Pedestrians taking up whole lane
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Originally Posted By: kb01
I think it's crazy that sidewalks aren't a standard part of all residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
I always see people walking in the street even when there are good sidewalks a few feet away. That one I'll never understand. Joggers are famous for it.
I think it's crazy that sidewalks aren't a standard part of all residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.
I always see people walking in the street even when there are good sidewalks a few feet away. That one I'll never understand. Joggers are famous for it.
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
I always see these morons on bikes on VERY busy major roads actually *in* the lane with cars at red lights. I`m like,huh??????? And then I`ll see people walking across crosswalks with their heads straight up their *you know whats* without a care in the world,not paying any attention at all.
Sure,they have the legal right to be there but that doesn`t mean it`s smart and sure as heck shows absolutely NO common sense whatsoever. There`s nooooooooooooooooooo way I`m going to wrestle with a 3000+ machine. Let`s see,me (200 lbs) vs a car (3000+ lbs)................hmmmmmmmm I wonder who would win?
Not sure what your on about, as it is Texas law that cyclists HAVE to be in the street, CANNOT be on sidewalks and pedestrian paths. By Law they MUST use the traffic lanes period. This is the one area where the ignorance of Texas drivers comes out the worst, and the way that most drivers around here try to crowd them in the most dangerous ways you learn quick if riding a bike the safest course is to not give up any room to surrounding traffic if you have to be in it by law.
I always see these morons on bikes on VERY busy major roads actually *in* the lane with cars at red lights. I`m like,huh??????? And then I`ll see people walking across crosswalks with their heads straight up their *you know whats* without a care in the world,not paying any attention at all.
Sure,they have the legal right to be there but that doesn`t mean it`s smart and sure as heck shows absolutely NO common sense whatsoever. There`s nooooooooooooooooooo way I`m going to wrestle with a 3000+ machine. Let`s see,me (200 lbs) vs a car (3000+ lbs)................hmmmmmmmm I wonder who would win?
Not sure what your on about, as it is Texas law that cyclists HAVE to be in the street, CANNOT be on sidewalks and pedestrian paths. By Law they MUST use the traffic lanes period. This is the one area where the ignorance of Texas drivers comes out the worst, and the way that most drivers around here try to crowd them in the most dangerous ways you learn quick if riding a bike the safest course is to not give up any room to surrounding traffic if you have to be in it by law.
Originally Posted By: hr1940
I have to drive 3.5 miles of hills and sharp curves when I turn off the highway to go home. People that are training for bike races will often ride 3 or 4 across a narrow road. Single line does not bother me because I can pass them. The speed limit is 45. This goes on from spring until late fall. They like this area because it has some pretty steep inclines. I complained once and was told there is nothing that can be done. The same goes for runners that are always taking up the entire lane. The scenery is beautiful but I am usually in a hurry.
What they could do would be to add a couple of more feet of asphalt and and paint it as a designated bike lane, especially in such areas where it is so popular, but I don't have much expectations for DOT officials to be so intelligent, esp Ark.
I have to drive 3.5 miles of hills and sharp curves when I turn off the highway to go home. People that are training for bike races will often ride 3 or 4 across a narrow road. Single line does not bother me because I can pass them. The speed limit is 45. This goes on from spring until late fall. They like this area because it has some pretty steep inclines. I complained once and was told there is nothing that can be done. The same goes for runners that are always taking up the entire lane. The scenery is beautiful but I am usually in a hurry.
What they could do would be to add a couple of more feet of asphalt and and paint it as a designated bike lane, especially in such areas where it is so popular, but I don't have much expectations for DOT officials to be so intelligent, esp Ark.
Originally Posted By: hr1940
I have to drive 3.5 miles of hills and sharp curves when I turn off the highway to go home. People that are training for bike races will often ride 3 or 4 across a narrow road. Single line does not bother me because I can pass them. The speed limit is 45. This goes on from spring until late fall. They like this area because it has some pretty steep inclines. I complained once and was told there is nothing that can be done. The same goes for runners that are always taking up the entire lane. The scenery is beautiful but I am usually in a hurry.
Since it seems like an ongoing thing, my suggestion would be to try to find an opportunity to talk to them. Cyclists are no different that other people; you're going to find some hard-headed individuals and some reasonable people. Without knowing the specifics of the road, the one thing I will say is that generally, I stay as far to the right as is reasonable--but sometimes reasonable does actually mean riding in the middle of the road.
To explain that a little more, if the road is twisty with oncoming cars/blind corners, and the road is very narrow, I'll ride in the middle of the rode so that a motorist can't try to pass and end up squeezing me off the road. This is a pretty limited situation, but it does happen. MOST roads allow me to stay to the right and let motorists pass no problem, and on those roads I stay to the right. Generally, my thought process is 1) stay alive and 2) don't inconvenience anybody...in that order! Sometimes unfortunately the road dictates that those two goals conflict a little, and I'm forced to ride in the middle of the road because there's simply not enough room for a car to safely pass me.
Given how you describe the road, that could be the situation. Or, the cyclists could just be oblivious/inconsiderate. I will say that generally I train alone or with one other person just to avoid being a royal pain, and if I see groups of people taking up the whole road where it's really not warranted, I try to explain to them in a constructive manner that they really aren't helping anybody by taking up the whole road. Typically, my comments are taken in the spirit in which they're intended. Sometimes, they aren't...
I have to drive 3.5 miles of hills and sharp curves when I turn off the highway to go home. People that are training for bike races will often ride 3 or 4 across a narrow road. Single line does not bother me because I can pass them. The speed limit is 45. This goes on from spring until late fall. They like this area because it has some pretty steep inclines. I complained once and was told there is nothing that can be done. The same goes for runners that are always taking up the entire lane. The scenery is beautiful but I am usually in a hurry.
Since it seems like an ongoing thing, my suggestion would be to try to find an opportunity to talk to them. Cyclists are no different that other people; you're going to find some hard-headed individuals and some reasonable people. Without knowing the specifics of the road, the one thing I will say is that generally, I stay as far to the right as is reasonable--but sometimes reasonable does actually mean riding in the middle of the road.
To explain that a little more, if the road is twisty with oncoming cars/blind corners, and the road is very narrow, I'll ride in the middle of the rode so that a motorist can't try to pass and end up squeezing me off the road. This is a pretty limited situation, but it does happen. MOST roads allow me to stay to the right and let motorists pass no problem, and on those roads I stay to the right. Generally, my thought process is 1) stay alive and 2) don't inconvenience anybody...in that order! Sometimes unfortunately the road dictates that those two goals conflict a little, and I'm forced to ride in the middle of the road because there's simply not enough room for a car to safely pass me.
Given how you describe the road, that could be the situation. Or, the cyclists could just be oblivious/inconsiderate. I will say that generally I train alone or with one other person just to avoid being a royal pain, and if I see groups of people taking up the whole road where it's really not warranted, I try to explain to them in a constructive manner that they really aren't helping anybody by taking up the whole road. Typically, my comments are taken in the spirit in which they're intended. Sometimes, they aren't...
I hate to complain about this because a young lady was recently killed on a multi-use park path.
The paved path is marked with signs advising roller-bladers and cyclists to announce "ON YOUR LEFT" when passing. 75% of the pedestrians also using the path will either move to the right, stay still and are easy to go around or have their i-Pod up so loud that they are oblivious to you until you have already passed.
But 1 in 4 will hear you announce, "ON YOUR LEFT!" and they will move to the left.
"YOUR OTHER LEFT!!!"
Some trails the pedestrians are so bad I just bomb off-road through the ditch around them. Another reason I don't ride a road bike.
The paved path is marked with signs advising roller-bladers and cyclists to announce "ON YOUR LEFT" when passing. 75% of the pedestrians also using the path will either move to the right, stay still and are easy to go around or have their i-Pod up so loud that they are oblivious to you until you have already passed.
But 1 in 4 will hear you announce, "ON YOUR LEFT!" and they will move to the left.
"YOUR OTHER LEFT!!!"
Some trails the pedestrians are so bad I just bomb off-road through the ditch around them. Another reason I don't ride a road bike.
My road is fairly seep (I take the car out of over drive). I tried talking to them once and was told they preferred spreading out like they were in a real race. If they were single file you could pass them if they were in a straight area. Look up hwy. 333 close to Russellvile AR. I do not live on 333 but the road is similar to the one I live on.
Amazing that a never ending horn will change peoples mindes who are hogging the road. Course I'm usually informed I'm #1, but then I knew that anyway. Around here the biking signs claim they want to "share" the road.
I am a car/truck driver, walker and road/mtn bike rider. I don't think bikes or pedistrians should take up a whole lane as a group.
In the same context if you shirk towards the shoulder cars tend to buzz close to you while driving by.......
If you hog the lane they give you more respect. Problem is proving your point puts you in a vulnerable position.
You can't win either way.........Part of me feels the bad bicycle/motorcycle riders get vehicle drivers an attitude towards a very respectful bike rider like myself......... I should add that I normally ride towards the shoulder and often regret it............
In the same context if you shirk towards the shoulder cars tend to buzz close to you while driving by.......
If you hog the lane they give you more respect. Problem is proving your point puts you in a vulnerable position.
You can't win either way.........Part of me feels the bad bicycle/motorcycle riders get vehicle drivers an attitude towards a very respectful bike rider like myself......... I should add that I normally ride towards the shoulder and often regret it............
My grandpa had a jewel of wisdom that applies to this topic... It goes something like "You can be dead right" and I take it to heart. If on foot on anything that is traveled (parking lots included), I stay out of the way. If I'm crossing in front of a car (as a pedestrian) I jog or run across to minimize their inconvenience. I intend to take up cycling this summer and plan to start riding to work. Travel will be mainly on a 2 lane highway. Guess where I'll be? Thats right... Literally. Way right.
I cannot stand the arrogance and self important attitudes of runners and bikers who feel the need to take up an entire lane - as if there was a marathon or the [censored] Tour De France.
A few weeks ago, I was on my way to work and there was a couple running side by side nearly in the middle of the road. There was traffic approaching from both directions. Only until after I was right on top of them and nearly at a stand still did they move over... Sort of. He had the gall to smile and wave. Arrrgg! And I hear from others, that they do this often. Someday some redneck with a ridiculously strong brush guard on his "Brodozer" is going to smear those idiots all over the road.
I cannot stand the arrogance and self important attitudes of runners and bikers who feel the need to take up an entire lane - as if there was a marathon or the [censored] Tour De France.
A few weeks ago, I was on my way to work and there was a couple running side by side nearly in the middle of the road. There was traffic approaching from both directions. Only until after I was right on top of them and nearly at a stand still did they move over... Sort of. He had the gall to smile and wave. Arrrgg! And I hear from others, that they do this often. Someday some redneck with a ridiculously strong brush guard on his "Brodozer" is going to smear those idiots all over the road.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
What gets me very mad is when pedestrians are crossing the street and they drag their butt as if there are no cars approaching. I mean if you cross a busy street.... wouldn't you want to get the [censored] out of the way of speeding vehicles approaching ?
I saw a woman, her 3 kids and an older man (probably the grandfather) almost get run over by a few cars cause they leisurely crossed a busy 4 lane road.
We have an obesity epidemic, amongst other things in this country. People are FAT, plain and simple. They can't rush, they will get out of breath and/or hurt. Even the pedestrians who are walking for "exercise" generally do not exert themselves at the level necessary to remain in shape.
If this wasnt true, there wouldnt need to be huge programs trying to influence people into starting to be active, there wouldnt be as much obesity, diabetes, etc. The issues we are encountering is a direct result of the laziness and entitlement attitudes we hold. Sure, its our right to be obese, to be lazy, etc., but it sure does not make it optimal...
Alas, people are self-destructive more often than not, and as they get to be in worse health and condition, I have found them to also be in poorer spirits, less friendly, etc.
What gets me very mad is when pedestrians are crossing the street and they drag their butt as if there are no cars approaching. I mean if you cross a busy street.... wouldn't you want to get the [censored] out of the way of speeding vehicles approaching ?
I saw a woman, her 3 kids and an older man (probably the grandfather) almost get run over by a few cars cause they leisurely crossed a busy 4 lane road.
We have an obesity epidemic, amongst other things in this country. People are FAT, plain and simple. They can't rush, they will get out of breath and/or hurt. Even the pedestrians who are walking for "exercise" generally do not exert themselves at the level necessary to remain in shape.
If this wasnt true, there wouldnt need to be huge programs trying to influence people into starting to be active, there wouldnt be as much obesity, diabetes, etc. The issues we are encountering is a direct result of the laziness and entitlement attitudes we hold. Sure, its our right to be obese, to be lazy, etc., but it sure does not make it optimal...
Alas, people are self-destructive more often than not, and as they get to be in worse health and condition, I have found them to also be in poorer spirits, less friendly, etc.
You guys make good points......but I as well as most people who are honest with themselves will admit. When you get in your car people can get a lot more cocky than bicycle riders and walkers/pedestrians can get. But there are exceptions.
I'm much more mellow walking/bicycling than when I get in a car. Like this morning when three lanes of I-5 were going the same speed............ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I did a maneuver I was not proud of......
I'm much more mellow walking/bicycling than when I get in a car. Like this morning when three lanes of I-5 were going the same speed............ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I did a maneuver I was not proud of......
On my road bike I always feel safer at a light when taking up the whole lane, LED lights blinking away furiously. Then cars ahead of/behind me know I'm there and generally don't do as many moronic things. This really helps when there's a dedicated right-turn lane. The folks turning left know there's a bike going straight who has right of way instead of being surprised when they're halfway through their turn. I then get as far right as practicable after clearing the light.
If I need to wait for a little bit to let a cyclist get through a narrow point before passing in my car, I'll do that. It's both a safety and courtesy thing.
Of course there are always the yahoos who don't want to give an inch.
If I need to wait for a little bit to let a cyclist get through a narrow point before passing in my car, I'll do that. It's both a safety and courtesy thing.
Of course there are always the yahoos who don't want to give an inch.
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