You Are Not As Cool As Your Mom Says You Are
#1
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From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: 2013 Masi Uno; 2008 Schwinn Madison
You Are Not As Cool As Your Mom Says You Are
This is more of a rant than anything else, so please feel free to chime in...
I don't understand certain commuters. They ride like they're the stars of their own reality action-messenger movie, racing to get the lead role in "Premium Rush." They dangerously zip between cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. They pay no heed to traffic signals, signs, etc. What is up?! I don't want to sound like a jerk but...
I don't understand certain commuters. They ride like they're the stars of their own reality action-messenger movie, racing to get the lead role in "Premium Rush." They dangerously zip between cars, cyclists, and pedestrians. They pay no heed to traffic signals, signs, etc. What is up?! I don't want to sound like a jerk but...
Last edited by Barrettscv; 06-18-14 at 03:50 PM.
#3
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Could be that it's fun to them, or they're paying the bills, or they're late for something, or maybe they just don't give a crap. Who knows, who cares.
Feeling good about someone else's pain or misfortune is very telling about you though.
Feeling good about someone else's pain or misfortune is very telling about you though.
#5
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From: San Francisco, CA
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Funny video. Idiot cyclists have a holier-than-thou attitude (at least here, in SF). Like they can endanger themselves and everyone around them, and when the stuffing does hit the fan because of their stupidity, they always blame someone else (ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY). And yes, I guess I am a jerk if I find it profoundly appropriate for a dumbass cyclist to do a face-plant immediately after endangering me, other cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.
I have no sympathy for these types of cyclists, nor do I expect any from anyone else when I do something stupid. Sure we're all in a hurry sometimes, but when I'm behind the wheel of my car, I don't fly the wrong way down one-way streets, or run red lights, or try to weave between cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, in rush hour traffic. I obey the laws of the road--and so should cyclists.
There needs to be a greater sense of personal accountability as well as accountability to those around us, on the roads and streets, equally when we are in the saddle of a bike, behind the wheel of a car, or simply walking.
I have no sympathy for these types of cyclists, nor do I expect any from anyone else when I do something stupid. Sure we're all in a hurry sometimes, but when I'm behind the wheel of my car, I don't fly the wrong way down one-way streets, or run red lights, or try to weave between cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, in rush hour traffic. I obey the laws of the road--and so should cyclists.
There needs to be a greater sense of personal accountability as well as accountability to those around us, on the roads and streets, equally when we are in the saddle of a bike, behind the wheel of a car, or simply walking.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 06-18-14 at 03:52 PM. Reason: clean-up
#6
I'm pretty sure my Mom never thought I was cool. Ever. I'm new to cycling (haven't commuted yet) so I've not seen this dynamic in action.
#7
Yogi on Wheels
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Cypress, CA
Bikes: 2010 Orbea Diva Dura-Ace, 2012 Fuji Finest, 1986 Univega Gran Turismo
The sad thing is that cars think this about cyclists even when they aren't actually breaking the law
#8
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From: San Francisco, CA
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I understand we all make mistakes, as motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Sometimes we're just not paying attention and accidents happen. My point, and question, was, why are there, seemingly, so many cyclists doing intentionally jack-ass stuff, like riding discourteously, endangering those around them, with absolutely no sense of accountability?
To answer my own question: Maybe too many of these idiots watched one too many YouTube videos about alley cat races, and failed to read the disclaimer (if there is such a thing for an alley cat race). So now, every morning, these office nerds get on their bikes, strap on their helmets, and become SUPER MESSENGER!
...and don't even get me started on the skateboarders flying down hills and through intersections, without even pausing...sheesh.
To answer my own question: Maybe too many of these idiots watched one too many YouTube videos about alley cat races, and failed to read the disclaimer (if there is such a thing for an alley cat race). So now, every morning, these office nerds get on their bikes, strap on their helmets, and become SUPER MESSENGER!

...and don't even get me started on the skateboarders flying down hills and through intersections, without even pausing...sheesh.
Last edited by cessanfrancisco; 06-18-14 at 11:17 AM.
#9
ride for a change
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From: Minneapolis, MN
Bikes: Surly Cross-check & Moonlander, Pivot Mach 429, Ted Wojcik Sof-Trac, Ridley Orion. Santa Cruz Stigmata
It's their mom's fault for failing to teach them how not to suck as humans.
#10
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From: SF Bay Area
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Sirrus
San Francisco is stressful to drive in. We come up once a month, and I never enjoy the driving. Fortunately for me, cyclists haven't contributed to that stress - I've observed more cyclists riding poorly around the Caltrain station (at which point I'm walking anyway). I can absolutely see how they'd up the stress level for drivers not used to cyclists though - I've even seen a cyclist brake check a car, and all because the car honked at him for suddenly leaving the bike lane (without any indication) to overtake another cyclist.
#11
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From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: 2013 Masi Uno; 2008 Schwinn Madison
[MENTION=309224]treadtread[/MENTION]: Thank you! That's exactly what I'm talking about!
#12
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From: San Francisco, CA
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now I sound like my dad.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 06-18-14 at 03:53 PM. Reason: clean-up
#13
apocryphal sobriquet
Joined: May 2008
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From: Star City, NE
Bikes: 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker "The Truckerino"
#15
Banned
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From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
Not over here, people are quite chill:
Americans make a big deal out of everything
Americans make a big deal out of everything
Last edited by acidfast7; 06-18-14 at 02:30 PM.
#16
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I'm speechless... really... wondering out loud why another human being does what they do... smh. Why do some cyclists stop at every stop sign and stoplight they come to? Why do some people hold doors for others? See? Unfathomaable. Might as well wonder why some people return large amounts of money they find. It's not the jerkwad cyclists I wonder about, its the people who get their knickers in a twist about it. And I'll bet money that the o.p. has never actually had the personal satisfaction of seeing some idiot who has run a stale red get smished. Nor would they want to. They only think they do. Post #3 in my opinion nails it. FWIW.
H
H
#17
contiuniously variable

Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Southeastern Pennsylvania
Bikes: 2012 Breezer Uptown Infinity, Fuji Varsity
I'm just happy to get places alive anymore.
other day I tried to tell a pair of riders bout the no-sidewalk ordinance in the township & borough here. They responded in a general "how dare someone try to inform me about my riding!!!" There is no real space on sidewalks for bikes in town here. There are lots of signs, steps, opening doors, a few awnings, uneven slabs, TONS of trees and all of these can cause injury or incident. There are places here and there that can't fit two people side by side; yet people ride there too.
Its their life, their screwup, but it affects how I am perceived, and it affects how people act towards me while riding. It also affects things like what areas have bike racks - not many anymore.
- Andy
other day I tried to tell a pair of riders bout the no-sidewalk ordinance in the township & borough here. They responded in a general "how dare someone try to inform me about my riding!!!" There is no real space on sidewalks for bikes in town here. There are lots of signs, steps, opening doors, a few awnings, uneven slabs, TONS of trees and all of these can cause injury or incident. There are places here and there that can't fit two people side by side; yet people ride there too.
Its their life, their screwup, but it affects how I am perceived, and it affects how people act towards me while riding. It also affects things like what areas have bike racks - not many anymore.
- Andy
#18
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From: Hawaii
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I doubt the majority of the hooligan cyclist being dangerous are doing it because it's "cool". More than likely it's because they can get away with it and they perceive what they are doing as advantageous. Cops rarely ticket cyclists for wreckless riding or breaking traffic laws. Young and healthy males do all sorts of dangerous things if they can get away with it, it's not just cycling.
Last edited by GhostSS; 06-18-14 at 02:57 PM.
#19
Banned
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From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS

i have Niederlassungserlaubnis (German permanent residence) and UK citizenship is right around the corner...
there's no way I'm subjecting my family to the wasteland...
i also own a flat in CPH so bite me

have a great evening!
Last edited by Barrettscv; 06-18-14 at 03:59 PM. Reason: clean-up
#20
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From: Hawaii
Bikes: 2012 Switch Performance BlackSkin LE Urban, 2013 Leader 725, 1975 Fuji America, 1990 Giant Cadex 980c, 1986 Peugeot PH10LE, 1995 Trek 2120 Carbon ZX
Going the unrelated post with brain warped nationalistic opinions + "OMG my kids and family" route. Nice.
#21
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From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
It's a problem with Leisesturm in particular as he's sad that I don't love America (I think if read the posts, you'll see this, and if you don't then I apologise for harassing/spamming you). I do contribute in other ways to BF.
#22
Have bike, will travel
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From: Lake Geneva, WI
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Closing for clean-up
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.





