high pitched whining in Chicago - and it's not fan belts slipping
03-15-08, 12:11 PM
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high pitched whining in Chicago - and it's not fan belts slipping
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shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
03-15-08, 12:30 PM
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Seeing things
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I think it's spot on in very many ways. I live in the DC suburbs, but it's also every bit the college town; and as such, one can see cyclists of all levels of "skill:" from book-bag laden students going the wrong way on sidewalks, to the university "team" guys out on training runs in their sponsor-laden spandex.
One can see everything, it seems, except cyclists riding like vehicle operators (as the law states they are considered to be). When I'm out riding (daily), I think what motorists are most surprised to see is a cyclist largely following the rules of the road (i.e., waiting in line at traffic signals, hand signaling lane changes, etc.). It's what they should be used to but, in my immediate area anyway, it's mostly the exception.
One can see everything, it seems, except cyclists riding like vehicle operators (as the law states they are considered to be). When I'm out riding (daily), I think what motorists are most surprised to see is a cyclist largely following the rules of the road (i.e., waiting in line at traffic signals, hand signaling lane changes, etc.). It's what they should be used to but, in my immediate area anyway, it's mostly the exception.
03-15-08, 01:34 PM
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Ufortunately, at least in London, it's the bad exceptions that are remembered and used as examples. Generally, the cyclists over here, if not full VC, at least follow most road rules and don't run reds.
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shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
03-15-08, 02:01 PM
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I had assumed as much--I guess I share the general perception in the US is that the cycling culture in Europe provides for a more peaceful coexistence.
I should emphasize, though, that my experience is only that. I'm also subject to the "bad example" problem, too. For each crappy driver (who is most likely fired up about something else anyway), there are at least a hundred (and maybe twice that or more) who are very good and even courteous to cyclists. I've been making an effort lately to keep that more in mind.
I do think, though, that we've got a ways to go over here in terms of general cycling competence.
I should emphasize, though, that my experience is only that. I'm also subject to the "bad example" problem, too. For each crappy driver (who is most likely fired up about something else anyway), there are at least a hundred (and maybe twice that or more) who are very good and even courteous to cyclists. I've been making an effort lately to keep that more in mind.
I do think, though, that we've got a ways to go over here in terms of general cycling competence.
03-15-08, 02:43 PM
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My reply on the site:
Should we paint all drivers with the same brush too? Are you just as hazzardous as a teen drunk driver, just because you pilot the same type of vehicle?
Your prejudice is disgusting.
I am a very frequent bike commuter. I follow traffic laws. I am courtious. I am well lit, not wearing a superhero outfit, well reflected, and helmeted.
I find it very difficult to control my anger while reading your eliteist rant. Your prejudice is just as disgusting as the most vile racist or sexist.
This is about protecting lives. This is about saying the life of a cyclist isn't worth less than saving you 15 seconds on your way home from work.
I hope you reconsider your viewpoint.
Should we paint all drivers with the same brush too? Are you just as hazzardous as a teen drunk driver, just because you pilot the same type of vehicle?
Your prejudice is disgusting.
I am a very frequent bike commuter. I follow traffic laws. I am courtious. I am well lit, not wearing a superhero outfit, well reflected, and helmeted.
I find it very difficult to control my anger while reading your eliteist rant. Your prejudice is just as disgusting as the most vile racist or sexist.
This is about protecting lives. This is about saying the life of a cyclist isn't worth less than saving you 15 seconds on your way home from work.
I hope you reconsider your viewpoint.
03-15-08, 03:01 PM
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Maybe I should write an article about the drivers I always see who roll through stop signs or who treat red lights as yield/stop signs...
03-15-08, 07:35 PM
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__________________
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
shameless POWERCRANK plug
Recommended reading for all cyclists - Cyclecraft - Effective Cycling
Condor Cycles - quite possibly the best bike shop in London
Don't run red lights, wear a helmet, use hand signals, get some cycle lights(front and rear) and, FFS, don't run red lights!
03-15-08, 09:04 PM
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I am a bad girl. 
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"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
"Real wars of words are harder to win. They require thought, insight, precision, articulation, knowledge, and experience. They require the humility to admit when you are wrong. They recognize that the dialectic is not about making us look at you, but about us all looking together for the truth."
03-15-08, 11:34 PM
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Being primarily VC with occasional bad habits (I will run lights if no one is around or short cut a sidewalk in truely heinous/rude traffic) I have to say I agree with most of this guys rant.
After watching BikeNinjas, WrongWays and DUI Riders on my commute and general running around its really hard not to develop a bit of annoyance with these people.
And the SupreHero, three abreast roadies...! ugh!
Just my opinion...
edit: I live in Denver so I'm spoiled compared to most of you and your commutes.
Don't mind me....
After watching BikeNinjas, WrongWays and DUI Riders on my commute and general running around its really hard not to develop a bit of annoyance with these people.
And the SupreHero, three abreast roadies...! ugh!
Just my opinion...
edit: I live in Denver so I'm spoiled compared to most of you and your commutes.
Don't mind me....
