This is why I ride fast and stop for nothing...
#1
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This is why I ride fast and stop for nothing...
I have absorbed a lot of grief on this board over the years about my riding style in New Orleans. I've been called paranoid among other things. I try to keep my speed above 20mph and never stop for red lights unless I absolutely have to. I ride on THIS street 10 times a week minimum during my commute. I have been targeted twice but avoided both attempts by NOT riding in the bike lane but flowing with traffic.
It's easy to say how others should cycle and obey the law to the letter when you live in a civilized country. And if you ignore the facts on the ground in NOLA you might get a baseball bat in the chops.
Random Attacks On Cyclists With Baseball Bats in New Orleans
This stuff happens all the time but very rarely makes headlines here. This is small potatoes compared to the crime here on a regular basis.
It's easy to say how others should cycle and obey the law to the letter when you live in a civilized country. And if you ignore the facts on the ground in NOLA you might get a baseball bat in the chops.
Random Attacks On Cyclists With Baseball Bats in New Orleans
This stuff happens all the time but very rarely makes headlines here. This is small potatoes compared to the crime here on a regular basis.
#2
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BS excuse.
Two attacks reported. One attack at 2:00 AM and the other "later that morning".
It's not likely that riding above 20mph is really going to be a magical way of avoiding being attacked.
Two attacks reported. One attack at 2:00 AM and the other "later that morning".
It's not likely that riding above 20mph is really going to be a magical way of avoiding being attacked.
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Maybe the attackers thought the riders were "that guy who speeds through red lights at 20mph".
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As you point out, you get grief form the folks here.
Personally, I never speak to other people about how they ride, since it's not my problem, but why post in a way to draw grief, then whine about it?
Personally, I never speak to other people about how they ride, since it's not my problem, but why post in a way to draw grief, then whine about it?
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FB
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An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#6
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It was rhetorical question.
Enjoy the grief.
Enjoy the grief.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#7
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I've never ridden in NOLA, but it's pretty safe to say I would never be riding on Esplanade at N Robertson at 2:00 AM. Hell, you wouldn't find me past Rampart. Even in a car I wouldn't sit around at lights. I remember when the "temporary" casino was down there and they had watch towers in the parking lot, like in a super max prison. I think I would stick to Canal.
scott s.
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scott s.
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~>~
#11
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The sort of assault that I posted happens here all the time. The only reason it hit the news is because there is a shiny new bike lane on Esplanade Ave, and new pristine tarmac which is drawing a lot more volume of cyclists to that main artery. Without the bike path any NOPD called to the scene would likely have asked the victim "Why are you cycling on THIS street?"
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I rode the same way in South Florida. Riviera Beach to be exact. You always had to be vigilant of hoodrats running out of nowhere, or if you heard "HEY, THATS MY BIKE", ride like your life depends on it, 'cus it does. Giving hand signals was very dangerous, too. In that environment, I ultimately ended up on SS beaterbike and dressed like a homeless crackhead for my ride home everyday. Worked pretty well, relatively speaking.
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Move.
I have absorbed a lot of grief on this board over the years about my riding style in New Orleans. I've been called paranoid among other things. I try to keep my speed above 20mph and never stop for red lights unless I absolutely have to. I ride on THIS street 10 times a week minimum during my commute. I have been targeted twice but avoided both attempts by NOT riding in the bike lane but flowing with traffic.
It's easy to say how others should cycle and obey the law to the letter when you live in a civilized country. And if you ignore the facts on the ground in NOLA you might get a baseball bat in the chops.
Random Attacks On Cyclists With Baseball Bats in New Orleans
This stuff happens all the time but very rarely makes headlines here. This is small potatoes compared to the crime here on a regular basis.
It's easy to say how others should cycle and obey the law to the letter when you live in a civilized country. And if you ignore the facts on the ground in NOLA you might get a baseball bat in the chops.
Random Attacks On Cyclists With Baseball Bats in New Orleans
This stuff happens all the time but very rarely makes headlines here. This is small potatoes compared to the crime here on a regular basis.
#14
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Which is why my Dad now lives on the West Bank. But that doesn't seem like so great cycling either. A lot of roads are iffy (too much traffic for road size). I guess there is a bike path / MUP under the Westbank Expressway, but the way it's routed seems a bit of a pain at the cross streets.
scott s.
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scott s.
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You think you got it rough? We have people throwing molotov cocktails at us up here in Minneapolis.
Fact is, every major city is gonna have some psychos in it. Just gotta be vigilant.
Fact is, every major city is gonna have some psychos in it. Just gotta be vigilant.
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I already know what you are going to say but If my life was in jeopardy in an area I was compelled to travel frequently for whatever reason I would move. If you have a low paying job causing you to have to stay in this region well those jobs are plentiful so no problem there. If you have a high paying job that can't be replaced then you can afford to move to a better area. Rather than whining and risking your life go somewhere else!!! If you choose to continue to stay then it is by your choice and I don't feel for you.
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I already know what you are going to say but If my life was in jeopardy in an area I was compelled to travel frequently for whatever reason I would move. If you have a low paying job causing you to have to stay in this region well those jobs are plentiful so no problem there. If you have a high paying job that can't be replaced then you can afford to move to a better area. Rather than whining and risking your life go somewhere else!!! If you choose to continue to stay then it is by your choice and I don't feel for you.
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You need to repost the article on people who lean on the Throttle.
Last edited by AdrianFly; 03-01-14 at 06:45 PM. Reason: Iwas DRUNK AGAIN oeybike