I'm annoyed by cycling and cyclists

[Venkman]

Originally Posted by The Borg

Hmmm...I get "buzzed" by drivers like you about once a day. Nice...real nice. It doesn't matter if your taking the outside 4" with drivers attitudes like yours.

In my opinion, it's a redneck attitude. Floor the gas just behind the cyclist to "scare" them, get a little 'close' as you go blowing by...pisses me off really. Of all people, a 'former' cyclist should know better.

I see groups of riders all the time, but I never see them riding 4 abreast in traffic.

There ought to be a Foxworthy joke somewhere in here:
"You might be a redneck if you ..."

Did I say I "buzz" anyone or do any of the behaviors you listed? As one who has rode before, I am aware of the hazards cyclists face an that there are asshole drivers out there. But cyclists need to exercise courtesy and obey the rules of the road as well.

[MikeWaters]

Try helping the widow of a cyclist who has been run over move. With her young children.

And then maybe you wouldn't act like such an asshole.

[bigpiney]

Originally Posted by Venkman

But cyclists need to exercise courtesy and obey the rules of the road as well.

I do agree with this part of it. If you want to be treated with respect, show some. If you want to be treated as a vehicle, then act like one and obey the rules.

I see cyclists running stop signs, using crosswalks, and even running traffic signals. I almost hit some guy that ran a stop sign and then he looked at me like it was my fault.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by bigpiney

I do agree with this part of it. If you want to be treated with respect, show some. If you want to be treated as a vehicle, then act like one and obey the rules.

I see cyclists running stop signs, using crosswalks, and even running traffic signals. I almost hit some guy that ran a stop sign and then he looked at me like it was my fault.

Nobody's advocating disobeying traffic rules, but the rules don't dictate that one must only occupy six inches on the road.

You should ride to the right as far as possible, and you may occupy the entire lane in a group. Motor vehicles, depending on the state must allow at least five to six feet to the side when passing a cyclist. Some motorists wrongly believe we must ride on the shoulder, which is untrue.

[The Borg]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Motor vehicles, depending on the state must allow at least five to six feet to the side when passing a cyclist. Some motorists wrongly believe we must ride on the shoulder, which is untrue.

How true this is. Last summer, a cyclist was run over and killed in our community because a vehicle was so close to the line of riders and unfortunately, in the line, wheels were crossed and the cyclist went down right in front of the car.

No room for maneuvering, and he was run over.

[Venkman]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Nobody's advocating disobeying traffic rules, but the rules don't dictate that one must only occupy six inches on the road.

You should ride to the right as far as possible, and you may occupy the entire lane in a group. Motor vehicles, depending on the state must allow at least five to six feet to the side when passing a cyclist. Some motorists wrongly believe we must ride on the shoulder, which is untrue.

I got the six inch rule from my scoutmaster when I was 13 and we were doing the cycling MB. So I guess I'm not surprised if that's not accurate.

I never buzz cyclists, I try to give them a wide berth. I'm talking about courtesy. When there's traffic and you're in a group with plenty of shoulder room, I find it discourteous to ride side by side and make motorists like me who don't want to get too close to cyclists wait for oncoming traffic to clear so I can cross over the center line and pass.

[bluegoose]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Nobody's advocating disobeying traffic rules, but the rules don't dictate that one must only occupy six inches on the road.

You should ride to the right as far as possible, and you may occupy the entire lane in a group. Motor vehicles, depending on the state must allow at least five to six feet to the side when passing a cyclist. Some motorists wrongly believe we must ride on the shoulder, which is untrue.

In California, riders are supposed to ride in single file in the absence of an actual "bike lane". In a bike lane, they can occupy the entire width, but even if it is a designated "bike route", they must ride single file. Passing is supposed to be always done on the left if coming from behind, meaning in a paceline, the front guy needs to peel off to the right.

Aside from that, you guys are right about the rest of the law - take as much of the lane as is necessary to feel safe.

And yes, you guys are being a bit harsh on Venkman. A simple key to the side of his car would be sufficient, instead of all this name calling.

[SteelBlue]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

meaning in a paceline, the front guy needs to peel off to the right.

Do you ride that way now? We always peeled off to the left when I rode with you.

[bluegoose]

Originally Posted by SteelBlue

Do you ride that way now? We always peeled off to the left when I rode with you.

No we always peel off to the left. I just went back and read the laws not long ago and was surprised at how ridiculous some of them are.

[MikeWaters]

Originally Posted by bluegoose

And yes, you guys are being a bit harsh on Venkman. A simple key to the side of his car would be sufficient, instead of all this name calling.

it's an annoyance to him. for us, it's our lives.