What is it with drivers?

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: chrisg22
I"ve also seen an idiot basically tailgating a guy on a bike within a foot or so of his back tire.

I have this happen to me all the time on this road that is part of one of my usual routes. Here's the kicker though... it's a relatively steep hill descending into Multnomah Village here in SW Portland, there's no dedicated bike lane in the downhill stretch, the speed limit going into the Village is 20 mph for cars, and I'll be doing 35 on my bike. And some grandma in her Subaru Outback wagon will be a foot off my rear tire. Seriously, happens to me all the time.

:|

Yeah, there's a hill I ride down on my commute that is 25mph for cars and I hit speeds in the low to mid 30s easily so I just take the lane and every once in a while I'll get some moron honking at me to move over. I just ignore them.

BTW-I never run red lights and I obey all traffic laws. The only one I will ignore is coming to a complete stop at a stop sign where there is no cross traffic coming. If a car is there and they have right of way I will gladly stop and yield but if there are no other cars I will not stop (I will slow down enough to decide whether it is safe to proceed but I will not stop-it makes no sense to do so in that situation).

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: Vic
It is against the law in most US cities and states (including my own) to ride on the sidewalk (trails are hit and miss as to whether bikes are allowed on them). As you yourself noted, it is the law that you have to treat bikes like cars. Share the road, asshat. You don't own it.

Some roads aren't big enough for the both of us. You can't drive the posted speed limit or even close to it, get out of my way. I move over and treat bicyclists decently, I expect the same.

To me, I find dealing with bicyclists being the hard part... like yesterday when leaving the park after some tennis, there's only one incoming lane and two outgoing lanes (one for turn left, one for turn right). I have to turn right to leave but a bicyclist was in the turn right lane heading up the slight hill. Do I go into the turn left lane and cut around the bicyclist or wait behind him until he stops and lets me pass (as there's no shoulder at all). Would passing in the other lane be seen as an "ass move"?

 

[yowolabi]

Originally posted by: bigben2wardpitt
about the original post here, theres shouldnt be bikers on roadways with cars. I constantly have to go around bikers so i don't hit them on the road, which in result end up on the other side of the road. Bikers need to get on the sidewalk or get off main roads. It is ridiculous that I should have to treat a bike like a car (which is the law in Virginia). If you don't like cars, get off the road where cars are. Take a trail or a sidewalk.

So you want bikers to disobey the law for your convenience? I'm sure you'd like it if you didn't have to avoid the other cars on the road, yet they won't be driving on the sidewalk either.

As far as the OP, I understand your pain, however you should also recognize that there are plenty of drivers who get behind you and don't cut you off. Surely that's happened many times, yet you focus on the exception.

It's sad that situations like that is why some bikers insist on riding in the middle of the road. That way drivers are forced to look at them as having the same rights as cars. When a biker tries to be considerate and stay out of the way, eventually some driver is going to take advantage of that. Unfortunately, it only takes one of them for a serious injury to occur.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: Vic
It is against the law in most US cities and states (including my own) to ride on the sidewalk (trails are hit and miss as to whether bikes are allowed on them). As you yourself noted, it is the law that you have to treat bikes like cars. Share the road, asshat. You don't own it.

Some roads aren't big enough for the both of us. You can't drive the posted speed limit or even close to it, get out of my way. I move over and treat bicyclists decently, I expect the same.

To me, I find dealing with bicyclists being the hard part... like yesterday when leaving the park after some tennis, there's only one incoming lane and two outgoing lanes (one for turn left, one for turn right). I have to turn right to leave but a bicyclist was in the turn right lane heading up the slight hill. Do I go into the turn left lane and cut around the bicyclist or wait behind him until he stops and lets me pass (as there's no shoulder at all). Would passing in the other lane be seen as an "ass move"?

Wait until you can safely go around him. Trust me, he'll appreciate your patience and courtesy and it takes all of what, a couple of seconds of your time?

Again, bike lanes or roads with a decent shoulder would help with this problem.

 

[broon]

Originally posted by: Aikouka
Some roads aren't big enough for the both of us. You can't drive the posted speed limit or even close to it, get out of my way. I move over and treat bicyclists decently, I expect the same.

To me, I find dealing with bicyclists being the hard part... like yesterday when leaving the park after some tennis, there's only one incoming lane and two outgoing lanes (one for turn left, one for turn right). I have to turn right to leave but a bicyclist was in the turn right lane heading up the slight hill. Do I go into the turn left lane and cut around the bicyclist or wait behind him until he stops and lets me pass (as there's no shoulder at all). Would passing in the other lane be seen as an "ass move"?

Yes it would have been an ass move. Are you in such a hurry that you can't wait an extra minute for the cyclist to make the turn?

 

[effowe]

I have been looking over my shoulder for any lane changes for a couple of years now due to bike riders. In the city you have no idea if they are coming up behind you, and they can just appear out of nowhere sometimes.

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
Wait until you can safely go around him. Trust me, he'll appreciate your patience and courtesy and it takes all of what, a couple of seconds of your time?

Again, bike lanes or roads with a decent shoulder would help with this problem.

Most of the roads around here have bike lanes or large shoulders. This is just an access road for the park, hence why there is no bike lane.

He actually ended up stopping and letting me pass and I waved as I went by him. I think he wanted me to go around him, but if I went into the left lane, one could assume that I was turning left, not right. Such choices that need to be made so quickly .

Originally posted by: broon
Yes it would have been an ass move. Are you in such a hurry that you can't wait an extra minute for the cyclist to make the turn?

Actually, I am very anal wasting gas taking a minute to get up a slight hill.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: effowe
I have been looking over my shoulder for any lane changes for a couple of years now due to bike riders. In the city you have no idea if they are coming up behind you, and they can just appear out of nowhere sometimes.

Frequently, it is faster to get around by bike in the city than it is by car. My commute is 10 miles one way and I can do it in 35-40 minutes. By car it takes about 20 minutes but can easily take 30-40 minutes if traffic is bad.

I'm not right in the heart of the city though. I'm in more of a suburban area but one with a large number of local businesses nearby.

 

[MrPickins]

Way to stereotype all drivers...

From my experience, the rate of asshat drivers is similar to the rate of asshat cyclists.

I used to commute exclusively by bike, so I go out of my way to treat cyclists with respect, but I find that I rarely get the same respect back from them. If you want to act like a vehicle, obey all the laws.

What really irks me is when cyclist cut up to the front of the line at a red light, and get in front of the rest of traffic. I've seen this 3 times this week. Then they slow down the cars they just cut off.

But notice how I wasn't talking about all cyclist. I understand that exaggeration would only lessen my rant.

 

[Yreka]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I'm riding in this morning on my road bike, in the bike lane, when some idiot in a Toyota Corolla passes me and immediately makes a right turn directly in my path. I had to slam on the brakes and swerve to avoid plowing into her stupid cage. :|

I hate fscking clueless drivers. I yelled at her but of course the dumb b!tch couldn't hear me. If I could have reached out and smacked her car I would have. Wish I could have put a nice dent in her trunk. :|:|:|

Exactly the reason I sold my Motorcycle. Sucks too, I sure miss it and could certainly use 50+mpg about now.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: MrPickins
Way to stereotype all drivers...

From my experience, the rate of asshat drivers is similar to the rate of asshat cyclists.

I used to commute exclusively by bike, so I go out of my way to treat cyclists with respect, but I find that I rarely get the same respect back from them. If you want to act like a vehicle, obey all the laws.

What really irks me is when cyclist cut up to the front of the line at a red light, and get in front of the rest of traffic. I've seen this 3 times this week. Then they slow down the cars they just cut off.

But notice how I wasn't talking about all cyclist. I understand that exaggeration would only lessen my rant.

Well, the clueless ones are the ones who stand out. And there is no shortage of them.

I always ride up to the front of the que at a light. But, as I've said many times, WE HAVE DEDICATED BIKE LANES ON MOST OF THE STREETS HERE!!! To stop behind a bunch of parked cars would be ridiculous.

BTW-I've seen a few cyclists who do stupid things but largely they only put themselves at risk. When someone guiding a 2 ton vehicle does something stupid people die.

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: dainthomas

Originally posted by: rh71
I don't know how far you were from the corner in your case but I've been in situations where bikers are near the turn I'm supposed to make (left turn) and I have to decide whether I could make it in time or not. It's a lot easier to judge pedestrians' walking pace than a biker's... it's a PITA actually. More often than not, I let them go even if they are further and I would've made it in time. :|

Maybe you should just drive around in your whaambulance. That way cyclists will see your lights and sirens and know to avoid you. Problem solved!

There's like one every blue moon that I see... I think they should just walk. Either that or encage themselves in metal like the rest of us so I won't have to worry too much about their fragile presence while they haul ass down the streets. Problem solved!

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: bigben2wardpitt
about the original post here, theres shouldnt be bikers on roadways with cars. I constantly have to go around bikers so i don't hit them on the road, which in result end up on the other side of the road. Bikers need to get on the sidewalk or get off main roads. It is ridiculous that I should have to treat a bike like a car (which is the law in Virginia). If you don't like cars, get off the road where cars are. Take a trail or a sidewalk.

It is against the law in most US cities and states (including my own) to ride on the sidewalk (trails are hit and miss as to whether bikes are allowed on them). As you yourself noted, it is the law that you have to treat bikes like cars. Share the road, asshat. You don't own it.

I see kids on bikes on the sidewalks all the time. WTF's up wit dat yo ? Get their noob asses out on the pavement where cars can run them down!

 

[jagec]

I wonder which is more dangerous, riding a bicycle in the city, or riding a motorcycle in the city? In both cases cars don't see you. I've done both, and to be honest I feel safer on a motorcycle. I really hate the feeling of flying down a hill with cars blowing by you at twice your speed, you halfway into the gutter, and of course those piss-poor bicycle brakes. At least on a motorcycle you can stop and accelerate away from danger a lot faster. On the other hand, bikes are a lot smaller and easier to squeeze into a tight area after a car does something stupid like come to a dead stop in the middle of the road.

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MrPickins
Way to stereotype all drivers...

From my experience, the rate of asshat drivers is similar to the rate of asshat cyclists.

I used to commute exclusively by bike, so I go out of my way to treat cyclists with respect, but I find that I rarely get the same respect back from them. If you want to act like a vehicle, obey all the laws.

What really irks me is when cyclist cut up to the front of the line at a red light, and get in front of the rest of traffic. I've seen this 3 times this week. Then they slow down the cars they just cut off.

But notice how I wasn't talking about all cyclist. I understand that exaggeration would only lessen my rant.

Well, the clueless ones are the ones who stand out. And there is no shortage of them.

I always ride up to the front of the que at a light. But, as I've said many times, WE HAVE DEDICATED BIKE LANES ON MOST OF THE STREETS HERE!!! To stop behind a bunch of parked cars would be ridiculous.

BTW-I've seen a few cyclists who do stupid things but largely they only put themselves at risk. When someone guiding a 2 ton vehicle does something stupid people die.

I agree that it is the stupid people that stand out, but 95% or more of the people on this forum are drivers. Your thread title includes all of us.

And I also agree that cars are much more dangerous when they make a mistake, but that doesn't excuse irresponsible cyclists. What about the emotional harm done to an innocent person who kills a cyclist who isn't following the law?

In my example of cutting to the front, I'm referring to bikes in the normal lanes of traffic. Obviously if you have a dedicated bike lane you will go to the front.

My whole point is: Your thread title is needlessly broad and inflammatory. I have no doubt that you would post in defense if I had a thread with a similar title about cyclists.

 

[ViviTheMage]

I hate bikers....not sure why.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: MrPickins
My whole point is: Your thread title is needlessly broad and inflammatory. I have no doubt that you would post in defense if I had a thread with a similar title about cyclists.

Well, it was my intention to make the title inflamatory because I am pissed off because some jackass who wasn't paying attention nearly caused me bodily harm. Deal with it.

When a cyclist comes close to killing you on the road please feel free to get mad and make an inflamatory thread about it. I may or may not post in it.

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MrPickins
My whole point is: Your thread title is needlessly broad and inflammatory. I have no doubt that you would post in defense if I had a thread with a similar title about cyclists.

Well, it was my intention to make the title inflamatory because I am pissed off because some jackass who wasn't paying attention nearly caused me bodily harm. Deal with it.

When a cyclist comes close to killing you on the road please feel free to get mad and make an inflamatory thread about it. I may or may not post in it.

So you wanted to jumpstart the car vs. bikes flame war that these type of threads tend to degenerate into. That's fine, it's your thread, just be honest about it.

Edit: And I'm being needlessly argumentative. I'll stop crapping on your rant now.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: MrPickins

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: MrPickins
My whole point is: Your thread title is needlessly broad and inflammatory. I have no doubt that you would post in defense if I had a thread with a similar title about cyclists.

Well, it was my intention to make the title inflamatory because I am pissed off because some jackass who wasn't paying attention nearly caused me bodily harm. Deal with it.

When a cyclist comes close to killing you on the road please feel free to get mad and make an inflamatory thread about it. I may or may not post in it.

So you wanted to jumpstart the car vs. bikes flame war that these type of threads tend to degenerate into. That's fine, it's your thread, just be honest about it.

No, I did not want to start a flame war. Someone can say something inflamatory without it devolving into a huge argument. Besides, I don't think the title is all that inflamatory. My post certainly is, but that's because I was angry. Not because I wanted to start a flame war.

I'm over my anger now anyway.

-Peace out.

 

[TheUnk]

we need a law for cyclists that it's ok to hit them as long as you scrape them off the road afterwards.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: TheUnk
we need a law for cyclists that it's ok to hit them as long as you scrape them off the road afterwards.

Now that was inflamatory. :laugh:

 

[Zenmervolt]

I have to say that Bikers put up with a lot of crap.

Unfortunately, drivers in cars only ever really remember the bikers who do stupid things (like the bike that pulled up on my right side in a right turn only lane and then proceeded to go straight, or the bikes that sail right through red lights). The 1-5% of cyclists who pull stunts like those give all cyclists a bad name. Just like how the relatively few idiots in cars give the rest of us drivers a bad name.

I mean, think about it. In an average commute you will encounter hundreds of cars and see maybe 5 stupid/asshole maneuvers. It's just that those are the only ones you remember.

Anyway, some of us in our cages are doing our best to watch out for you cyclists, don't assume the idiots are the majority.

ZV

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: jagec
I wonder which is more dangerous, riding a bicycle in the city, or riding a motorcycle in the city? In both cases cars don't see you. I've done both, and to be honest I feel safer on a motorcycle. I really hate the feeling of flying down a hill with cars blowing by you at twice your speed, you halfway into the gutter, and of course those piss-poor bicycle brakes. At least on a motorcycle you can stop and accelerate away from danger a lot faster. On the other hand, bikes are a lot smaller and easier to squeeze into a tight area after a car does something stupid like come to a dead stop in the middle of the road.

Everyone I know who has ridden both has said that the motorcycle is far safer. Even in the country.

ZV

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: jagec
I wonder which is more dangerous, riding a bicycle in the city, or riding a motorcycle in the city? In both cases cars don't see you. I've done both, and to be honest I feel safer on a motorcycle. I really hate the feeling of flying down a hill with cars blowing by you at twice your speed, you halfway into the gutter, and of course those piss-poor bicycle brakes. At least on a motorcycle you can stop and accelerate away from danger a lot faster. On the other hand, bikes are a lot smaller and easier to squeeze into a tight area after a car does something stupid like come to a dead stop in the middle of the road.

Everyone I know who has ridden both has said that the motorcycle is far safer. Even in the country.

ZV

I ride both and I'd probably have to agree with that. A bit of that stems from the protective gear you wear on a motorcycle though I'm sure (at least it does for me).

I wouldn't want to be hit by a car on either one though.

BTW-I didn't mean to imply that all motorists are like this. Hell, I drive a car too and I certainly don't lump myself into the category of oblivious drivers. Last week on my commute home I was getting over into the left lane to make a left turn and a woman in a car slowed way down just to make it easier for me to get across her lane. I see people do stuff like this from time to time and I always give them a friendly wave because I really do appreciate those gestures.

Of course you always hear about the bad things...I guess it's just human nature. Would you tune in to the news if all they did was show stories about happy happy joy joy events in the world?

 

[imported_Baloo]

Originally posted by: jtvang125

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
I'm riding in this morning on my road bike, in the bike lane, when some idiot in a Toyota Corolla passes me and immediately makes a right turn directly in my path. I had to slam on the brakes and swerve to avoid plowing into her stupid cage. :|

I hate fscking clueless drivers. I yelled at her but of course the dumb b!tch couldn't hear me. If I could have reached out and smacked her car I would have. Wish I could have put a nice dent in her trunk. :|:|:|

Do you live in a high concentration of mexicans? I do and next to the little old asian females drivers around here they seem to be some of the worst drivers out there. When I drive into the middle class white neighborhoods I never have a problem. No getting cut off, no getting stuck behind drivers driving 10 under, no idiots not merging completely onto the shoulder to make a right turn...ect. I defintely need to get out of this sh1thole.

They all wear white pointy caps in your neighborhood?