Cyclists - Love 'Em ? Hate 'Em?

[zill]

Most days I would be extolling the virtues of cycling - the personal health benefits, saving the environment, etc.

But today the little blighters pushed me over the edge. Some of our narrow streets aren't wide enough to pass 'em. Some of 'em like to make it a point to ride in the middle of the road like a car, doing 15 kmh, since apparently they have the same rights to use the roads as cars, even though its our gas taxes that pay for most of our road improvements. Then when you finally pass 'em, you inevitably get stuck at a red light and before you know it they come back up the curb lane to the front of the line of waiting cars, and you have to pass'em all over again.

What really annoys me is that most cyclists follow the rules of the road when it suits 'em and then use sidewalks and crosswalks when that is more convenient. If they use the road, they should follow the rules of the road. Why they can go through red lights when no cars are coming the other way without getting a ticket I'll never understand.

My car's computer tracks my average driving speed and these days I manage to average about 25 kmh (17 mph) around the city. I spend most of my time stopped at cyclist controlled lights on our "designated cycling routes".

Maybe its time to trade in my car for a bike, I'm sure I could get to my destination just as fast. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Road-rage-zill

[eight6]

[quote]Originally posted by zill
[br]Most days I would be extolling the virtues of cycling - the personal health benefits, saving the environment, etc.

But today the little blighters pushed me over the edge. Some of our narrow streets aren't wide enough to pass 'em. Some of 'em like to make it a point to ride in the middle of the road like a car, doing 15 kmh, since apparently they have the same rights to use the roads as cars, even though its our gas taxes that pay for most of our road improvements. Then when you finally pass 'em, you inevitably get stuck at a red light and before you know it they come back up the curb lane to the front of the line of waiting cars, and you have to pass'em all over again.

What really annoys me is that most cyclists follow the rules of the road when it suits 'em and then use sidewalks and crosswalks when that is more convenient. If they use the road, they should follow the rules of the road. Why they can go through red lights when no cars are coming the other way without getting a ticket I'll never understand.

My car's computer tracks my average driving speed and these days I manage to average about 25 kmh (17 mph) around the city. I spend most of my time stopped at cyclist controlled lights on our "designated cycling routes".

Maybe its time to trade in my car for a bike, I'm sure I could get to my destination just as fast. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Road-rage-zill

[/quote]

LOL...I have the same problem. I find a liberal dosage of horn, applied while about 3 feet behind them usually clears the road in a few seconds. If they're going to use a lane, they had best do the posted speed, otherwise they should do the smart thing and move to the curb.

I've advised many of those who do manage to speak their mind that next time, I'll forget the horn and brakes, and make them a hood ornament.

Give it a try.

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[brock]

I hate 'em, even though I'm one of 'em. That said, I know that in a contest of car vs. bike, I'd lose. I stay as close to the shoulder as possible. I've had numerous close calls w/ idiot drivers.

[enzfan]

It's bad enough as it is but it worsens around the time of the Tour De France, then you get every wanna be cyclist out there getting in the way.

[edisonoside]

What's with the goofy Tour DE France spandex outfits every cyclists is wearing nowadays? How come you never see a brother wearing those?

[enzfan]

[quote][i]Originally posted by edisonoside[/i]
<br>What's with the goofy Tour DE France spandex outfits every cyclists is wearing nowadays? How come you never see a brother wearing those?
[/quote]He would probably get sick of the "Is that a tire pump in your pocket or are you just happy to see me" joke.[:D]

[Panorama]

They are not using any fossil fuels (ok, ok, I know it takes energy to make a bike, and the clothes they are wearing, and the transportation of all those items to the various stores that they were purchased at, etc...), and they are actually getting off the couch and geting excercise, unlike many people in this country.

I have a lot of friends who cycle -- I don't cycle regularly (I prefer running), but I treat them with respect.

---------------------------
"Photography with a Vision"
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[hutter]

[quote][i]Originally posted by edisonoside[/i]
<br>What's with the goofy Tour DE France spandex outfits every cyclists is wearing nowadays? How come you never see a brother wearing those?
[/quote]
There's a "brother" in my neck of the woods that wears those dumb spandex outfits when he's cycling. He's rude, inconsiderate and full of himself...yet never has any problems picking up the ladies. Well, I guess if you've got it, there's no better way to flaunt it than spandex.

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[eight6]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Panorama[/i]

I have a lot of friends who cycle -- I don't cycle regularly (I prefer running), but I treat them with respect.


[/quote]

They get the respect they deserve: if they are arrogant and think they own the road, they will soon be one with the road. If, on the other hand, they keep to the right, I give them plenty of room.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/eight.gif"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/number6.gif">

[WolverineSyr]

I'm way more annoyed at the two weird women in motorized wheelchairs around my neighborhood who think they should be able to drive down the middle of the road.

I'm also way more annoyed when more than 2 kids get together, they seem to think NOT walking on the sidewalk is a cool thing to do. I guess they don't have sidewalks in "pants around your knees, doo-rag, wanna-be" town.

[KYYX4ever]

I bike.

But I generally ride on the sidewalk in busy areas, and ride close to the curb otherwise. It is just rude to ride otherwise; that goes for the middle of street, of course.

[phillyidol]

If I ever see a bike rider with a camera around his neck, he is road pizza!

[design_femme]

[quote][i]Originally posted by eight6[/i]
<br>They get the respect they deserve: if they are arrogant and think they own the road, they will soon be one with the road. If, on the other hand, they keep to the right, I give them plenty of room.
[/quote]

Agreed 100%.

I absolutely love the idea of getting more people on bikes and less cars on the road, but some cyclists don't deserve to be on the road, having no respect for road rules. For god's sake, USE YOUR GODDAMN ARM SIGNALS. IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH ENERGY TO PEDAL YOUR DAMN BIKE, THEN LIFT YOUR ARM, YOU LAZY MOFO.

[djcraig]

It's those freakin' outfits they wear. Would it be possible to look any LESS masculine?

Hey I drive a car too but you don't see me dressed like Ricky Bobby while I do it.

Having said that, the few times i have ridden a bike on the street were anxiety provoking. You can't be too vigilant cause one mistake by some SUV driver with a cell phone addiction and you're roadkill.

Not the kind of activity I can relax and enjoy.

<a href= http://

<a href="http://www.djcraig.net/">DJ Craig</a>

[eight6]

[quote][i]Originally posted by djcraig[/i]
You can't be too vigilant cause one mistake by some SUV driver with a cell phone addiction and you're roadkill.

Not the kind of activity I can relax and enjoy.

<a href= http://

<a href="http://www.djcraig.net/">DJ Craig</a>
[/quote]


LOL...if my driving style is in any way representative of what I'd be contending with as cyclist no way am I riding one.

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