Last time I was yelled at, it was on a MUT by a plus sized roadie at the bottom of a hill where it turns into a series of S turns through the trees. She was in the drops, pedaling ferociously, and almost screaming "hold your line", "hold your line". I just stopped at the edge of the pavement ready to bail out, and she yelled something "F***ing"+ something incomprehensible as she flew by.
I was just dumbstruck, what kind of person goes that fast on a narrow MUT, through S turns with limited sight lines on a busy summer weekend, and has the nerve to yell at people?

Not that it matters much and may be a little OT, but I've been looking for an ordinance that make these rules "law". For some reason, I just want to know for sure whether, locally, it's actually a law to keep right, announce yourself, etc or simply etiquette.

The closest I've found is statute noting vaguely that "the rules of Alpharetta parks" are attached to an Ordinance. (#286). But the kicker is that those rules, when I find them specifically, don't include all of the "rules" I see posted on the park signs! The only "official" one there relating to bikes is the speed limit. So I think that announcing, and keep right and clear the path when stopped as well, are just suggested courtesies after all, and not any sort of law.

I like to be different. I yell, On your right!

ikr?

Unlike the OP, however, I consider these little encounters with idiocy on the MUP comedic moments to be treasured, provided they don't result -- as they sometimes do -- in the frightening of or an injury to a little boy or girl on a tricycle or other innocent parties.

maybe the people who get yelled at get yelled at for a reason or are the yellers in cars? ;)(

Oh boy, two winners: "on your left" and "mirrors"

May I add headphones?

. :crash:

Knowing me, I'd probably have chased her down and got to the bottom of what exactly her problem was. :notamused:

^ srsly? you're one of those?

Thing is, I'm 6' 220 lbs, and it looked like she had a significant size advantage over me. It was like being charged at by an angry bull......

I imagine so, wee-man.

:p:lol: Forgot to mention that was after she ran me over........
Fixed it.

Ha! You sure it was a "she?" You never know these days...

For sidewalks, in Michigan:
Section 257.660c

(1) "An individual operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian."


So, Signaling on a sidewalk is a state law, and presumably most states have similar laws. I'm not aware of a state law concerning paths, unless of course someone wants to make the assertion that a 'path' is a 'sidewalk.' Usually the signaling 'law' on a path is just a park rule.

Yes, for sure, she just happened to be big and loud.

That's what I was thinking. If you go into lala land while riding on the road that's not a good thing. Best keep all the antenna up and scanning.

Is that why you wear a gold crown? :lol:

Uh ... no.

There's a story behind that which I've recounted elsewhere. :)

I can imagine hearing, "crown on your left/ight". :foo:


Maybe it would be prudent to scream "cyclist approaching from rear" followed by "on your left" then ending with "cyclist has passed". This would alert anyone who is weaving, half asleep, and going pitifully slow of what they are about to encounter. :D


Another question, who hear likes to have a motorist blow their horn before passing? To me yelling and screaming on your left is as intrusive as blowing horns and as unnecessary. :foo:


I am seriously thinking about a hand held air horn so I can respond accordingly showing my appreciation for these gestures. :thumb:

By all means, get a horn if that will help give you peace. Maybe a flag on a stick, a mirror and some extra flashers. It can be tough out there, be safe!

I consider the engine of a car, which I can hear approaching, to be far more intrusive than a simple "on your left". But, it is part of being on the road, so I deal. At this point, I'd seriously suggest you buy a nice plot of land somewhere like Montana, and build your own paths. Then, you don't have to deal with anyone bothering your solitude with three words.

Another real world scenario where it is nice for the bike in front to know you are passing: maybe they actually are a very serious and focused cyclist, who just happens to be able to see a hazard that you can't. There is certainly never any pothole dodging in Michigan.

Two Quick Points...
 

I once had a girl lean from the passenger window of a pickup truck say, "on your left" as they passed. I was in the drops, descending slightly through a rolling-hill section, and cruising. That was cool. I smiled and waved.


My other reaction to the OP is that around here, there are road riders and there are path riders. Road riders are battle worn, unflappable, and purpose driven. Generally commuters or racers, they don't get passed much, and have seen it all. Path riders come in a wide variety of skill and temperament levels... [shrugs]

love girls who shout from cars. once had a cpl of them shout at me as I was starting a big climb commuting home: "woohoo! yeah! keep going! you can do it!" :love:

Doing the LaGrange Nichols ride in LA, near the top of the climb, right before the steep part up onto Mulholland, there were a couple girls in a SUV watching. As we went by one called out "you guys are studs". lol

So, your position is that I must just learn to endure the nonsensical practices of yelling for no reason or move to an isolated area.


For the same reason you find engines intrusive, I find yelling as intrusive. I cannot do anything about motors but perhaps more cyclists will be less intrusive on a two lane road with more than plenty of room to pass without getting anywhere near the other cyclists they are overtaking. After all, the same cyclists being overtaken has had dozens of cars successfully navigate around without shouting or screaming their intentions.


That said, I hope to see the cyclist wearing a gold crown come around soon acting as hysterical as needed to get my attention.

The worst is when you do this and that person has headphones in then drifts towards you as your passing.