Had a conversation with a guy about riding on the road and safety.
05-13-14, 08:24 AM
#26
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I mean, he is blind because he doesn't have a right eye. He told me that once. Amazed as I am that a person with one eye feels comfortable riding a road bike, I still believe that an adult cycling on the sidewalk of a close in suburb with driveways in front of every house with landscaping obstructing the view isn't safe, especially for a person who is blind out of his right eye.
Finally, while I appreciate the sentiment that I should mind my own business, but I detect a patronizing tone in some of the responses directed at the guy, as if senior citizens and disabled people should be treated like children. But this is no child riding a tricycle at walking speeds. This is a 150 lb adult riding a carbon fiber road bike traveling at slow speeds for a bike, but at least 4 times as fast as any driver backing out of his driveway expects a pedestrian to be traveling. Yes, it is on him if a car hits him, but that really isn't the point.
Finally, while I appreciate the sentiment that I should mind my own business, but I detect a patronizing tone in some of the responses directed at the guy, as if senior citizens and disabled people should be treated like children. But this is no child riding a tricycle at walking speeds. This is a 150 lb adult riding a carbon fiber road bike traveling at slow speeds for a bike, but at least 4 times as fast as any driver backing out of his driveway expects a pedestrian to be traveling. Yes, it is on him if a car hits him, but that really isn't the point.
No matter how old and experienced you are, you have no experience with his issue, so how can you know whats best for him?
05-13-14, 08:31 AM
#27
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Right. Bikes are vehicles traveling at 4 to 8 times the speeds anyone expects a pedestrian to be traveling on a sidewalk.
05-13-14, 08:38 AM
#28
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The cyclist, being mentioned in the OP, would be a non issue with me, since it's better to have him riding a bicycle than driving a motor vehicle.
05-13-14, 08:41 AM
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A rider lacking the judgment or self control to ride in a way appropriate for prevailing conditions is a separate issue that has nothing to do with where they ride.
05-13-14, 08:43 AM
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05-13-14, 09:02 AM
#31
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Finally, while I appreciate the sentiment that I should mind my own business, but I detect a patronizing tone in some of the responses directed at the guy, as if senior citizens and disabled people should be treated like children. But this is no child riding a tricycle at walking speeds. This is a 150 lb adult riding a carbon fiber road bike traveling at slow speeds for a bike, but at least 4 times as fast as any driver backing out of his driveway expects a pedestrian to be traveling. Yes, it is on him if a car hits him, but that really isn't the point.
People over 12 should show empathy for others.
07-21-14, 04:43 AM
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It's a moot point here. It is illegal to ride on the sidewalk...period.
07-21-14, 02:12 PM
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I can still get to that speed. But when I do I'd hardly call it slow for a bike. At 8 times what I'd expect for a pedestrian I'd only call it slow for a racer on a decent.
07-21-14, 02:18 PM
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Sidewalk is no worse on a bike than as a pedestrian if one is no faster than a pedestrian. That said some sidewalks are not that good as a pedestrian others are fine as a jogger (or on a bike going that speed).
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