Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

On my right! On my right!

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

On my right! On my right!

Old 07-27-18, 09:17 PM
  #76  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
SpeedofLite's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central Florida, USA
Posts: 2,011

Bikes: Litespeed (9); Slingshot (9); Specialized (3); Kestrel (2); Cervelo (1); FELT (1); Trek (2)

Mentioned: 35 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 431 Post(s)
Liked 3,397 Times in 983 Posts
Originally Posted by WhyFi
Revisiting the OP, as I just had a thought - maybe he wasn't addressing you. Is it possible that he was addressing others following him and, rather than the fart wave gesture, he was letting them know verbally that there would be a passing obstruction (you) on the right?
That's a good thought, but I would have immediately understood the meaning of "On my right" had I seen others with him in my mirrow although I'm used to calling out and hearing "Rider up" in that situation . However, there were no other riders with him or behind him when this happened. That said, maybe he was schizophrenic and he thought he was was leading a pack. ;-)
__________________
WTB: Slingshot bicycle promotional documents (catalog, pamphlets, etc).
WTB: American Cycling May - Aug, Oct, Dec 1966.
WTB: Bicycle Guide issues 1984 (any); Jun 1987; Jul, Nov/Dec 1992; Apr 1994; 1996 -1998 (any)
WTB: Bike World issue Jun 1974.















Last edited by SpeedofLite; 07-28-18 at 07:58 AM.
SpeedofLite is offline  
Old 07-27-18, 10:11 PM
  #77  
don't try this at home.
 
rm -rf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: N. KY
Posts: 5,900
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 959 Post(s)
Liked 477 Times in 334 Posts
Just don't say anything that includes "left" or "right". (Except cycle clubs, which know about "on your left").

On mups,
"Passing through"
or
"Good morning"
rm -rf is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 12:07 AM
  #78  
Senior Member
 
patrickgm60's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 530

Bikes: Yes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by rubiksoval
People inevitably veering is why I don't call out anything. I just pass as quickly and as far away from them as possible.
Same, starting a few years ago. Too many close calls from announcing.
patrickgm60 is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 02:06 AM
  #79  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: La-la Land, CA
Posts: 3,623

Bikes: Cannondale Quick SL1 Bike - 2014

Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3405 Post(s)
Liked 240 Times in 185 Posts
Warnings are required by law so its not really a decision anyone can make.
KraneXL is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 04:29 AM
  #80  
Senior Member
 
kbarch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,286
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1096 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by toast3d
Every time I shout "passing on the left!", the rider acts confused. Sometimes they even say "what?".
...
I'm kinda thinking that "passing on the left" is itself too complicated for most people who aren't really accustomed to sharing the bike lane with other riders. Maybe I should just simplify it. Maybe I should just yell "passing!". Ding ding.
Yes. "On your left" is for the ski slopes - the only place where "on your right" would be reasonable. Ironically, on some broad park paths, where folks are randomly entering and crossing, "on your right" might seem reasonable in some situations, but it's often less helpful than a bell - people can tell which direction that's coming from just fine. That's not to say it doesn't sometimes startle them and make them squirrely anyhow.
kbarch is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 05:40 AM
  #81  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: La-la Land, CA
Posts: 3,623

Bikes: Cannondale Quick SL1 Bike - 2014

Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3405 Post(s)
Liked 240 Times in 185 Posts
Originally Posted by kbarch
Yes. "On your left" is for the ski slopes - the only place where "on your right" would be reasonable. Ironically, on some broad park paths, where folks are randomly entering and crossing, "on your right" might seem reasonable in some situations, but it's often less helpful than a bell - people can tell which direction that's coming from just fine. That's not to say it doesn't sometimes startle them and make them squirrely anyhow.
Only when its rung too close. Try ringing it from a distance, and then continuously are you approach. People are much less likely to be startled when then can hear the bell at a distance and then perceived your rate of your approach by the repeated ping of the bell as it gets closer.

Of course, as you say, nothing is 100% when dealing with humans, but I've found this method puts your pretty close. As long as your pings are consistent, you shouldn't startle anyone.

Also, kids are great since they can hear the bell from far away (also they're less likely to be distracted) and are the first to respond, warning their parents.
KraneXL is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 07:11 AM
  #82  
Advocatus Diaboli
 
Sy Reene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,585

Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4696 Post(s)
Liked 1,512 Times in 987 Posts
Originally Posted by Abe_Froman
No, agree with the first post here. Responsibility always lies with the one who is creating a dangerous situation. People walking at 3mph are not a danger to anyone, no matter what they do.
.
This is just plain wrong. Pedestrians walking at 3mph can and have caused bike and auto accidents, without themselves having even been touched.
Sy Reene is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 08:37 AM
  #83  
Senior Member
 
Abe_Froman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,566

Bikes: Marin Four Corners, 1960's Schwinn Racer in middle of restoration, mid 70s Motobecane Grand Touring, various other heaps.

Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9347 Post(s)
Liked 57 Times in 51 Posts
Originally Posted by Sy Reene
This is just plain wrong. Pedestrians walking at 3mph can and have caused bike and auto accidents, without themselves having even been touched.
How? I assume you're referring to a situation where the existence of a pedestrian in an unexpected place or movement pattern results in a driver losing control, or swerving to avoid them. Which means the driver was going way too fast to begin with; again, the fault of the driver.

Have you ever had a person walking 3mph bump into you? Did you feel your life was in danger at the time? Pedestrians don't pose a threat to anyone.
Abe_Froman is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 08:59 AM
  #84  
Advocatus Diaboli
 
Sy Reene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,585

Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4696 Post(s)
Liked 1,512 Times in 987 Posts
Originally Posted by Abe_Froman
How? I assume you're referring to a situation where the existence of a pedestrian in an unexpected place or movement pattern results in a driver losing control, or swerving to avoid them. Which means the driver was going way too fast to begin with; again, the fault of the driver.
.
The 'way too fast' is the problem with what you're saying. The unexpected is just that, unexpected. A pedestrian walking out into a street between 2 parked cars, eg.. is a car going the 40mph speed limit (or a bike doing 20mph) on that road, going way too fast? A stranded motorist walking down a highway at night to get to the nearest gas station, are motorists going at highway speeds going too fast? A divided lane MUP, with Peds/Cyclist specific lanes, and ped does a sharp turn into the cyclist lane; what is the 'too fast' determination. These scenarios can easily lead to swerving-to-avoid vehicles (bikes or cars) that cause injury to themselves as cyclists/drivers, and potentially other drivers/peds in the vicinity from a chain-reaction of events.
Sy Reene is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 09:11 AM
  #85  
Senior Member
 
Abe_Froman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,566

Bikes: Marin Four Corners, 1960's Schwinn Racer in middle of restoration, mid 70s Motobecane Grand Touring, various other heaps.

Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9347 Post(s)
Liked 57 Times in 51 Posts
Originally Posted by Sy Reene
The 'way too fast' is the problem with what you're saying. The unexpected is just that, unexpected. A pedestrian walking out into a street between 2 parked cars, eg.. is a car going the 40mph speed limit (or a bike doing 20mph) on that road, going way too fast? A stranded motorist walking down a highway at night to get to the nearest gas station, are motorists going at highway speeds going too fast? A divided lane MUP, with Peds/Cyclist specific lanes, and ped does a sharp turn into the cyclist lane; what is the 'too fast' determination. These scenarios can easily lead to swerving-to-avoid vehicles (bikes or cars) that cause injury to themselves as cyclists/drivers, and potentially other drivers/peds in the vicinity from a chain-reaction of events.
If they're going too fast to stop if someone steps out from between cars, they're going too fast. Period. I don't accept the notion that it's ok to run people over just because a person didn't look before stepping out. You're the one in 3000 pounds of steel. It's your responsibility not to hit someone with it. If that means you have to go 25mph down city streets instead of 40 to not pose a danger to people who do silly things, so be it.
Abe_Froman is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 09:28 AM
  #86  
Advocatus Diaboli
 
Sy Reene's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Wherever I am
Posts: 8,585

Bikes: Merlin Cyrene, Nashbar steel CX

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4696 Post(s)
Liked 1,512 Times in 987 Posts
Originally Posted by Abe_Froman
If they're going too fast to stop if someone steps out from between cars, they're going too fast. Period. I don't accept the notion that it's ok to run people over just because a person didn't look before stepping out. You're the one in 3000 pounds of steel. It's your responsibility not to hit someone with it. If that means you have to go 25mph down city streets instead of 40 to not pose a danger to people who do silly things, so be it.
I suppose it's always the drivers fault for deer and small animal roadkill as well. And to get back to cycling.. I could be doing 10mph and pedestrian last second steps out from between cars. I'm still going too fast I guess..
I've (embarrassingly) fallen over on my bike due to a failed clipout.. going about .5mph, and hurt my wrist. So there's no speed that guarantees non-injury to myself from an erratic pedestrian, since depending on when the pedestrian acts, you could have .1 second to react, or 1 second, or 10 seconds. It's getting worse too with cell phones. I've witnessed probably a half-dozen screeching brake hard stops where someone involved with whatever's on their phone has obliviously walked out into a intersection when it's on "Don't Cross" for them. It doesn't take a lot of to imagine that even though I haven't seen an injury result, that it does in fact occur unfortunately, and it's not because the driver was thinking that "hey it's ok to run that person over."
Sy Reene is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 03:03 PM
  #87  
Senior Member
 
patrickgm60's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Northern CA
Posts: 530

Bikes: Yes

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by KraneXL
Warnings are required by law so its not really a decision anyone can make.
I think you made that up.
patrickgm60 is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 03:53 PM
  #88  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: La-la Land, CA
Posts: 3,623

Bikes: Cannondale Quick SL1 Bike - 2014

Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3405 Post(s)
Liked 240 Times in 185 Posts
Originally Posted by patrickgm60
I think you made that up.
Son I don't make anything up. But you don't have to take my word for it, just read the handbook.
KraneXL is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 04:21 PM
  #89  
Senior Member
 
jitteringjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,962

Bikes: 2018 Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 9.0 2016 Bombtrack Arise Campy build cross bike 2005 Fuji Outland Pro

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 361 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Abe_Froman
If they're going too fast to stop if someone steps out from between cars, they're going too fast. Period. I don't accept the notion that it's ok to run people over just because a person didn't look before stepping out. You're the one in 3000 pounds of steel. It's your responsibility not to hit someone with it. If that means you have to go 25mph down city streets instead of 40 to not pose a danger to people who do silly things, so be it.
Sorry this is plain wrong. The law doesn’t always side to the pedestrian. If a pedestrian walks out in right in front of a car going the speed limit in such a matter that a reasonable driver could not stop in time, the accident is most certainly the fault of the pedestrian.
jitteringjr is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 04:25 PM
  #90  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 156
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 70 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I ran into this today. Children will happily turn to cross a MUP when they hear a bell. Unless the pedestrian is a fairly fit jogger I ring the bell on approach and slow to about 8 MPH. I'd rather be on a road than a MUP.
pdoege is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 07:00 PM
  #91  
serious cyclist
 
Bah Humbug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 21,147

Bikes: S1, R2, P2

Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9334 Post(s)
Liked 3,679 Times in 2,026 Posts
Originally Posted by KraneXL
Son I don't make anything up. But you don't have to take my word for it, just read the handbook.
Law is state by state. Cite chapter and verse x50, or take the L.
Bah Humbug is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 07:01 PM
  #92  
serious cyclist
 
Bah Humbug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 21,147

Bikes: S1, R2, P2

Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9334 Post(s)
Liked 3,679 Times in 2,026 Posts
Originally Posted by Abe_Froman
If they're going too fast to stop if someone steps out from between cars, they're going too fast. Period. I don't accept the notion that it's ok to run people over just because a person didn't look before stepping out. You're the one in 3000 pounds of steel. It's your responsibility not to hit someone with it. If that means you have to go 25mph down city streets instead of 40 to not pose a danger to people who do silly things, so be it.
Do you ever drive over 10mph?
Bah Humbug is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 08:06 PM
  #93  
Senior Member
 
Abe_Froman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Chicago
Posts: 2,566

Bikes: Marin Four Corners, 1960's Schwinn Racer in middle of restoration, mid 70s Motobecane Grand Touring, various other heaps.

Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9347 Post(s)
Liked 57 Times in 51 Posts
Originally Posted by Bah Humbug
Do you ever drive over 10mph?
10? No. But if I'm on a quiet, narrow residential street, I wont do more than 20 or 25. Stopping distance at 20mph is 20 ft. You should be able to avoid nearly any serious collision at 20mph.
Abe_Froman is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 08:18 PM
  #94  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 736

Bikes: '17 Colnago C-RS (Full 5800); '16 Specialized Sirrus Elite

Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 356 Post(s)
Liked 58 Times in 37 Posts
I was on an MUP this morning, not one mile into a fifty mile ride, just barely warming up at 12ish mph. Up ahead was an old lady, 65ish, walking alone, being a model pedestrian holding a straight line on the rightmost edge of the path. Nobody else on the path at the time. Path was about 7-8 feet wide.

Thinking nothing of it I rolled past (again, puttering around 12 mph) on the leftmost edge of the path giving her a huge berth. All of a sudden I hear "You need to say 'On your left!'" to which I replied over my shoulder "You were fine" (meaning she was being a model ped that I didn't need to yell out at). Suddenly, "You're an ass!"

OK, hold up, you old bag. Stopped, turned around and went back to her and told her that was uncalled for. Blah blah, explained there was zero reason to yell out at her especially considering how many morons jump to their left when you say that and that she was just fine and I gave her max berth and was barely even cruising. She then was like "It's not polite not to say it everytime just like it wasn't polite to call you an ass." Yea, you must call a LOT of people asses then, right?

Yelling it out is something I do often - when actually warranted.
puma1552 is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 08:50 PM
  #95  
Senior Member
 
Seattle Forrest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,644 Times in 6,053 Posts
Originally Posted by KraneXL
Warnings are required by law so its not really a decision anyone can make.
It's a choice everyone makes every time they pass anyone.

Reflectors are required on pedals by law in many states, too. How many people use them? A lot of us buy expensive pedals that don't even have a spot to put them.
Seattle Forrest is offline  
Old 07-28-18, 09:41 PM
  #96  
Farmer tan
 
f4rrest's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Burbank, CA
Posts: 7,986

Bikes: Allez, SuperSix Evo

Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2870 Post(s)
Liked 28 Times in 23 Posts
Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
It's a choice everyone makes every time they pass anyone.

Reflectors are required on pedals by law in many states, too. How many people use them? A lot of us buy expensive pedals that don't even have a spot to put them.
Some even drive 66 with a 65mph speed limit.

The horror.
f4rrest is offline  
Old 07-29-18, 03:25 AM
  #97  
Senior Member
 
kbarch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,286
Mentioned: 21 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1096 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
It's a choice everyone makes every time they pass anyone.

Reflectors are required on pedals by law in many states, too. How many people use them? A lot of us buy expensive pedals that don't even have a spot to put them.
That's why I have reflective shoes!
kbarch is offline  
Old 07-29-18, 03:49 AM
  #98  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: La-la Land, CA
Posts: 3,623

Bikes: Cannondale Quick SL1 Bike - 2014

Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3405 Post(s)
Liked 240 Times in 185 Posts
Originally Posted by Bah Humbug
Law is state by state. Cite chapter and verse x50, or take the L.
And speed limits differ to. But horns, lights, signal and the like are pretty much standard across the union. And guess what, even if you find a state where its not mandated, its still a good idea.
Originally Posted by Bah Humbug
Law is state by state. Cite chapter and verse x50, or take the L.
Never argue regarding the laws, you'll always lose.
KraneXL is offline  
Old 07-29-18, 04:37 AM
  #99  
Senior Member
 
bruce19's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Lebanon (Liberty Hill), CT
Posts: 8,456

Bikes: CAAD 12, MASI Gran Criterium S, Colnago World Cup CX & Guru steel

Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1722 Post(s)
Liked 1,272 Times in 734 Posts
Originally Posted by rm -rf
Just don't say anything that includes "left" or "right". (Except cycle clubs, which know about "on your left").

On mups,
"Passing through"
or
"Good morning"
This raises a good point. There are cycling protocols. Most people on the MUPs don't know them and don't care to know them. That's never going to change.
bruce19 is offline  
Old 07-29-18, 05:12 AM
  #100  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: La-la Land, CA
Posts: 3,623

Bikes: Cannondale Quick SL1 Bike - 2014

Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3405 Post(s)
Liked 240 Times in 185 Posts
Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
It's a choice everyone makes every time they pass anyone.
I've no problem with that. Just letting them know that their lack of compliance could cost them in the event of an accident.

Reflectors are required on pedals by law in many states, too. How many people use them? A lot of us buy expensive pedals that don't even have a spot to put them.
That's the paradox, LBS only have to comply with the laws upon selling the bike.
.
Originally Posted by bruce19
This raises a good point. There are cycling protocols. Most people on the MUPs don't know them and don't care to know them. That's never going to change.
The blessing and the curse of walking: it allow you to be next to oblivious to everything around you.
KraneXL is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.