The main problem I have with bikes is at night when they ride with basically no lights and reflective gear. That little itty bitty pedal power light is almost usless. It hasn't been uncommon for me to come across bikers that are not only not having any lights or reflective gear they compound the problem by wearing dark clothing. Also I do wish that they would try to not ride on congested streets with the traffic behind them driving into the morning sunlight. Many times you don't get notice of them until the car in front of you swearves to avoid one.
Rant - Bicycles not following road rules
- Thread starter sciphi
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Originally Posted By: 65cuda
The main problem I have with bikes is at night when they ride with basically no lights and reflective gear. That little itty bitty pedal power light is almost usless. It hasn't been uncommon for me to come across bikers that are not only not having any lights or reflective gear they compound the problem by wearing dark clothing. Also I do wish that they would try to not ride on congested streets with the traffic behind them driving into the morning sunlight. Many times you don't get notice of them until the car in front of you swearves to avoid one.
It's becoming more and more common for cyclists to have some pretty serious lighting. Most in my area now at least have red flashers for their backsides and some are getting L.E.D. headlights, which don't project a big beam of light but are INCREDIBLY bright. Others still have the smaller lights you're talking about, which are better than nothing.
The main problem I have with bikes is at night when they ride with basically no lights and reflective gear. That little itty bitty pedal power light is almost usless. It hasn't been uncommon for me to come across bikers that are not only not having any lights or reflective gear they compound the problem by wearing dark clothing. Also I do wish that they would try to not ride on congested streets with the traffic behind them driving into the morning sunlight. Many times you don't get notice of them until the car in front of you swearves to avoid one.
It's becoming more and more common for cyclists to have some pretty serious lighting. Most in my area now at least have red flashers for their backsides and some are getting L.E.D. headlights, which don't project a big beam of light but are INCREDIBLY bright. Others still have the smaller lights you're talking about, which are better than nothing.
The thing that baffles me is where I live bicyclists are always on the main roads. There are literally thousands of side roads and neighborhoods where they would be infinetly safer. When I am having a bad day and bicyclists ride side by side and slow me down they get the horn, I'm sorry but I don't feel like watching a grown mans rear end for the next 2 miles.
I have a friend whose dad was killed while trying to be Lance Armstrong. He was a pretty avid biker and had his helmet on, it just doesn't matter when a 4,000 lbs vehicle runs you over.
I have a friend whose dad was killed while trying to be Lance Armstrong. He was a pretty avid biker and had his helmet on, it just doesn't matter when a 4,000 lbs vehicle runs you over.
Originally Posted By: jmac
Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
The way I see it, I pay vehicle registration taxes, inspection fees, plate fees, license fees and all of this so that I can use the road in my car. Bikes don't do that down here (though in some places I'm sure they do). So just because some yuppie douche wants to play spandex dress up so he can feel special and get the attention he craves by blocking traffic doesn't mean I should be late to work from being stuck behind him on the roads I helped pay for.
However, I am happy to report that just this morning I saw a nice contingent of bright yellow Lance Armstrongs speeding along the bike bridge, next to the road. They seemed happy, and were certainly unimpeded by the quality of the bridge. I've seen these guys riding before, and they're generally on point with the hand signals and attuned to stop signs when they're on the road (which is in places were there are no bike friendly alternatives). I actually commented to my wife the other day when we saw these guys riding that they were the only cyclists I've ever seen who signal their intentions and respect road signs.
Quote:
In the state of Texas a bicycle is considered equivalent to a motor vehicle and subject to the same laws that apply to motor vehicles, with a few exceptions where special rules apply to bicyclists. In most cases, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and are subject to the same citations a motorist would receive for violating traffic laws. This means that cyclists should stop at all red lights and stop signs, signal when turning and stopping, yield right-of-way when law requires it - and by all means, NO SPEEDING! Most regular cyclists would agree with John Forester, author of "Effective Cycling" that cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. As a general rule, you should not do anything that you would not do when you are driving your car. Make yourself as visible as possible and be predictable in your actions. Making eye contact with drivers of other vehicles can help you establish your position and communicate to them what your intentions are.
CITY OF HOUSTON ORDINANCES
Section 45-302
No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk in the City of Houston within a business district or where prohibited by sign. A business district is defined as "the territory contiguous to and including a roadway when, within 600 feet along such roadway, there are buildings in use for business or industrial purpose which occupy 300 feet collectively on both sides of the roadway". Also, bicyclists are required to yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal to pedestrians when riding on approved sidewalks. (In general, bicyclists are permitted to ride on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinances, although experienced cyclists usually agree that it is much safer to ride on the street and follow the laws as they apply to any other vehicle.)
Section 45-311
This ordinance requires all bicycles to be registered. Owners of non registered bicycles can be ticketed and fined $5. Bicycles can be registered for a fee of $1.00 at many Houston fire stations.
Article 6701.d. Section 182
Requires that a bicycle ride with the flow of traffic. Riding with the traffic makes the cyclist more visible and predictable, especially at intersections.
City Ordinance No. 95-813
Children under the age of 18 who operate or ride on a bicycle or any side car, trailer, child carrier, seat or other device attached to a bicycle must wear a bicycle helmet.
http://www.houstonbicycleclub.org/Pages/SafetyBikeLaws.aspx
Quote:
Sec. 551.103. Operation on Roadway.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless:
(1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction; [or]
(2) the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; [or]
(3) a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway; or
(4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is:
(A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or
(B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side.
(b) A person operating a bicycle on a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway.
(c) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two abreast. Persons riding two abreast on a laned roadway shall ride in a single lane. Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on the roadway. Persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
http://bicycleaustin.info/laws/tx-bike.html
http://bicyclesafe.com/
tl;dr
Originally Posted By: greenaccord02
The way I see it, I pay vehicle registration taxes, inspection fees, plate fees, license fees and all of this so that I can use the road in my car. Bikes don't do that down here (though in some places I'm sure they do). So just because some yuppie douche wants to play spandex dress up so he can feel special and get the attention he craves by blocking traffic doesn't mean I should be late to work from being stuck behind him on the roads I helped pay for.
However, I am happy to report that just this morning I saw a nice contingent of bright yellow Lance Armstrongs speeding along the bike bridge, next to the road. They seemed happy, and were certainly unimpeded by the quality of the bridge. I've seen these guys riding before, and they're generally on point with the hand signals and attuned to stop signs when they're on the road (which is in places were there are no bike friendly alternatives). I actually commented to my wife the other day when we saw these guys riding that they were the only cyclists I've ever seen who signal their intentions and respect road signs.
Quote:
In the state of Texas a bicycle is considered equivalent to a motor vehicle and subject to the same laws that apply to motor vehicles, with a few exceptions where special rules apply to bicyclists. In most cases, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and are subject to the same citations a motorist would receive for violating traffic laws. This means that cyclists should stop at all red lights and stop signs, signal when turning and stopping, yield right-of-way when law requires it - and by all means, NO SPEEDING! Most regular cyclists would agree with John Forester, author of "Effective Cycling" that cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles. As a general rule, you should not do anything that you would not do when you are driving your car. Make yourself as visible as possible and be predictable in your actions. Making eye contact with drivers of other vehicles can help you establish your position and communicate to them what your intentions are.
CITY OF HOUSTON ORDINANCES
Section 45-302
No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk in the City of Houston within a business district or where prohibited by sign. A business district is defined as "the territory contiguous to and including a roadway when, within 600 feet along such roadway, there are buildings in use for business or industrial purpose which occupy 300 feet collectively on both sides of the roadway". Also, bicyclists are required to yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal to pedestrians when riding on approved sidewalks. (In general, bicyclists are permitted to ride on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinances, although experienced cyclists usually agree that it is much safer to ride on the street and follow the laws as they apply to any other vehicle.)
Section 45-311
This ordinance requires all bicycles to be registered. Owners of non registered bicycles can be ticketed and fined $5. Bicycles can be registered for a fee of $1.00 at many Houston fire stations.
Article 6701.d. Section 182
Requires that a bicycle ride with the flow of traffic. Riding with the traffic makes the cyclist more visible and predictable, especially at intersections.
City Ordinance No. 95-813
Children under the age of 18 who operate or ride on a bicycle or any side car, trailer, child carrier, seat or other device attached to a bicycle must wear a bicycle helmet.
http://www.houstonbicycleclub.org/Pages/SafetyBikeLaws.aspx
Quote:
Sec. 551.103. Operation on Roadway.
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless:
(1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction; [or]
(2) the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway; [or]
(3) a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway; or
(4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is:
(A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or
(B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side.
(b) A person operating a bicycle on a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway.
(c) Persons operating bicycles on a roadway may ride two abreast. Persons riding two abreast on a laned roadway shall ride in a single lane. Persons riding two abreast may not impede the normal and reasonable flow of traffic on the roadway. Persons may not ride more than two abreast unless they are riding on a part of a roadway set aside for the exclusive operation of bicycles.
http://bicycleaustin.info/laws/tx-bike.html
http://bicyclesafe.com/
tl;dr
It's becoming more and more common for cyclists to have some pretty serious lighting. Most in my area now at least have red flashers for their backsides and some are getting L.E.D. headlights, which don't project a big beam of light but are INCREDIBLY bright. Others still have the smaller lights you're talking about, which are better than nothing. [/quote]
Well if they have them I've yet to see them. The smaller lights I'd say aren't any better than nothing. They give the ride a false sense of security that he is being seen when in fact he isn't. If you want to ride at night then wear reflective clothing and get some darn lights on your bike. Not only might it save your life it also will help with the person coming up on you and them not having a lot of what ifs going through mind after he hits you. You have the rules of the road to back you yes, but at least be using common sense and not put yourself and others at danger just to prove a point. I see in our area we have a popular little lake that is a favorite for bikers to ride to. Trouble is that it is a little two lane road with frequent little hills. People with their campers or boats get caught behind the bikers and it all gets backed up. They can't get around the bikers and eventually somebody will get frustrated and try anyway. Then the bikers get ticked because they did. Sorry but please use a little common sense and courtesy.
Well if they have them I've yet to see them. The smaller lights I'd say aren't any better than nothing. They give the ride a false sense of security that he is being seen when in fact he isn't. If you want to ride at night then wear reflective clothing and get some darn lights on your bike. Not only might it save your life it also will help with the person coming up on you and them not having a lot of what ifs going through mind after he hits you. You have the rules of the road to back you yes, but at least be using common sense and not put yourself and others at danger just to prove a point. I see in our area we have a popular little lake that is a favorite for bikers to ride to. Trouble is that it is a little two lane road with frequent little hills. People with their campers or boats get caught behind the bikers and it all gets backed up. They can't get around the bikers and eventually somebody will get frustrated and try anyway. Then the bikers get ticked because they did. Sorry but please use a little common sense and courtesy.
this thread is funny.
The title is "Rant-Bicycles not following the road rules"
The subtitle needs to be "I hate cyclists, they should %@#$%&ing get off the road"...
Cyclists not following the rules of the annoys me too, more than most since I'm a cyclist;but all of the cyclists I know do follow the rules of the road, at least as much as any driver I know.
The bigger issue is that some people just hate bicycles, and it's funny to see the reasons detailed in this thread: "they're are MY roads, I pay taxes!", "my sexual identity is threatened because I saw a man in spandex", etc. Sorry, but you folks need to work out those issues before you get behind the wheel of a car. I realize these people are in the overwhelming minority, so to the rest of you I say "thanks" for paying attention and showing a little courtesy. To those few, well, there's nothing I can say that will fit within the forum guidelines...
And with that, I'm going for a ride!
The title is "Rant-Bicycles not following the road rules"
The subtitle needs to be "I hate cyclists, they should %@#$%&ing get off the road"...
Cyclists not following the rules of the annoys me too, more than most since I'm a cyclist;but all of the cyclists I know do follow the rules of the road, at least as much as any driver I know.
The bigger issue is that some people just hate bicycles, and it's funny to see the reasons detailed in this thread: "they're are MY roads, I pay taxes!", "my sexual identity is threatened because I saw a man in spandex", etc. Sorry, but you folks need to work out those issues before you get behind the wheel of a car. I realize these people are in the overwhelming minority, so to the rest of you I say "thanks" for paying attention and showing a little courtesy. To those few, well, there's nothing I can say that will fit within the forum guidelines...
And with that, I'm going for a ride!
Reviving an old thread to add this clip:
I think this is the cyclist motorists are fed up with.
I think this is the cyclist motorists are fed up with.
Originally Posted By: JOD
this thread is funny.
The title is "Rant-Bicycles not following the road rules"
The subtitle needs to be "I hate cyclists, they should %@#$%&ing get off the road"...
Cyclists not following the rules of the annoys me too, more than most since I'm a cyclist;but all of the cyclists I know do follow the rules of the road, at least as much as any driver I know.
The bigger issue is that some people just hate bicycles, and it's funny to see the reasons detailed in this thread: "they're are MY roads, I pay taxes!", "my sexual identity is threatened because I saw a man in spandex", etc. Sorry, but you folks need to work out those issues before you get behind the wheel of a car. I realize these people are in the overwhelming minority, so to the rest of you I say "thanks" for paying attention and showing a little courtesy. To those few, well, there's nothing I can say that will fit within the forum guidelines...
And with that, I'm going for a ride!
Even though it's an old post, THANK YOU JOD!!!
VERY well stated, and enough with the P.J. O'Rourke bee ess from most others.
I will also adamantly (and DEFIANTLY) follow, and continue to love, support, and participate in my favorite sport, despite being repeatedly told that I am not a "real man" unless I love/follow all of the 'murrican' stick and ball sports ONLY, and HATE the rest.
this thread is funny.
The title is "Rant-Bicycles not following the road rules"
The subtitle needs to be "I hate cyclists, they should %@#$%&ing get off the road"...
Cyclists not following the rules of the annoys me too, more than most since I'm a cyclist;but all of the cyclists I know do follow the rules of the road, at least as much as any driver I know.
The bigger issue is that some people just hate bicycles, and it's funny to see the reasons detailed in this thread: "they're are MY roads, I pay taxes!", "my sexual identity is threatened because I saw a man in spandex", etc. Sorry, but you folks need to work out those issues before you get behind the wheel of a car. I realize these people are in the overwhelming minority, so to the rest of you I say "thanks" for paying attention and showing a little courtesy. To those few, well, there's nothing I can say that will fit within the forum guidelines...
And with that, I'm going for a ride!
Even though it's an old post, THANK YOU JOD!!!
VERY well stated, and enough with the P.J. O'Rourke bee ess from most others.
I will also adamantly (and DEFIANTLY) follow, and continue to love, support, and participate in my favorite sport, despite being repeatedly told that I am not a "real man" unless I love/follow all of the 'murrican' stick and ball sports ONLY, and HATE the rest.
In Vancouver BC - a biking mecca - we have laws requiring helmets .. but they are largely ignored. Most of the bikers are well-behaved too, and probably the most dangerous thing I see (besides sans helmet) is riding at night with dark clothing and no lights or reflectors.
Originally Posted By: NJC
In Vancouver BC - a biking mecca - we have laws requiring helmets .. but they are largely ignored. Most of the bikers are well-behaved too, and probably the most dangerous thing I see (besides sans helmet) is riding at night with dark clothing and no lights or reflectors.
Yeah, I noticed that! I was in Victoria a few weeks ago and I noticed that the only people with helmets were racer types in team gear and hard core touring types over 60 years old. Everyone else was helmetless, including young kids. It looked downright weird to me. Even most of the hipsters around here rock those funny skater helmets. Kinda sad to see, because helmets work. I think education probably works better than helmet laws, though.
Road conditions there were a bit rough but there's some very nice riding up on the island, Vancouver as well.
In Vancouver BC - a biking mecca - we have laws requiring helmets .. but they are largely ignored. Most of the bikers are well-behaved too, and probably the most dangerous thing I see (besides sans helmet) is riding at night with dark clothing and no lights or reflectors.
Yeah, I noticed that! I was in Victoria a few weeks ago and I noticed that the only people with helmets were racer types in team gear and hard core touring types over 60 years old. Everyone else was helmetless, including young kids. It looked downright weird to me. Even most of the hipsters around here rock those funny skater helmets. Kinda sad to see, because helmets work. I think education probably works better than helmet laws, though.
Road conditions there were a bit rough but there's some very nice riding up on the island, Vancouver as well.
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