nodnarb757

Two encounters in as many days.
First, let me state that I try as hard as possible to stay safe on my local trails. I stay to the right,except when passing, I announce my presence when passing, I wear my helmet, I stop to check cross-traffic when trails meet, and I stay right at posted speed limits(until I am outside of high traffic areas, when the speedlimit goes away).

So, two days ago, I announce that I am passing on the left, the rollerblader in front of me, at the last second after moving to the right, moves right back over in front of me, and I have to dump my bike. Bent wheel, bent crank, blah blah blah. She doesn't even apologize while I collect myself. Luckily, the LBS wasn't busy, so an in and out service fixed everything.

Yesterday, I am sitting waiting for the traffic light to change so that I may cross a busy road and continue along the trail. Just as the light turns green for the trail users to cross, a rollerblader approaches the intersection. As I get across, right in front of me, he does one of those fancy little 360 turns inorder to stop himself. How could he noty see the very tall cyclist across the street in the very bright white jersey? Bike dumped, frame scratched, bumps and bruises cause I cannot get out of the pedals quick enough, blah blah blah.
Why should I be so safe when others aren't? It isnt just rollerbladers that stink. Those people that are just out walking taking up the whole trail(it is two lanes, and marked)
How can we make it so everyone is as safe as possible?
Is there a jersey maker out there that sells a jersey that says Rollerbladers Suck or just a big arrow pointing to the right on the back with the words "Thank You" on the back?

arterture

I find them to be a pain in the ass when they are wearing headphones and can't hear you coming up behind them. Therefor they proceed to take up the entire path. But this is why I've stopped riding on MUPs.

CharlieWoo

They really suck when they drop you.

nodnarb757

I would respect that. But, we aren't dealing with elite athletes here. Picture Sally Strothers in a pink terry track suit, and Bob Vila on rollerblades

wfrogge

1. Its called inline skating not "rollerblading".

2. Give folks space... Theres no way somebody on skates can stop as fast as a bike so I dont buy your story.

3. Yeah we take up the entire path sometimes. When im on the road skating I take up an entire lane.

And yeah if I see a bike while skating prepare to get dropped

wfrogge

Are you an athlete?

DScott

The great thing about rollerbladers, pedestrians, and sometimes other cyclists, is how soft they are. Great to land on. Less busted bike that way. Really, it's a small price they pay for not paying attention.

pagliaci

Not sure which is more dorky and dated, rollerblading or racquetball?

wfrogge

You know there are real elite athletes that "rollerblade" right?.... Just like there are Sally Strothers and Bob Villia's that ride bikes on the MUP.

Those that live in glass houses.....

gfrance

While riding in Central or Prospect Park, one doesn't really have to worry about getting hit by cars like you guys do out on the real roads. But we have to deal with hundreds of in line skaters. Problem is, they are very unpredictable. It's the sort of kick of the leg that goes outward that gets us cyclists. While I've never clipped one, I've come very close.

(Also, and this is clearly an irrational bias: men on rollerblades is just gay. Sorry, I said it.)

dcvelo

There's a reason this sport is called road cycling...

wfrogge

Heres a video of a bunch of gay guys ... being gay... on their skates...


https://www.bonttv.com/view_video.php...96e702f07f6425

ilvwhtgrls

i like riding behind cute rollerbladers... the girls aren't half bad either.

mr handy

Racquetball is a lot of fun!
Nothing like getting drilled in the back of the head by a Collegiate Pitcher that throws in the low 90s, from 4 feet...

nodnarb757

...Also understand your point.

nodnarb757

I use the trail as a warm up to get to and from..... you guessed it.... a road.

nocondorfx

i think rollerblading is pretty super.

Slicks

...doh?

And wow, you're such a rebel

wfrogge

wfrogge

Want to go for a training ride?..... Bike drops you thats one thing but for heavens sake dont let a "rollerblader" do it

Mt.Hoodlum

Try hitting her.

nodnarb757

Anyone who drops me... kudos, weather its a "rollerblader" or someone on a recumbent.
This thread isnt about chest beating and Im better than you. Its about certain people, mostly those that dont cycle being rude, and not respecting those that are trying to be safe. Its everyones world, not just yours.

Iamkar33m

Why not ride up to them from behind and announce your intent to pass. If they dont hear you because they're blasting music in their ears either use an airzound to get their attention or ride close enough to tap their back with your finger to get them to recognize your presence behind them. If you startle them, so what... it's their fault they are unaware of their surroundings.

mashd rotations

it's not just rollerbladers, but people in general - including cyclists. i was riding through a round-a-bout, i planned on turning left but another cyclist behind me announced, "on your left!" we're in the round-a-bout and he decides to pass on my left?!?! he wedged himself in between me and the markers and forced me to go straight.

cyclists suck.

mashd rotations

racquetball... dorky and dated? what the ****? i don't even play it regularly and it's a bad ass sport.