What's the deal with bicyclists clogging up the road?
Oct 1st, 2006, 10:36 AM
#1
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What's the deal with bicyclists clogging up the road?
Maybe there are cyclists who can answer this. Why must cyclists ride side by side forcing cars to use only one lane of a two lane road; or even worse, on a one lane road, causing cars to go over the line into the oncoming traffic lane? We experienced this while driving on HWY 1 in California. And just this morning, in my little town in AZ, cyclists were riding next to each other, screwing up traffic. This is a pet peeve of mine. It is dangerous for drivers, and for the cyclists, as well.
Oct 1st, 2006, 10:45 AM
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This is a pet peeve of mine as well!! It seems that the cycling clubs are responsible for such behavior.
One of my sons is a cyclist and often rides alone. However, sometimes he rides with a friend and learned early on how unsafe side-by-side riding can be. He was lucky to be on a trail when he crashed.
One of my sons is a cyclist and often rides alone. However, sometimes he rides with a friend and learned early on how unsafe side-by-side riding can be. He was lucky to be on a trail when he crashed.
Oct 1st, 2006, 12:03 PM
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Rather hard to "leave" if you have only one way to get to somewhere you have to go to Mikemo. There are not to many cyclist in my small city but I am sure cautious when driving near them as they don't seem concerned about their own safety.
Oct 1st, 2006, 12:39 PM
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While I agree that the side by side is a pain, but please understand that ride at the very edge of the road isn't safe. There's a lot a trash, etc on the edge that can ruin a bike or cause a flat tire.
Cyclists get little or no respect on the road in the US. Road are for sharing- and trust me the cyclists are much better than MOST of the car and truck drivers! Sometimes ou just have to wait and go around.
Cyclists get little or no respect on the road in the US. Road are for sharing- and trust me the cyclists are much better than MOST of the car and truck drivers! Sometimes ou just have to wait and go around.
Oct 1st, 2006, 12:54 PM
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While I ride myself and know it is sometimes necessary not to ride on the edge of the road due to gravel or rough road, cyclists have a responsibility to be cognizent of traffic and they are not supposed to impede traffic. The other day, I was forced to stay in a lane that had become a turn lane when I needed to go straight(at a complex intersection) because a bicycle club blocked my access to the lane going straight. For the first time, I understood why auto drivers are getting upset.
Oct 1st, 2006, 01:00 PM
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I've been stuck behind cyclists riding 6 abreast as well, but my biggest fear is the way many of them start a turn, then look to see what's behind them. More than once I've started to pass a cyclist to have him cut right in front of me as he looks to see if he can turn left.
Oct 1st, 2006, 01:53 PM
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There are rude cyclists, just like there are rude drivers. Cycling clubs do NOT encourage this type of thing; at least not any club I've ever been involved with. There are definite norms and "rules" for riding in groups.
Just give them a toot and they will most likely get back into single file. I say a polite toot, not a long hard blast. And don't sneak up on them and honk (particularly if they are behaving and sticking to the side of the road). I've run across plenty of nasty drivers when I've been sticking to the bicycling rules of the road. Throwing things, shouting and swerving towards a cyclist are not nice.
The problem with narrow roads is that often all the tire popping things find their way onto the side of the road. It would be great if more roads had bike lanes. Colorado is fantastic for this.
Just give them a toot and they will most likely get back into single file. I say a polite toot, not a long hard blast. And don't sneak up on them and honk (particularly if they are behaving and sticking to the side of the road). I've run across plenty of nasty drivers when I've been sticking to the bicycling rules of the road. Throwing things, shouting and swerving towards a cyclist are not nice.
The problem with narrow roads is that often all the tire popping things find their way onto the side of the road. It would be great if more roads had bike lanes. Colorado is fantastic for this.
Oct 1st, 2006, 01:55 PM
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From my point of view (an occasional cyclist) it might be safer to ride side by side for the simple reason that you're more visible. As you can all attest to, side by side cyclists are pretty obvious on the road - the same isn't necessarily true of a lone bike.
I've only biked alone though, so this is purely speculation. I also think the very fact that you have to switch lanes to avoid them is (sometimes) safer than simply veering out a few feet to avoid 1 bike - especially if the cyclist has to veer out a little at the same time to avoid something in the road. Even when riding in a designated bike lane, I've had lots of cars get way too close, and it seems deliberate some times. The wider berth you can give them the better - especially if you drive a larger vehicle because the draft you create when passing can pull the bike over a couple feet.
And don't forget that it's not safe for a bike to ride right on the edge of the lane on city streets when there are parked cars. I've almost gotten nailed when someone opened their car door without looking to see if anyone was coming - or more likely, they looked, didn't see any cars and didn't look for a bike. Sorta like what Neo said (but in reverse), I've almost run into cars that didn't bother to look before they turned in front of me because they didn't look (or didn't see me) - not my fault at all, but I certainly would've paid a bigger price if there had been a collision.
I believe some cycling clubs deliberately get in the way to raise awareness/visibility. I don't know this for a fact, just a guess. And on a final note, I don't belong to a cycling club and don't ride side-by-side in traffic, so don't attack me for trying to answer the question.
I've only biked alone though, so this is purely speculation. I also think the very fact that you have to switch lanes to avoid them is (sometimes) safer than simply veering out a few feet to avoid 1 bike - especially if the cyclist has to veer out a little at the same time to avoid something in the road. Even when riding in a designated bike lane, I've had lots of cars get way too close, and it seems deliberate some times. The wider berth you can give them the better - especially if you drive a larger vehicle because the draft you create when passing can pull the bike over a couple feet.
And don't forget that it's not safe for a bike to ride right on the edge of the lane on city streets when there are parked cars. I've almost gotten nailed when someone opened their car door without looking to see if anyone was coming - or more likely, they looked, didn't see any cars and didn't look for a bike. Sorta like what Neo said (but in reverse), I've almost run into cars that didn't bother to look before they turned in front of me because they didn't look (or didn't see me) - not my fault at all, but I certainly would've paid a bigger price if there had been a collision.
I believe some cycling clubs deliberately get in the way to raise awareness/visibility. I don't know this for a fact, just a guess. And on a final note, I don't belong to a cycling club and don't ride side-by-side in traffic, so don't attack me for trying to answer the question.
Oct 1st, 2006, 01:59 PM
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Any more than two abreast and you have an IQ problem with the pack. I agree that a gentle TOOT is called for.
Sometimes cyclists will ride in the right tire path of traffic so that they aren't squeezed by passing cars: it forces the cars to pass them safely, or wait for a more appropriate time.
When I ride, I do not ride on the two inches of road edge: cars that whiz by can blow me into the gravel and that ain't fun.
When making a left turn, I pull into the left tire path of the traffic lane an signal with my arms that I am turning.
One thing to remember: while there are stupid cyclists, there are stupid drivers. I've dealt with both. HOWEVER---no matter how stupid the cyclist and how frustrated you feel, hitting that cyclist will really ruin both of your days.
PS: I'm also a runner, and when running you face INTO traffic. Cars will still run you off the road and that is a particular problem during bad weather.
Play nice everybody.
Sometimes cyclists will ride in the right tire path of traffic so that they aren't squeezed by passing cars: it forces the cars to pass them safely, or wait for a more appropriate time.
When I ride, I do not ride on the two inches of road edge: cars that whiz by can blow me into the gravel and that ain't fun.
When making a left turn, I pull into the left tire path of the traffic lane an signal with my arms that I am turning.
One thing to remember: while there are stupid cyclists, there are stupid drivers. I've dealt with both. HOWEVER---no matter how stupid the cyclist and how frustrated you feel, hitting that cyclist will really ruin both of your days.
PS: I'm also a runner, and when running you face INTO traffic. Cars will still run you off the road and that is a particular problem during bad weather.
Play nice everybody.
Oct 1st, 2006, 02:18 PM
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I agree that there are stupid cyclists and stupid drivers and unfortunately they tend to point to each other to justify their behavior. However, I find it very frustraiting that stupid cyclists, especially in my hometown, SF, tend to be very self righteous in justifying their behavior. I see cyclists so routinely disobey traffic signals here, that it is noteworthy when I see someone on a bike actually waiting for the light to change.
Oct 1st, 2006, 02:23 PM
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I read and posted on this thread.
Later went to the store. On the way home I was at a busy 4way intersection. I had the green light. Thanks to my Dad's instructions when he taught me to drive I as usual did a quick glance to my left (also was going to look to my right) but lo and behold two young atheletic looking fellows in their 20'as went through their red light on their bycycles (they came from the left). Not all drivers look to their left and right at interesections when they have the green light.
I personally beg all cyclist (I have some in the family) to please obey the rules of the road. You will be the one severly injured or killed if you are struck by a vehicle. And a tragedy that will live forever with everyone including all involved parties loved ones.
Cycling is such a great way to enjoy life and to stay healthy..but not if you are in a wheelchair or a coffin.
Later went to the store. On the way home I was at a busy 4way intersection. I had the green light. Thanks to my Dad's instructions when he taught me to drive I as usual did a quick glance to my left (also was going to look to my right) but lo and behold two young atheletic looking fellows in their 20'as went through their red light on their bycycles (they came from the left). Not all drivers look to their left and right at interesections when they have the green light.
I personally beg all cyclist (I have some in the family) to please obey the rules of the road. You will be the one severly injured or killed if you are struck by a vehicle. And a tragedy that will live forever with everyone including all involved parties loved ones.
Cycling is such a great way to enjoy life and to stay healthy..but not if you are in a wheelchair or a coffin.
Oct 1st, 2006, 02:26 PM
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So true, LoveItaly.
A few years ago, I worked with a child who nearly lost his father to a cycling accident. It took this man nearly a year to recover from his injuries, but it left a lasting emotional scar on his young son.
A few years ago, I worked with a child who nearly lost his father to a cycling accident. It took this man nearly a year to recover from his injuries, but it left a lasting emotional scar on his young son.
