26001 pound truck vs guy on a bicyle

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: MrDudeMan

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: MrDudeMan

Originally posted by: arcenite

Safeway disagrees with you, since he's willing to point a gun at someone who confronts him about taking up a lane.

I don't care if Safeway disagrees with me, but just for the record you seem to be sensationalizing something he said.

Say what? You don't point a gun at someone unless you plan on killing them.

That's a pretty ridiculous point of view. I'd have no problem pointing a gun at someone, with no intention of killing them, just to get them to stop whatever it is they are doing that could become a problem. If someone showed up at my door at 3AM and looked even slightly suspicious, I'd bring my shotgun with me and have it close enough to "pointed at them" to be effective if I needed it. I know this is different than what he was talking about but it illustrates the point. You have no idea how pissed off people are in their cars until you've had one come at you. A guy hit me one time and got out of his car ready to pick a fight because he was angry for whatever reason. I grabbed a wrench from the attached pocket under my seat ready to crush his fucking skull if he attacked me. No different to me than pointing a gun at him to get him to calm down.

Wrong, you don't point a gun at someone unless you're prepared to pull the trigger. That's a great way to get yourself disarmed and killed with your own gun.

Wrong what? If I have it pointed at someone and they move like they are going to do something, I'd have no problem pulling the trigger. I'd love to see the go-go-gadget arms that could remove my shotgun from my hands at 8-9 feet away when it is pointed basically right at them. In the bike situation, if I had a gun I'd be just as likely to shoot them if they advanced after I told them to stop or calm down and back off. I have no problem shooting a raving lunatic to save my own skin if the situation could have been otherwise reasonable. I don't want to shoot anyone but I'm prepared to do it if they are putting me in danger.

I am not hot-tempered but people doing avoidably stupid stuff is outside of my limits of what I can tolerate. The guy who approached me, after hitting me with his car, backed off after I made it clear I was ready to fight back. I told him to calm the fuck down and say what he needed to say then get back in his car and leave. I see nothing wrong with any of that and I would have acted the exact same with a gun.

 

[MrDudeMan]

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: dguy6789
Link

They need to add "In some states, it's illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk" to that list.

That law actually makes sense. As someone who bikes 2 or 3 times a year, you have much less visibility on the sidewalk. Cars aren't looking for you there (going into intersections, coming out of driveways, etc).

Agreed. I don't even bicycle, but I think it's obviously a bad idea for a bicyclist to ride on the side walk. I have no problem with them riding in the road, just don't be a complete dick about it and use some common sense.

That was my whole point all along. I didn't even bring up the gun thing but I am just defending that position because imo it makes sense. Safeway was too aggressive about it but I'd have no problem using a weapon defensively is my point.

 

[Safeway]

"Telling me what I should be doing instead of riding" is a nice way to put it. The driver thought I should be bleeding and dying instead.

 

[dguy6789]

Use the cross walk to cross intersections? Around here, sidewalks are pretty far away from the main street. I've never had a visibility problem. Slow down and look around if there's no intersection.

 

[SunnyD]

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: SunnyD

Originally posted by: Safeway
Thanks for that snippet, but you should have bolded more:

UNLESS:

(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.

(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.

That applies to nearly every street in existence.

In which case you are expected to use the shoulder/parking lane if possible. (Granted, not sidewalk, though you should probably get off your bike and walk it on the sidewalk)

Use common sense dude. 30# bike versus mass of steel. If you care about your life, don't be a dick.

Negative. This law states that I can control the entire lane as I see fit. I conducted numerous hours of research on mopeds, scooters, and bicycles for a legal brief last semester.

Haha... entitlement. The law does NOT anywhere state that you can control the entire lane as you see fit. The law DOES state that you need to move your ass over under all circumstances where possible. It's not up to interpretation by you, it's up to interpretation by a judge. The law says "MOVE THE FUCK OVER*" (* except under extenuating circumstances where it is safer for ALL parties involved in the flow of traffic - this part is common sense). It's written right there, and not subject to YOUR interpretation.

I will be here living and breathing the day they peel your carcass off the pavement, and I will remember you as the idiot who decided his own sense of entitlement trumped common sense. Either that or I'll laugh at you after you get 25 to life for offing some driver for your pathetic little case of road rage. It is people like you that take the joy out of cycling.

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: Safeway
"Telling me what I should be doing instead of riding" is a nice way to put it. The driver thought I should be bleeding and dying instead.

Half of the people posting in this thread would agree with that driver, especially in the heat of the moment. There's a difference between thinking it and acting it.

edit:

Please comment on this, Safeway.

If you want to ride on the road you should expect to be treated like everyone else on the road; you know, the ones in cars?

If a car is doing less than the speed limit or anything else that inconveniences other drivers, it is likely that they will get honked at and cause aggressiveness in other drivers. Why should a cyclist expect any more or less?

 

[Sea Moose]

Originally posted by: Safeway
"Telling me what I should be doing instead of riding" is a nice way to put it. The driver thought I should be bleeding and dying instead.

Where do you keep your gun, if your wearing your lycra pantyhose?

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: dguy6789
Link

They need to add "In some states, it's illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk" to that list.

That law actually makes sense. As someone who bikes 2 or 3 times a year, you have much less visibility on the sidewalk. Cars aren't looking for you there (going into intersections, coming out of driveways, etc).

Agreed. I don't even bicycle, but I think it's obviously a bad idea for a bicyclist to ride on the side walk. I have no problem with them riding in the road, just don't be a complete dick about it and use some common sense.

I'd rather ride on a sidewalk with 5mph pedestrians vs the road with 50mph suburbans

 

[DaWhim]

wow...hard to believe how many assholes are here on this thread.

I bike 5 miles everyday to work and back here in London. I am glad 80% of the time, I don't have to deal with cars because I am protected by the bus lane. The buses are usually pretty slow and I pass them once then never see them again. The only thing I need to watch out for is taxi which has the right to use the bus lane.

Other drivers do treat the bikes better, there are just a lot of us on the bikes. I take over the road as necessary and the cars will slow down 90% of the time. it helps that the speed limit is very low; the car can't do more like 30mph in the whole city.

When I went to amesterdam, i totally love the city there and how effecient it is. It was literally everyone that lives in amsterdam own a bike. The city was so well developed for biking and public transportation. you will be pretty dumb to drive in there.

I wish there is a city that is little closer to London with a reasonable safety for biker in US, but there isn't. meanwhile, just have to wish for a higher and higher gas for the suckers that drive.

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: Ns1

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: dguy6789
Link

They need to add "In some states, it's illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk" to that list.

That law actually makes sense. As someone who bikes 2 or 3 times a year, you have much less visibility on the sidewalk. Cars aren't looking for you there (going into intersections, coming out of driveways, etc).

Agreed. I don't even bicycle, but I think it's obviously a bad idea for a bicyclist to ride on the side walk. I have no problem with them riding in the road, just don't be a complete dick about it and use some common sense.

I'd rather ride on a sidewalk with 5mph pedestrians vs the road with 50mph suburbans

It depends on the area I suppose. I imagine it might be different in the city, but in areas where there are lots of things to block your view it can be very overwhelming.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: Safeway
Negative. This law states that I can control the entire lane as I see fit. I conducted numerous hours of research on mopeds, scooters, and bicycles for a legal brief last semester.

[/quote]

I'm only showing off my google-fu skills, so if you got a retort to this in your research I'd love to hear it

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;

(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.

(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.


[back to list of TX laws] Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995, amended

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: DaWhim
wow...hard to believe how many assholes are here on this thread.

I bike 5 miles everyday to work and back here in London. I am glad 80% of the time, I don't have to deal with cars because I am protected by the bus lane. The buses are usually pretty slow and I pass them once then never see them again. The only thing I need to watch out for is taxi which has the right to use the bus lane.

Other drivers do treat the bikes better, there are just a lot of us on the bikes. I take over the road as necessary and the cars will slow down 90% of the time. it helps that the speed limit is very low; the car can't do more like 30mph in the whole city.

When I went to amesterdam, i totally love the city there and how effecient it is. It was literally everyone that lives in amsterdam own a bike. The city was so well developed for biking and public transportation. you will be pretty dumb to drive in there.

I wish there is a city that is little closer to London with a reasonable safety for biker in US, but there isn't. meanwhile, just have to wish for a higher and higher gas for the suckers that drive.

it helps that the speed limit is very low; the car can't do more like 30mph in the whole city.

There's a difference between city driving and what the OP is talking about.

 

[Cattlegod]

cyclists who ride on the road should die. use the sidewalk. i agree 100% with the OP.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: Ns1

Originally posted by: Safeway
Negative. This law states that I can control the entire lane as I see fit. I conducted numerous hours of research on mopeds, scooters, and bicycles for a legal brief last semester.

I'm only showing off my google-fu skills, so if you got a retort to this in your research I'd love to hear it

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, UNLESSSSS:


(1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction;

(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.

(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.


[back to list of TX laws] Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995, amended

[/quote]

Jesus, you missed it too.

FIXED.

You cannot mix in single cyclist with double cyclist laws. It doesn't work that way. Where does it say that a single rider cannot, by law, ride in the middle of the lane? Make sure you note the very important exceptions. I am not required to ride to the far right 99% of the time.

Further, as a technicality, where does it say that a single cyclist cannot impede traffic? It doesn't.

 

[DaWhim]

Originally posted by: arcenite

it helps that the speed limit is very low; the car can't do more like 30mph in the whole city.

There's a difference between city driving and what the OP is talking about.

OP did not indicted what was the speed he was at? was he in the city? i did get confused when he said highway. highway = freeway to me and bicycles are not allowed on it.

 

[zinfamous]

Bicycle = car as per rules of the road

OP is stupid.

....which makes the rage even funnier.


also: should/could/would... HAVE!!!!


it's not fucking: would/should/could... OF
jesus christ, just think about it for 2 seconds, people.

 

[Safeway]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod
cyclists who ride on the road should die. use the sidewalk. i agree 100% with the OP.

You are officially a fucking worthless human being. I bet you go to church, too.

 

[Ns1]

Originally posted by: Safeway

Originally posted by: Ns1

Originally posted by: Safeway
Negative. This law states that I can control the entire lane as I see fit. I conducted numerous hours of research on mopeds, scooters, and bicycles for a legal brief last semester.

I'm only showing off my google-fu skills, so if you got a retort to this in your research I'd love to hear it

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, UNLESSSSS:


(1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction;

(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.

does the area near the right curb encompass your ENTIRE TRIP
(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.

Fair enough, however very situation specific

(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.


[back to list of TX laws] Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995, amended

[/quote]

Responses in italics (since you used the bold). I actually didn't miss it, I just wasn't aware those situations applied ALL THE GODDAMN TIME.

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: zinfamous
Bicycle = car as per rules of the road

OP is stupid.

....which makes the rage even funnier.


also: should/could/would... HAVE!!!!


it's not fucking: would/should/could... OF
jesus christ, just think about it for 2 seconds, people.

Why is the OP stupid? OK, so if a bike is the equivalent of a car on the road, why is it ok for someone to get upset about a car driver doing something "stupid" such as, driving 20-25 on the highway? In fact, in some areas, a driver would be ticketed for going so slow.

 

[DrVos]

Originally posted by: Sea Moose
Bikes do not pay registration, they do not contribute to road maintenance and costs. They are the freeloaders of the road.

Some Points to consider:
1. As far as I have read, most funding (like 92%) for roads comes from property tax, sales tax, and and income tax...not gas taxes and registration.
2. Many cyclists (such as my self) own a vehicle as well as cycle (I cyclo-commute 15 miles a day 4 days a week)
3. Since most cyclists pay as much for road maintenance as people who drive cars do, but cause much less wear and tear on roads, they actually subsidize roadways for drivers.

Regarding riding on the sidewalk:
Not only is it illegal in many jusrisdctions, but much more dangerous to ride on a sidewalk. Turning cars tend not to expect, nor see cyclists on sidewalks, greatly increasing the chance of a collision.

From "Adult Bicyclists in the U.S." by Dr. William Moritz: Relative danger index 24.8 times as high for sidewalk riding as for major street without bicycle facilities. (ADULT BICYCLISTS IN THE UNITED STATES - CHARACTERISTICS AND RIDING EXPERIENCE IN 1996, William E. Moritz, Ph.D., Professor (Emeritus) Human Powered Transportation, University of Washington, Seattle WA)

I will use a bike lane if it is safe to do so. If no bike lane is present, and there are parked cars to my right, I will take the lane. This ensures that i don't get hit by opening doors on my right and keeps cars from passing too closely on my left. When I first started riding, I tried to stay as far to the right as I could. This invited passing cars to pass within INCHES at 30-40MPH. Now that I take the lane, it encourages motorists to use the adjacent lane to pass me-- a much safer situation for all of us.

 

[arcenite]

Originally posted by: DaWhim

Originally posted by: arcenite

it helps that the speed limit is very low; the car can't do more like 30mph in the whole city.

There's a difference between city driving and what the OP is talking about.

OP did not indicted what was the speed he was at? was he in the city? i did get confused when he said highway. highway = freeway to me and bicycles are not allowed on it.

I think the OP should clarify, but to me, a 4 lane highway only has one meaning.

 

[Sea Moose]

Originally posted by: arcenite

Originally posted by: zinfamous
Bicycle = car as per rules of the road

OP is stupid.

....which makes the rage even funnier.


also: should/could/would... HAVE!!!!


it's not fucking: would/should/could... OF
jesus christ, just think about it for 2 seconds, people.

Why is the OP stupid? OK, so if a bike is the equivalent of a car on the road, why is it ok for someone to get upset about a car driver doing something "stupid" such as, driving 20-25 on the highway? In fact, in some areas, a driver would be ticketed for going so slow.

Have you ever driven a heavy vehicle?

 

[Punter]

I have always wondered one thing about bike riders on highways: Is debris/rocks tossed around by cars not a concern for you? I have picked up many rocks in my windshields over the years. Would not want to receive one of those in the face, even if I am only moving 30mph.

 

[Sea Moose]

Originally posted by: Punter
I have always wondered one thing about bike riders on highways: Is debris/rocks tossed around by cars not a concern for you? I have picked up many rocks in my windshields over the years. Would not want to receive one of those in the face, even if I am only moving 30mph.

darwinism.... bikes should not be there

 

[RedArmy]

I CAN FEEL THE RAGE IN THIS THREAD. MORE I SAY, MORE.:evil: