urban riders come forth
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 8,101
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
I'm a little more on edge whenever I ride anyplace unfamiliar whether in an urban setting or not. Give yourself time to get comfortable. If there's a local cycling forum people might be able to recommend routes where the conditions are better.
For the most part though I find urban cycling easier in a lot of ways. The traffic generally moves slower and drivers are more used to both cyclists and pedestrians.
For the most part though I find urban cycling easier in a lot of ways. The traffic generally moves slower and drivers are more used to both cyclists and pedestrians.
#27
Member
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 49
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I find it easier to just ride a non bike lane road with out any expectations that I would use the bike lane. Road in question is one lane to begin with and being NY drivers will lay on the horn because they can't accelerate to a red light.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 290
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's what I'd argue if I got a ticket.
Better to argue about a ticket than to get hit.
Better to argue about a ticket than to get hit.
Emphasis mine. You were saying?
IOW, the bike lane as described doesn't meet any reasonable definition of "usable". It's unsafe, so don't use it, and don't waste time worrying that some Captain Safety Officer Deputy Dawg is going to try to cite Section 1234 subsection (a) and write you up.
IOW, the bike lane as described doesn't meet any reasonable definition of "usable". It's unsafe, so don't use it, and don't waste time worrying that some Captain Safety Officer Deputy Dawg is going to try to cite Section 1234 subsection (a) and write you up.
#29
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 17
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I too live in Rochester--in the city, on Goodman across from the Art Gallery. I work at three neighborhood branches of the public library--Winton and Atlantic, Bay and Webster, Joseph and Avenue D. These last two are firmly in "the crescent".
We must live in parallel universes because I have a completely different impression of the city. I ride between 5,000 and 6,000 miles every year--in all four seasons--80% of it in the city. Even riding Joseph Ave I find the roads clean and in good shape, drivers decent and respectful. True, I did get honked last night on East Main at the Inner Loop, but I had made the mistake. I had drifted too far right in the lane and the idiot thought they could squeeze by on my left. I can't remember when the time before that was.
Get thee to the public library!
At Winton Branch we have two copies of The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st Century America by Robert Hurst (an occasional poster here.) It's on the shelf in non-fiction at 796.6. (Bonus: Come in on Friday or Saturday, and I'm the guy behind the circ desk who checks it out to you.) Or you can have it sent to a branch nearer you. (This service costs 50¢.) You can even do that online, here.
The first edition was titled Art of Urban Cycling. I'm not sure why they renamed it because it remains focused on riding in traffic on city streets. You'll find most of the same information scattered all around this forum--the book pulls it all together in one place.
We must live in parallel universes because I have a completely different impression of the city. I ride between 5,000 and 6,000 miles every year--in all four seasons--80% of it in the city. Even riding Joseph Ave I find the roads clean and in good shape, drivers decent and respectful. True, I did get honked last night on East Main at the Inner Loop, but I had made the mistake. I had drifted too far right in the lane and the idiot thought they could squeeze by on my left. I can't remember when the time before that was.
Get thee to the public library!
At Winton Branch we have two copies of The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st Century America by Robert Hurst (an occasional poster here.) It's on the shelf in non-fiction at 796.6. (Bonus: Come in on Friday or Saturday, and I'm the guy behind the circ desk who checks it out to you.) Or you can have it sent to a branch nearer you. (This service costs 50¢.) You can even do that online, here.
The first edition was titled Art of Urban Cycling. I'm not sure why they renamed it because it remains focused on riding in traffic on city streets. You'll find most of the same information scattered all around this forum--the book pulls it all together in one place.
I commute from the Meigs/Monroe area to MCC four times a week, going up South Ave to E. Henrietta Rd. I work two jobs, and I commute almost every day to the downtown area and up Lake Ave. I work some wacky hours, so oftentimes I’m riding home past 12AM, which might account for some of the *******s I’ve had to deal with.
Thanks again for the help everyone. I need to work on my assertiveness.
Also, I wonder if I looked the part drivers might take me more seriously. Should I buy some spandex??
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 416
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Mojave 2008 Specialized Roubaix Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i ride a couple of miles out of my way so i can take a non collector road with a speed limit of 30mph. The alternative is getting buzzed by an endless stream of cars. the other thing i did was refine my route so i avoid major roads by riding thru subdivisions- google was good for this.
i recognize that i'm an annoyance to most drivers and i do my best to keep up with the flow of traffic, ride in a straight line, take the lane, stop at all stop signs/lights and use hand signals and sometimes yelling to announce my intensions. keep at it,
i recognize that i'm an annoyance to most drivers and i do my best to keep up with the flow of traffic, ride in a straight line, take the lane, stop at all stop signs/lights and use hand signals and sometimes yelling to announce my intensions. keep at it,
#31
kipuka explorer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hilo Town, East Hawai'i
Posts: 3,297
Bikes: 1994 Trek 820, 2004 Fuji Absolute, 2005 Jamis Nova, 1977 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I avoid most arterial streets because the 40+ mph traffic and three lanes in each direction take most of the enjoyment out of cycling. In most cases you can find perfectly acceptable streets that are smaller, slower, and have less traffic, and it's a lot more comfortable for a newer cyclist to start taking the lane.
__________________
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
Last edited by bkrownd; 06-17-09 at 01:58 PM.
#32
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
I commute from the Meigs/Monroe area to MCC four times a week, going up South Ave to E. Henrietta Rd. I work two jobs, and I commute almost every day to the downtown area and up Lake Ave. I work some wacky hours, so oftentimes I’m riding home past 12AM, which might account for some of the *******s I’ve had to deal with.
Thanks again for the help everyone. I need to work on my assertiveness.
Also, I wonder if I looked the part drivers might take me more seriously. Should I buy some spandex??
Thanks again for the help everyone. I need to work on my assertiveness.
Also, I wonder if I looked the part drivers might take me more seriously. Should I buy some spandex??
Have you ever thought of using Clinton Ave south to Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Rd instead? Yeah, there's the one big hill and those little rollers, but I find it's a much nicer ride than East Hen. (Hell, it's a better drive!) Besides, hills make you strong.
Lake Ave after midnight I'd be surprised if I wasn't hassled. Just the nature of the place. Let it roll off your back.
Fear keeps us alive, and fear of getting doored is good, because it positions you out further in the lane, which is also good, (see "Default Lane Position" in Hurst's book).
Wimpy gets you treated badly. Aggressive gets you killed. Assertive is good, it being the balance between aggressive and wimpy.
Looking the part doesn't have to mean spandex--although myself I prefer cycling-specific gear.
A good set of lights helps. Wimpy cheap ones don't. At the rear a PlanetBike SuperFlash or CatEye TL-1100 is my minimum recommendation. I run DiNottes (then again, I have a union job with the city.) I use my lights day and night.
Hi-vis helps a lot too. There are inexpensive, decent, comfy, wicking hi-vis t-shirts at AlertShirt.com. Vests work for some people, and are easily removed to look "normal" again. I also have hi-vis jerseys and a jacket.
The lights, hi-vis and good technique (mainly lane positioning) work for me. They communicate to drivers that I know what I'm doing, so they feel safer. And the idiots know I won't take any crap.
HTH!
Last edited by tsl; 06-17-09 at 01:58 PM.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 7,384
Mentioned: 49 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 800 Post(s)
Liked 218 Times
in
171 Posts
Nice description of the hazards of urban commuting. I used the find function for this entire thread and could find no mention of mirror. IMO, a rearview mirror is a key to survival and peace of mind on the roads. I prefer eyeglass-mounted myself.
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: San Francisco CA
Posts: 258
Bikes: 2008 Specialized Sirrus, 1973 Raleigh Gran Prix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is totally off-topic, but we have an intersection of Bay and Webster here in San Francisco. I got one of those eerie "it's a small world" feelings and decided I had to post this completely useless piece of information.
#35
Share the road.
I ride aggressively also. I am in Japan for a few more months and here cyclist are prohibited from using the sidewalks unless you are under 12 or over 70 years of age. I ride much like I am just another vehicle. I take the lane and I even have passed some vehicles in the passing lane.
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 459
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
unless the lane is wide enough for a bike and a car to safely ride side by side then be assertive and take the lane. I rarely have trouble with drivers getting aggressive when I take narrow lanes, which are most lanes. I guess I'm reiterating
learn to love it, don't be scared. To me riding on major streets feels like swimming with whales.
learn to love it, don't be scared. To me riding on major streets feels like swimming with whales.
#38
kipuka explorer
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hilo Town, East Hawai'i
Posts: 3,297
Bikes: 1994 Trek 820, 2004 Fuji Absolute, 2005 Jamis Nova, 1977 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
blind overcaffinated killer whales
__________________
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
--
-=- '05 Jamis Nova -=- '04 Fuji Absolute -=- '94 Trek 820 -=- '77 Schwinn Scrambler 36/36 -=-
Friends don't let friends use brifters.
Last edited by bkrownd; 06-17-09 at 07:01 PM.
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Houston we have a problem
Posts: 2,914
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I'm in Houston now but went to RIT in Rochester and lived there for a couple years after.
I still listen to WBER. In fact I'm listening right now.
WBER and KEXP in Seattle are the only radio stations I listen to outside of Sirius radio.
I still listen to WBER. In fact I'm listening right now.
WBER and KEXP in Seattle are the only radio stations I listen to outside of Sirius radio.
#40
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
I'm a recent convert to mirrors, after finally finding one I like and can use. I use the Mirrycle Road Mirror for STI. It's not perfect, but pretty close.
For the other lever, today at the LBS I ordered the Incredibell Road Bell for STI. Not that it makes a bit of difference in traffic, but bells are fun. And it's only 26 grams.
Last edited by tsl; 06-17-09 at 08:11 PM.
#41
Plays in traffic
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 6,971
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 76 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
9 Posts
Writing it isn't a problem, but saying it, we have to specify Bay St and Webster Ave so it's not confused with Bay Rd in the suburb of Webster. "Bay 'n' Webster" sounds like "Bay in Webster".
#42
Pedaled too far.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: La Petite Roche
Posts: 12,851
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I second tsl's recommendation of Hurst's book. I only disagreed with one thing in the book. If you want some hand's on help, you might check out a Road 1 course given by a licensed instructor. Check out the League of American Bicyclists website.
My current ride take me through all kinds of situations including heavy traffic narrow rough streets, 8 foot wide shoulders with smooth asphalt, steep up hills and long rolling down hills, with a couple of miles through a very tranquil park. Just this morning, I got pwnd by a Great Blue Heron as he flew over the river and I rode along on the bank. He's fast for such a big bird.
My current ride take me through all kinds of situations including heavy traffic narrow rough streets, 8 foot wide shoulders with smooth asphalt, steep up hills and long rolling down hills, with a couple of miles through a very tranquil park. Just this morning, I got pwnd by a Great Blue Heron as he flew over the river and I rode along on the bank. He's fast for such a big bird.
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
#44
Goathead Magnet
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Long Beach, ca
Posts: 952
Bikes: RadRunner Plus, Kona Dew Deluxe
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Better a ticket than a collision. Ride safe, ride in non-arterial streets. Use the parts of the system that work best for you and avoid the parts that don't.
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 8,101
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 52 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 17 Times
in
13 Posts
I don't know if being of the opinion that bike lanes aren't safe in general is enough of a reason but having been hit in one I might be able to make my case if it came before a judge
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Downtown Detroit, Mi.
Posts: 781
Bikes: Surly LHT, 94 Cannondale track bike, 80's Cannondale track bike, 60's Raleigh 5 speed, 1888 Eldridge wood wheel track bike and my old 76 DG BMX from when I was a kid.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I live downtown and bikes are faster than cars for the most part so I get a lane and pass when I need to and stay to the left of cars turning right. Most of the roads have 3 or 4 lanes downtown and I use them all like a car would. Cars here are so sluggish and slow in the day time with all the traffic that they start to not even matter to me. One thing to watch is the one way streets bet big buildings. People from out of town can be going the wrong way through red lites and not even know it! The lights are pointing away from them and the city can be distracting. you can get totaly smoked this way!
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 416
Bikes: 2006 Raleigh Mojave 2008 Specialized Roubaix Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I live downtown and bikes are faster than cars for the most part so I get a lane and pass when I need to and stay to the left of cars turning right. Most of the roads have 3 or 4 lanes downtown and I use them all like a car would. Cars here are so sluggish and slow in the day time with all the traffic that they start to not even matter to me. One thing to watch is the one way streets bet big buildings. People from out of town can be going the wrong way through red lites and not even know it! The lights are pointing away from them and the city can be distracting. you can get totaly smoked this way!
#50
Pedal pusher...
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 7,766
Bikes: I've got a bunch...
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts