resent their treatment by impatient motorists, but when the shoe is on the other foot, they mirror the same behaviors and attitudes towards pedestrians.
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
07-10-12 | 08:20 PM
#87
Thread Starter
On your right
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Elite
07-10-12 | 10:26 PM
#88
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Two incidents which really irked me (as a driver):
I was at a red light, with cars waiting on both sides of the intersection. My girlfriend noticed an odd flicker in a car's headlight across the way. After much squinting, she realized there was a ninja cyclist in the line of traffic opposite. The light turned green, and I proceeded to cross when a dark shadow sped across the front of my car, and I missed the unlit bike and rider by a few feet. I was immensely glad I had been warned.
Cyclists riding without lights has been getting so bad in that city that there was a give-away of simple blinking lights to anyone on a bike who would take a set. These:
https://www.kikkerland.com/products/b...ghts-set-of-2/
On another occasion, I was driving down a moderately trafficked road which has side streets but few all-way stops or lights. I was about ten yards from one such street when a group of local riders streamed out in front. The lead cyclist had his arm extended to signal a left turn, but they didn't stop, slow down, or even check to see if the way was clear at a nearly blind intersection. I stomped my brakes, tires squealed, and I missed taking out a line of them by a very short margin. At work, some cyclist coworkers expressed their chagrin with some of the local riding clubs for being just so consistently stupid.
In two years of living there, these are the only two examples that stand out. I don't mean to sound like it was something I encountered frequently.
I was at a red light, with cars waiting on both sides of the intersection. My girlfriend noticed an odd flicker in a car's headlight across the way. After much squinting, she realized there was a ninja cyclist in the line of traffic opposite. The light turned green, and I proceeded to cross when a dark shadow sped across the front of my car, and I missed the unlit bike and rider by a few feet. I was immensely glad I had been warned.
Cyclists riding without lights has been getting so bad in that city that there was a give-away of simple blinking lights to anyone on a bike who would take a set. These:
https://www.kikkerland.com/products/b...ghts-set-of-2/
On another occasion, I was driving down a moderately trafficked road which has side streets but few all-way stops or lights. I was about ten yards from one such street when a group of local riders streamed out in front. The lead cyclist had his arm extended to signal a left turn, but they didn't stop, slow down, or even check to see if the way was clear at a nearly blind intersection. I stomped my brakes, tires squealed, and I missed taking out a line of them by a very short margin. At work, some cyclist coworkers expressed their chagrin with some of the local riding clubs for being just so consistently stupid.
In two years of living there, these are the only two examples that stand out. I don't mean to sound like it was something I encountered frequently.
07-10-12 | 10:38 PM
#89
Thread Starter
On your right
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix Elite
Blinkie -- what city are you in? New York? I keep reading about this invisible Ninja cycling behavior but have never experienced it here in Southern California. Maybe it's a purely urban thing. Maybe they're so invisible I never see them. Maybe that's what those loud thumps were about.
07-11-12 | 04:50 AM
#90
Been Around Awhile
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,679
Likes: 1,990
From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
07-11-12 | 06:52 AM
#91
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,316
Likes: 205
From: Likely North of you.
Bikes: 2020 Trek Domane SL6, 2021 Salsa Cutthroat 600, 2018 Giant Trance 2, 1998 Marinoni Turismo, 2016 Rocky Mountain -20 fat bike, mid-80s Velo Sport single speed, 2020 Fyxation Quiver
Cyclists riding without lights has been getting so bad in that city that there was a give-away of simple blinking lights to anyone on a bike who would take a set. These:
https://www.kikkerland.com/products/b...ghts-set-of-2/
https://www.kikkerland.com/products/b...ghts-set-of-2/
He said that he did not wear any lights or reflective gear as he felt this would cause people to hit him on purpose. So he rides without them and HE avoids the vehicles.
That's what the guy said......honest.
07-11-12 | 07:06 AM
#92
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 0
From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
Back in the early 90s I was finger wagging at one ninja about the lack of lights.
He said that he did not wear any lights or reflective gear as he felt this would cause people to hit him on purpose. So he rides without them and HE avoids the vehicles.
That's what the guy said......honest.
He said that he did not wear any lights or reflective gear as he felt this would cause people to hit him on purpose. So he rides without them and HE avoids the vehicles.
That's what the guy said......honest.
07-11-12 | 03:04 PM
#93
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,863
Likes: 3
I used to play submarine with shopping carts...I'd grab the side of a cart and peddle my ass off towards my intended target (usually a gaggle of other shopping carts...or the store weenie who was hollering at me to stop) then let go of the cart to let its momentum take it (hopefully) into the target. Did the same thing in a car when we were kids too. Does that make me a submarine driver...or just a dick? 
07-11-12 | 03:24 PM
#94
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 15,278
Likes: 342
From: Alpharetta, GA
Bikes: Nashbar Road
I'll see your salmoning mom and child, and rise you with a young woman riding in traffic without a helmet, large shopping bag strapped to the handle bars, no mirror, listening to music with both ears covered by head phones, and drinking coffee/chocolate from a large coffee cup.
07-11-12 | 03:49 PM
#95
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,515
Likes: 4,930
From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
Blinkie -- what city are you in? New York? I keep reading about this invisible Ninja cycling behavior but have never experienced it here in Southern California. Maybe it's a purely urban thing. Maybe they're so invisible I never see them. Maybe that's what those loud thumps were about.
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Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
Life is too short not to ride the best bike you have, as much as you can.
07-11-12 | 03:53 PM
#96
Been Around Awhile
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,679
Likes: 1,990
From: Burlington Iowa
Bikes: Vaterland and Ragazzi
Because some of our sanctimonious Über-cyclist comrades do not approve of any form of cycling (or cyclist) that doesn't match their own profile. She didn't match the Purists' deluded image of what a Real/Serious/True Cyclist™ should do or look like; obviously not worthy of Real/Serious/True Advocacy™.
07-11-12 | 04:29 PM
#97
Most cities and local governments do require permits for such events to use public facilities. Honolulu does, other cities in CA do and if you look, it is likely that even Burlington Iowa has such a requirement.
As a minimum, RAGBRAI obtains county permits.
As a minimum, RAGBRAI obtains county permits.
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
07-11-12 | 04:34 PM
#98
I used to play submarine with shopping carts...I'd grab the side of a cart and peddle my ass off towards my intended target (usually a gaggle of other shopping carts...or the store weenie who was hollering at me to stop) then let go of the cart to let its momentum take it (hopefully) into the target. Did the same thing in a car when we were kids too. Does that make me a submarine driver...or just a dick?
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
07-11-12 | 05:36 PM
#99
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
I've got one. Inconsiderate slow cyclist filters to front and jumps the light intersection after intersection requiring other cyclists to repeatedly overtake.
I was riding home from work today (in the bike lane) and stopped at a light. As the light turns green and I'm just getting going a cyclist overtakes me to go through the light. Fair enough, because she never had to stop for the light, but I was already thinking "Oh great, you're going to make me have to pass you in a few seconds...". Of course I couldn't be sure the girl who passed me was going to be slower, but judging by her dutch style cruiser bike with the saddle way too low for full leg extension I was 99% sure. And, I was right. There was no traffic behind us and I easily passed her until a minute later I stopped at another light. Several seconds later the girl I passed pulls up behind me, and then filters in front of me into the pedestrian walkway. As soon as the light for the through traffic is yellow, she's gone. This time I'm thinking "freakin hell, now I have to pass you again!". She seems completely oblivious. This time there are cars behind us, and we've caught up to a third even slower cyclist. I shoulder check and see a car approaching. The girl in front of me then pulls out to pass the slower cyclist, with not as much as a glance. As she realizes that she's about to be sideswiped by a car (its too late for the car to stop) she squeezes the cyclist she's overtaking into the curb nearly taking both of them down. What a dolt. After that gem, I had a good mind to have a chat with her at the next light about the etiquette and safety of filtering, overtaking and shoulder checking but I held my tongue. After the car passed I overtook both cyclists in front of me only for the girl to catch me again at the next light. The girl again tried to jump in front of me. I really wanted to tell her to wait her goddamned turn, but figured it probably wouldn't be a productive conversation for either of us. Instead, I also jumped the light so as not to let her get ahead of me (I don't like doing it, but didn't have a much better option). I made the subsequent light, while she didn't, and so was finally rid of her for good. So, blond ponytail girl on the Dutchi bike with with designer shades and filp flops: If you're reading this please please please don't force other cyclists to repeatedly overtake. And if you like jumping lights, please don't force other cyclists to also participate in this illegal behavior in order to stay in front of you. Damn Freakin' Straight.
I was riding home from work today (in the bike lane) and stopped at a light. As the light turns green and I'm just getting going a cyclist overtakes me to go through the light. Fair enough, because she never had to stop for the light, but I was already thinking "Oh great, you're going to make me have to pass you in a few seconds...". Of course I couldn't be sure the girl who passed me was going to be slower, but judging by her dutch style cruiser bike with the saddle way too low for full leg extension I was 99% sure. And, I was right. There was no traffic behind us and I easily passed her until a minute later I stopped at another light. Several seconds later the girl I passed pulls up behind me, and then filters in front of me into the pedestrian walkway. As soon as the light for the through traffic is yellow, she's gone. This time I'm thinking "freakin hell, now I have to pass you again!". She seems completely oblivious. This time there are cars behind us, and we've caught up to a third even slower cyclist. I shoulder check and see a car approaching. The girl in front of me then pulls out to pass the slower cyclist, with not as much as a glance. As she realizes that she's about to be sideswiped by a car (its too late for the car to stop) she squeezes the cyclist she's overtaking into the curb nearly taking both of them down. What a dolt. After that gem, I had a good mind to have a chat with her at the next light about the etiquette and safety of filtering, overtaking and shoulder checking but I held my tongue. After the car passed I overtook both cyclists in front of me only for the girl to catch me again at the next light. The girl again tried to jump in front of me. I really wanted to tell her to wait her goddamned turn, but figured it probably wouldn't be a productive conversation for either of us. Instead, I also jumped the light so as not to let her get ahead of me (I don't like doing it, but didn't have a much better option). I made the subsequent light, while she didn't, and so was finally rid of her for good. So, blond ponytail girl on the Dutchi bike with with designer shades and filp flops: If you're reading this please please please don't force other cyclists to repeatedly overtake. And if you like jumping lights, please don't force other cyclists to also participate in this illegal behavior in order to stay in front of you. Damn Freakin' Straight.
Last edited by spunkyj; 07-11-12 at 05:40 PM.
