Does anyone else have a problem with motorists not yielding
06-19-08 | 08:12 AM
#51
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 155
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From: Ottawa
Bikes: Stevens Strada 600
It could mostly be that they just don't see you. They are used to looking for cars and they may be staring in your direction without noticing you. As a car driver I've sometimes almost failed to see bikes, even though I ride a lot myself. You have to ride with the awareness that they may be looking right through you.
On my bike, I pre-emptively ring my bell a lot when I see I am converging with a car, to try to raise their alertness.
On my bike, I pre-emptively ring my bell a lot when I see I am converging with a car, to try to raise their alertness.
06-19-08 | 09:21 AM
#52
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 22
From: Calgary
Bikes: 2018 Ghost Square Trekking B2.8 e-bike; 2015 MEC Cote gravel/touring bike; 1985 Boyes-Rosser tourer, now outfitted as Winter Trundle-bike
06-19-08 | 09:27 AM
#53
That actually does help. I tend to stand up on my bike at times while approaching busy intersections or when I see a motorist that I am unsure if they have seen me. Makes one bigger and easier to see.
06-19-08 | 09:34 AM
#54
No Sidewalks.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Ill
Bikes: Cannondale Capo.
I love riding standing up and leaning on my top grips.
I think of it like taking your foot off the pedal when you ride through an intersection. They teach you that in driving school in high school, remember? Not that most people do it, but it's the same deal. The slower you go the more reaction time you have and the more control you have.
If the motorist is on the right turning into the road i'm on I move a little to the right of the lane and look them in the eye from a standing position. If they are turning from oncoming traffic I keep the lane and pedal a bit faster to get through while standing.
Also, lizards rock.
I think of it like taking your foot off the pedal when you ride through an intersection. They teach you that in driving school in high school, remember? Not that most people do it, but it's the same deal. The slower you go the more reaction time you have and the more control you have.
If the motorist is on the right turning into the road i'm on I move a little to the right of the lane and look them in the eye from a standing position. If they are turning from oncoming traffic I keep the lane and pedal a bit faster to get through while standing.
Also, lizards rock.
06-19-08 | 11:21 AM
#56
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
I don't assume that they get it but I try to signal and communicate. I also communicate in other ways - hand signals yells etc. In other words, when it is necessary I take control of the situation and tell the drivers what I am doing and (many times) what they should do. Around here (central Pa) it works - it's not just a theory. Maybe the people around here are nicer that other places but I doubt it.
In Lancaster, PA (eastern, I know) I once signaled a left turn...the motorist who then tried to pass me on the left must have thought I was airing out my pits!
But what counts is what works for you.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
06-19-08 | 02:02 PM
#57
tired
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,651
Likes: 2
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Breezer Uptown 8, U frame
You and your silver tongue, Chip... 
I will say this: the woman yakking on her cell phone while driving and oblivious to what is around her will hear the Airzounds over her engrossing phone conversation.
I have a bell for the civilized folks.
I will say this: the woman yakking on her cell phone while driving and oblivious to what is around her will hear the Airzounds over her engrossing phone conversation.
I have a bell for the civilized folks.
__________________
"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."
06-19-08 | 02:25 PM
#58
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
Bikes: Mutant Univega Vivatech
Drivers are ignorant, unaware or agressive. I had a woman get out of her car and yell at me because I got in her way as she was trying to make a right accross a bike lane. Not sure what the laws are most places but here cars must yield to bikes in the bike lanes. Most people use the bike lanes as turning (or parking) lanes regardless of bike traffic.
06-19-08 | 05:21 PM
#59
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: KCMO
These threads make me sad. I must be the exception. On my ride to work. I pass the friendly old ladies on their porches who wave to me and say good morning. Daily, I have cagers yield the right of way to me. (even when they had the right of way, not me.) Today I had someone stop in midlane and wave me accross the intersection. (I had the stop sign.) I find the folks I share my commute with to be very considerate.
06-19-08 | 06:38 PM
#60
Where are you located at? I think I may need to move.
06-20-08 | 10:05 AM
#61
Goathead Magnet
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 673
Likes: 11
From: Albuquerque, NM
Bikes: Surly LHT, Cannondale Caffeine F3
06-20-08 | 03:26 PM
#62
New! With Self Loathing!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 0
From: Fairfield, California
Bikes: 2013 Jamis Xenith T time trial bike, 2013 Jamis Xenith Elite
Followed by a palmslap to the vehicle if it's that close. Sometimes they don't care if they cut you off, but if they think they scratched their vehicle they pay attention.
06-20-08 | 03:38 PM
#63
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 40,863
Likes: 3,115
From: Sacramento, California, USA
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Yep. Left hand if possible. The wedding ring makes a nice cracking sound that'll get their attention.
