Yet another radio station advocates violence against cyclists.

[erikistired]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: fisher
i ran into the bikers yesteday (well i didn't run INTO them) on my way to the paintball field up in forsyth. i was surprised there were as many folks up there as there were. they were nice enough to move over into the turning lane and let us get by, altho one was kind of arrogant about it, tapping his wrist while we passed.

Crowd estimates at the finish line were roughly 70,000 according to the local news. They also interviewed the Dodge spokeman who said they estimated about a million people having seen the race at some point through the route and that they were very happy with their ROI as title sponsor.

I don't know what the wrist-tapping thing was all about, but there are going to be some assholes on bikes just like there are assholes in cars. <shrug>

oh i know that there are a'holes everywhere. everyone but him was quite nice for a few moments i encountered them. i know i slowed down a little when i passed (never know when someone might fall over or something) and i think he was just impatient or whatever. that's what i took it for at least. silly us i guess. i don't think the finish line was up there but there were a ton of people watching at one part of the complex.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: PingSpike

You're entitled to your opinion, but so am I. Even if it is 'wrong'. Considering the width of the road and the posted speed limit signs that a bike could never hope to reach it seems pretty clear to my what kind of transportation that it caters too. And hell, since I know its at least partially funded by gasoline taxes it seems pretty clear who's paying more for it.

And you're right, cyclists have little ability to endanger anyone but themselves. I apologize for my not wanting to run people over on the way to work, even if that would pose little danger to myself when they do stupid things. I guess I was just angry that I was put in a position where I almost killed another person, because he was to stupid to stay to the side of the road. Would you prefer I just run them over? After all, its a 'non-issue'.

Maybe we should just make it legal for them to ride on the sidewalks, god knows they do it all the time anyway.

Okay, so we can't ride on your roads, we can't ride on the sidewalk (though as you snidely observe, cyclists sometimes do), and you don't approve of funding bike paths. What do you propose?

It's funny, I have actually lived in Vermont (my parents were born there, and my grandparents still live in So Burlington), and I can't recall anyone being in such a damned hurry to get anywhere there. I also think of Vermont as a relatively civic-minded place, notwithstanding your comments. At least you are demonstrating to me that there are selfish, small-minded boneheads even in relatively prosaic settings.

I didn't say they couldn't ride on the roads. I just wish they would keep their wits about them when they did it and stay to the side, so I don't almost kill them and they aren't disrupting the flow of traffic. I can't see or predict everything, but if you're on a bike I would expect you to understand that there's CARS on the road. I'm not singling you out in particular or anything, I just don't like being put in spots where I almost kill some one.

But what do I know, I'm just a narassistic selfish idiot from some backwards hick state.

Again. I'm NOT discussing cyclists doing stupid stuff in this thread. If they do, wail on the horn, call them assholes, whatever. This is about motorists coming after us even when we're in compliance of the laws regarding bikes. Okay?

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: PingSpike

This is my feeling as well. I was under the impression roads were for cars myself. Not 3 bikes riding side by side so they guys can all talk to eachother. Do that on a narrow road with a speed limit of 50, no shoulder and be over the crest of the hill. You think I enjoy slamming on my brakes to avoid killing people out in the middle of the road? Then going 15 miles an hour with 5 cars behind me while they have a little chat. I can't stand it when that happens, and believe me, it happens to me a lot around here.

Bike paths? Here in vermont many of our regular roads are in a total state of disrepair and you want us to add new little bike roads. I don't feel like seeing my taxes raised to build bike paths when our regular roads are full of potholes. If you want bike paths, I say you form some independent commision to fund them, or tax bike equipment or something.

Ride on roads with a shoulder and stay single file and I don't have a problem with them...but don't go on the scenic route thats hilly, curvy, has high speed limits and lacks a shoulder and then complain motorists aren't looking out for your safety when we can't even see you coming.

Your "impression" is wrong (or at least incomplete). I don't normally ride abreast with other riders, but sometimes it makes sense because it makes us more visible.

Don't want to fund bike paths? Fine with me, but stop bitching when cyclists use the road, as they are entitled (and for that matter, required) to use it. Boo hoo for you for being trivially inconvenienced.

It's funny, I see crappy, dangerous drivers repeatedly, every day, on every single commute. I see bikes only occasionally on my commute. Cyclists are so few and far between, and have so little ability to endanger anyone but themselves, that they are a non-issue in terms of road use.

You're entitled to your opinion, but so am I. Even if it is 'wrong'. Considering the width of the road and the posted speed limit signs that a bike could never hope to reach it seems pretty clear to my what kind of transportation that it caters too. And hell, since I know its at least partially funded by gasoline taxes it seems pretty clear who's paying more for it.

And you're right, cyclists have little ability to endanger anyone but themselves. I apologize for my not wanting to run people over on the way to work, even if that would pose little danger to myself when they do stupid things. I guess I was just angry that I was put in a position where I almost killed another person, because he was to stupid to stay to the side of the road. Would you prefer I just run them over? After all, its a 'non-issue'.

Maybe we should just make it legal for them to ride on the sidewalks, god knows they do it all the time anyway.

FYI- the "bikes shouldn't be on the road because they're not buying gas and paying the tax" argument is completely without merit.

Thanks too for helping to turn this thread into a flamewar unrelated to the original issue. I appreciate that.

There's two sides to every issue, I felt like arguing the other side of this one. I apologize if I flamed anyone when I agreed with something another poster stated and backed up my statements. I guess when you brought up an hot issue to you, you didn't want to hear from anyone who didn't agree with you.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: PingSpike

This is my feeling as well. I was under the impression roads were for cars myself. Not 3 bikes riding side by side so they guys can all talk to eachother. Do that on a narrow road with a speed limit of 50, no shoulder and be over the crest of the hill. You think I enjoy slamming on my brakes to avoid killing people out in the middle of the road? Then going 15 miles an hour with 5 cars behind me while they have a little chat. I can't stand it when that happens, and believe me, it happens to me a lot around here.

Bike paths? Here in vermont many of our regular roads are in a total state of disrepair and you want us to add new little bike roads. I don't feel like seeing my taxes raised to build bike paths when our regular roads are full of potholes. If you want bike paths, I say you form some independent commision to fund them, or tax bike equipment or something.

Ride on roads with a shoulder and stay single file and I don't have a problem with them...but don't go on the scenic route thats hilly, curvy, has high speed limits and lacks a shoulder and then complain motorists aren't looking out for your safety when we can't even see you coming.

Your "impression" is wrong (or at least incomplete). I don't normally ride abreast with other riders, but sometimes it makes sense because it makes us more visible.

Don't want to fund bike paths? Fine with me, but stop bitching when cyclists use the road, as they are entitled (and for that matter, required) to use it. Boo hoo for you for being trivially inconvenienced.

It's funny, I see crappy, dangerous drivers repeatedly, every day, on every single commute. I see bikes only occasionally on my commute. Cyclists are so few and far between, and have so little ability to endanger anyone but themselves, that they are a non-issue in terms of road use.

You're entitled to your opinion, but so am I. Even if it is 'wrong'. Considering the width of the road and the posted speed limit signs that a bike could never hope to reach it seems pretty clear to my what kind of transportation that it caters too. And hell, since I know its at least partially funded by gasoline taxes it seems pretty clear who's paying more for it.

And you're right, cyclists have little ability to endanger anyone but themselves. I apologize for my not wanting to run people over on the way to work, even if that would pose little danger to myself when they do stupid things. I guess I was just angry that I was put in a position where I almost killed another person, because he was to stupid to stay to the side of the road. Would you prefer I just run them over? After all, its a 'non-issue'.

Maybe we should just make it legal for them to ride on the sidewalks, god knows they do it all the time anyway.

FYI- the "bikes shouldn't be on the road because they're not buying gas and paying the tax" argument is completely without merit.

Thanks too for helping to turn this thread into a flamewar unrelated to the original issue. I appreciate that.

There's two sides to every issue, I felt like arguing the other side of this one. I apologize if I flamed anyone when I agreed with something another poster stated and backed up my statements. I guess when you brought up an hot issue to you, you didn't want to hear from anyone who didn't agree with you.

Have you read any of my posts? Did you read the link?

1. I have no pity for cyclists who disobey the laws. You have been bitching about cyclists disobeying the laws. So basically, we agree.

2. Your gas-tax argument is just incorrect. I pointed this out.

3. I don't know what your stance on bike lanes and paths is all about. You're pissed we're on the road yet are firmly against addressing this.

So basically, you're just fanning the flames and I don't see why. I know motorists have a problem with us. This is reinforced on a daily basis. My POINT in all this is that people in cars will often harass cyclists for just existing even if we're obeying the law of the land and making a concerted effort not to get in your way. The end result of these kinds of confrontations is often injury or death for the cyclist. This pisses me off and it pisses me off even more when brain-dead radio jocks make light of this, which is the point of the thread. I've had this discussion regarding bikes on the road before and I'm just tired of arguing the same points over and over is all.

 

[acemcmac]

Forget this nonsense.... I commute on my bike... through downtown every day, including saturdays. I ride on the sidewalks all the time, always trying to be curteous and respectful of the peds.... If any cop ever has something to say to me... first he has to get my attention, and then I have the reasonable excuse of "wanting to live"

Whats the worst that can happen? a $10 fine for staying out of the fight with cars? I bike as a ped. period. I use crosswalks, etc and have been hit by people making right on red and not yeilding.

He was speeding up to get through the right on red before oncoming tuns would get in his way. My front handle bar extension went through the black ford explorer's right headlight, saving my hand, and I landed on his hood and cracked his windshield because I sit high. I'd rather do 12mpg through town in my cold engined Mustang for 3 miles than be forced to bike on these roads.... its a madhouse.

BTW, he fled while I was coming to. I still made it to work on time.

 

[Fausto]

FWIW- riding on the sidewalk is basically as dangerous as riding on the road, but for different reasons. You're much more likely (as you discovered) to be nailed by a car turning since they often don't see you coming.

Also, I race bikes as an amateur; my training rides can be anywhere from 30 to 80 miles so no way in hell am I going to do that on a sidewalk. Of course, I'm not going to do it on busy intown roads either, but you get my point.

 

[erikistired]

i wouldn't mind finding some good bike paths. i might actually get around to getting my mtn bike fixed.

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: fisher
i wouldn't mind finding some good bike paths. i might actually get around to getting my mtn bike fixed.

Go check out the Silver Comet Trail. Starts on the NE side just outside 285 and goes almost to the Alabama state line. Built on an old railbed too, so minimal hills.

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Two things:

Firstly, claiming that the said DJ was advocating violence toward cyclists is a gross overstatement at best and an outward lie at worst. He was just being in his "love to hate" persona, that's all.

Secondly, you, who so shared on this forum your adventure of sneaking on some lady and shoveling a banana into her car's exhaust pipe (and of course that act would not be against any laws whatsoever, would it) - of all people are crying "wolf" now? That?s just something else.

But most importantly ? the remarks by the DJ were innocent and what you people are now making out of this is just outrageous. It?s like that person from The Apprentice with the kettle and the pot saying. It?s beyond ridiculous.

 

[acemcmac]

oh, I know. I've gotten 3 pinch flats this year alone b/c of my sidewalk riding... but I'm also very very careful when I approach intersections and an SUV speeding up for a redlight was not something I was expecing <gulp>

 

[LS20]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
I don't advocate violence against cyclists but you guys are a hazard. You run the road in your little groups acting like you own the road all the while impeding the safe flow of automobile traffic. You put yourself in harms way and then expect for everyone else to watch out for you but unfortunately a lot of people can't drive.

It always amazes me how you pick roads where there is barely enough room for cars and then act like you are suprised when people in cars get upset getting stuck behind your slow moving spandex wearing asses. Go find a track or a private road....or a place where there is a bike lane. You have no business on a public road.

i dont ride in groups -- only with 1/2 buds
i dont act like i own the road -- i share it, along with the driving pack (of which i am also a part)
i can ride -- if, unfortunately, you can't drive, then you are the one that should not have business on a public road
oh, i dont wear spandex, either

!hey look'ere fellers: we're being stereotyped by this deep-south gun-totin chipped-toof supersized-double-quarter-pounder-with-a-sodie-pop mulleteer!

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon
Two things:

Firstly, claiming that the said DJ was advocating violence toward cyclists is a gross overstatement at best and an outward lie at worst. He was just being in his "love to hate" persona, that's all.

Mmmmhmmm. So I'm just misinterpreting the "I like to get high and run bikes off the road" comment? You, as a local, know that Atlanta has an issue with cars hating bikes. This makes the DJ's comments hugely irresponsible as they fan these flames at the very least, which is the crux of my beef with the station. You'll note that Dodge agreed with us on the matter.

Secondly, you, who so shared on this forum your adventure of sneaking on some lady and shoveling a banana into her car's exhaust pipe (and of course that act would not be against any laws whatsoever, would it) - of all people are crying "wolf" now? That?s just something else.

Uh......you may recall that my actions were provoke by her hitting me while I was riding legally on the side of the road and not bothering to stop. Most people would have just beaten the crap out of her; I chose a more creative means of addressing the issue.

But most importantly ? the remarks by the DJ were innocent and what you people are now making out of this is just outrageous. It?s like that person from The Apprentice with the kettle and the pot saying. It?s beyond ridiculous.

No, what's beyond ridiculous is how you only post when you think you can have a go at me. It's kind of flattering and sad at the same time, but it's nice to know you care Vlad.

/wipes away a single tear

 

[phantom309]

Originally posted by: MikeO

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: notfred
I still think you should move to California, Fausto.

Actually, almost anywhere but Atlanta would be nice. We have a great cycling scene but the daily abuse I get from motorists gets old after a while. It's rare that I go ride an don't have some jerkoff yell/honk/throw something at me. :frown:

That's just pathetic. What the hell is wrong with people? It's true, generally speaking, people do suck.

It's a redneck thing. In their primitive inbred "minds", cyclists and runners = hippies/tree huggers/fags.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Things are very cyclist friendly here. They have little bike only lanes on some of the major S.R.'s, and "bikes sharing roadway signs on the very scenic roads along the intercoastal waterway. Many of the newer communities have extra-wide sidewalks to ensure everyone including roller bladers and cyclists have enough room to share it.

Being near the beach, and in Florida where you can ride all year without spiked tires *laughs@mechBgon * Everyone has some sort of bike it seems. If the real radio/clear channel DJ's here are doing that they will get their asses handed to them on a plate.

My personal pet peeve here is that all the sub-divisions have walls along the road flanking the entrance to the neighborhood where the motorists can't see into traffic so they have to pull up well past the stop line to see and when I'm smokin' it down the sidewalk going 25-30mph and can't see the cars coming before you are already in the cross walk a car flyin' up which isn't going to stop until past where the cross walk is can hit you if the timing is right :| Consequently I have to continuously down shift, brake, and stand up in the pedals for 2miles leaving and then coming home of my ride to make certain I'm not going to end up a bug on their grill.

If you roadies want them to stop hatin' on you though.....just get rid of the spandex weiner-wear youz guyz wear Nothin' worse than some puddgy bastage in spandex to ruin a drive and/or turn public opinion against the cycling community

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon
Two things:

Firstly, claiming that the said DJ was advocating violence toward cyclists is a gross overstatement at best and an outward lie at worst. He was just being in his "love to hate" persona, that's all.

Mmmmhmmm. So I'm just misinterpreting the "I like to get high and run bikes off the road" comment? You, as a local, know that Atlanta has an issue with cars hating bikes. This makes the DJ's comments hugely irresponsible as they fan these flames at the very least, which is the crux of my beef with the station. You'll note that Dodge agreed with us on the matter.

Secondly, you, who so shared on this forum your adventure of sneaking on some lady and shoveling a banana into her car's exhaust pipe (and of course that act would not be against any laws whatsoever, would it) - of all people are crying "wolf" now? That?s just something else.

Uh......you may recall that my actions were provoke by her hitting me while I was riding legally on the side of the road and not bothering to stop. Most people would have just beaten the crap out of her; I chose a more creative means of addressing the issue.

But most importantly ? the remarks by the DJ were innocent and what you people are now making out of this is just outrageous. It?s like that person from The Apprentice with the kettle and the pot saying. It?s beyond ridiculous.

No, what's beyond ridiculous is how you only post when you think you can have a go at me. It's kind of flattering and sad at the same time, but it's nice to know you care Vlad.

/wipes away a single tear

1) Again, what you and those who side with you are trying to make out of this situation is not anywhere near the actual way that things are. It actually reminds me of all the hoopla around ?The Passion Of The Christ? when interested groups and individuals were accusing the film of things that were not there, just for the purpose of gaining public?s attention and promoting their own agenda at others? expense.

2) That is no excuse whatsoever. But you make your own choices, of course. The interesting part here is you crying wolf in the current situation, considering what you allow yourself to do to others.

3) Would be nice if you tried to somehow solve your personal issues and did not try to personally attack each person that has a view different from yours. And what prompted me to respond (although I was largely ignoring all this BS that you got going around it last week) was this morning?s radio show.

I mean, the situation is truly ridiculous. You people are accusing a person of what he did not do for the sole purpose of advancing your ?cause?.

 

[Fausto]

If you roadies want them to stop hatin' on you though.....just get rid of the spandex weiner-wear youz guyz wear Nothin' worse than some puddgy bastage in spandex to ruin a drive and/or turn public opinion against the cycling community

ARRRGH!!! Again with the shorts!! You people have to let this go!!

So what if we impose a load limit on spandex purchases? Would that make you happy, dammit?!?!

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: Ronstang
I don't advocate violence against cyclists but you guys are a hazard. You run the road in your little groups acting like you own the road all the while impeding the safe flow of automobile traffic. You put yourself in harms way and then expect for everyone else to watch out for you but unfortunately a lot of people can't drive.

It always amazes me how you pick roads where there is barely enough room for cars and then act like you are suprised when people in cars get upset getting stuck behind your slow moving spandex wearing asses. Go find a track or a private road....or a place where there is a bike lane. You have no business on a public road.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Moron. You have no right to own a car as you have no consideration for other road users.

How about if we had a bunch of truck drivers advocating that all cars 'have a car only lane, get on a private road or "car track". They have no place on the public road' Would that start you up? Of course it would.

You now have some understanding, thanks to me taking my precious time to educate you. Please relocate your rock and ensconce yourself back under it.

 

[AMCRambler]

I live in upstate NY and we don't really have a problem with bikes here either. Most of our roads have a bit of shoulder on them and as long as the riders don't go two abreast traffic can get around you fine. We also have a lot of twisty and curvy roads up here and I never have any problem if I come around a curve and there's a biker on the side of the road riding. As long as you aren't driving too fast you will have no problem steering around a bike. It sounds to me like in Atlanta everybody just needs to learn to have a little consideration for each other. In NYC bikes aren't really a problem either as far as I can tell. There's so much traffic in NYC that the normal traffic speed is actually slower than a fast biker, lol. At least on the cross streets, the Ave's are usually faster flowing, but there's space for bikers on the side of the road most of the time. Is Atlanta that much different?

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: acemcmac
Forget this nonsense.... I commute on my bike... through downtown every day, including saturdays. I ride on the sidewalks all the time, always trying to be curteous and respectful of the peds.... If any cop ever has something to say to me... first he has to get my attention, and then I have the reasonable excuse of "wanting to live"

Whats the worst that can happen? a $10 fine for staying out of the fight with cars? I bike as a ped. period. I use crosswalks, etc and have been hit by people making right on red and not yeilding.

He was speeding up to get through the right on red before oncoming tuns would get in his way. My front handle bar extension went through the black ford explorer's right headlight, saving my hand, and I landed on his hood and cracked his windshield because I sit high. I'd rather do 12mpg through town in my cold engined Mustang for 3 miles than be forced to bike on these roads.... its a madhouse.

BTW, he fled while I was coming to. I still made it to work on time.

That guy needs to be hurt. Badly.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: Ronstang
I don't advocate violence against cyclists but you guys are a hazard. You run the road in your little groups acting like you own the road all the while impeding the safe flow of automobile traffic. You put yourself in harms way and then expect for everyone else to watch out for you but unfortunately a lot of people can't drive.

It always amazes me how you pick roads where there is barely enough room for cars and then act like you are suprised when people in cars get upset getting stuck behind your slow moving spandex wearing asses. Go find a track or a private road....or a place where there is a bike lane. You have no business on a public road.

This is my feeling as well. I was under the impression roads were for cars myself. Not 3 bikes riding side by side so they guys can all talk to eachother. Do that on a narrow road with a speed limit of 50, no shoulder and be over the crest of the hill. You think I enjoy slamming on my brakes to avoid killing people out in the middle of the road? Then going 15 miles an hour with 5 cars behind me while they have a little chat. I can't stand it when that happens, and believe me, it happens to me a lot around here.

Bike paths? Here in vermont many of our regular roads are in a total state of disrepair and you want us to add new little bike roads. I don't feel like seeing my taxes raised to build bike paths when our regular roads are full of potholes. If you want bike paths, I say you form some independent commision to fund them, or tax bike equipment or something.

Ride on roads with a shoulder and stay single file and I don't have a problem with them...but don't go on the scenic route thats hilly, curvy, has high speed limits and lacks a shoulder and then complain motorists aren't looking out for your safety when we can't even see you coming.

Get a clue and get CONSIDERATE!

 

[Fausto]

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon

Originally posted by: Fausto

Originally posted by: imprezawrxwagon
Two things:

Firstly, claiming that the said DJ was advocating violence toward cyclists is a gross overstatement at best and an outward lie at worst. He was just being in his "love to hate" persona, that's all.

Mmmmhmmm. So I'm just misinterpreting the "I like to get high and run bikes off the road" comment? You, as a local, know that Atlanta has an issue with cars hating bikes. This makes the DJ's comments hugely irresponsible as they fan these flames at the very least, which is the crux of my beef with the station. You'll note that Dodge agreed with us on the matter.

Secondly, you, who so shared on this forum your adventure of sneaking on some lady and shoveling a banana into her car's exhaust pipe (and of course that act would not be against any laws whatsoever, would it) - of all people are crying "wolf" now? That?s just something else.

Uh......you may recall that my actions were provoke by her hitting me while I was riding legally on the side of the road and not bothering to stop. Most people would have just beaten the crap out of her; I chose a more creative means of addressing the issue.

But most importantly ? the remarks by the DJ were innocent and what you people are now making out of this is just outrageous. It?s like that person from The Apprentice with the kettle and the pot saying. It?s beyond ridiculous.

No, what's beyond ridiculous is how you only post when you think you can have a go at me. It's kind of flattering and sad at the same time, but it's nice to know you care Vlad.

/wipes away a single tear

1) Again, what you and those who side with you are trying to make out of this situation is not anywhere near the actual way that things are. It actually reminds me of all the hoopla around ?The Passion Of The Christ? when interested groups and individuals were accusing the film of things that were not there, just for the purpose of gaining public?s attention and promoting their own agenda at others? expense.

2) That is no excuse whatsoever. But you make your own choices, of course. The interesting part here is you crying wolf in the current situation, considering what you allow yourself to do to others.

3) Would be nice if you tried to somehow solve your personal issues and did not try to personally attack each person that has a view different from yours. And what prompted me to respond (although I was largely ignoring all this BS that you got going around it last week) was this morning?s radio show.

I mean, the situation is truly ridiculous. You people are accusing a person of what he did not do for the sole purpose of advancing your ?cause?.

1) Sorry, but this is nothing like that film. We have a standing issue here in town and the DJs were inflaming that issue. Advocation of violence toward a given group is wrong. Period.

2) Uhuh. I'll just buy her flowers the next time she almost kills me.

3) Your sole purpose here is to start sh*t in my threads and I'm the one with issues? You can add "self-delusion" to your list of issues, methinks.

Oh, and you're referring to the show this morning where they misread letters sent in (I have the originals since they were written by my teammates), and then furthered the situation by calling bikes "toys" and making various references to "ballhugger" shorts? Yeah, that sounded totally innocent to me.

Bottom line: they screwed up and the FCC's going to get an earful regardless of your opinion on the matter.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Fausto

If you roadies want them to stop hatin' on you though.....just get rid of the spandex weiner-wear youz guyz wear Nothin' worse than some puddgy bastage in spandex to ruin a drive and/or turn public opinion against the cycling community

ARRRGH!!! Again with the shorts!! You people have to let this go!!

So what if we impose a load limit on spandex purchases? Would that make you happy, dammit?!?!

Hell no! weiner-wear must go!!! Hell no! weiner-wear must go!!! ..........Catchy ain't it? Seriously, hotties in spandex with their jubblies hanging out of those tight zip up jerseys are sweet :beer: I have been known to suddenly become a trail slug when I ride up on one on the single-track

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: PingSpike

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: PingSpike

This is my feeling as well. I was under the impression roads were for cars myself. Not 3 bikes riding side by side so they guys can all talk to eachother. Do that on a narrow road with a speed limit of 50, no shoulder and be over the crest of the hill. You think I enjoy slamming on my brakes to avoid killing people out in the middle of the road? Then going 15 miles an hour with 5 cars behind me while they have a little chat. I can't stand it when that happens, and believe me, it happens to me a lot around here.

Bike paths? Here in vermont many of our regular roads are in a total state of disrepair and you want us to add new little bike roads. I don't feel like seeing my taxes raised to build bike paths when our regular roads are full of potholes. If you want bike paths, I say you form some independent commision to fund them, or tax bike equipment or something.

Ride on roads with a shoulder and stay single file and I don't have a problem with them...but don't go on the scenic route thats hilly, curvy, has high speed limits and lacks a shoulder and then complain motorists aren't looking out for your safety when we can't even see you coming.

Your "impression" is wrong (or at least incomplete). I don't normally ride abreast with other riders, but sometimes it makes sense because it makes us more visible.

Don't want to fund bike paths? Fine with me, but stop bitching when cyclists use the road, as they are entitled (and for that matter, required) to use it. Boo hoo for you for being trivially inconvenienced.

It's funny, I see crappy, dangerous drivers repeatedly, every day, on every single commute. I see bikes only occasionally on my commute. Cyclists are so few and far between, and have so little ability to endanger anyone but themselves, that they are a non-issue in terms of road use.

You're entitled to your opinion, but so am I. Even if it is 'wrong'. Considering the width of the road and the posted speed limit signs that a bike could never hope to reach it seems pretty clear to my what kind of transportation that it caters too. And hell, since I know its at least partially funded by gasoline taxes it seems pretty clear who's paying more for it.

And you're right, cyclists have little ability to endanger anyone but themselves. I apologize for my not wanting to run people over on the way to work, even if that would pose little danger to myself when they do stupid things. I guess I was just angry that I was put in a position where I almost killed another person, because he was to stupid to stay to the side of the road. Would you prefer I just run them over? After all, its a 'non-issue'.

Maybe we should just make it legal for them to ride on the sidewalks, god knows they do it all the time anyway.

The fuel tax thing is a non starter my friend. How much damage to the road do you think the average bike does? Now compare a 2500lb car, then a Bus and then a Truck. Get it?

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: AMCRambler
I live in upstate NY and we don't really have a problem with bikes here either. Most of our roads have a bit of shoulder on them and as long as the riders don't go two abreast traffic can get around you fine. We also have a lot of twisty and curvy roads up here and I never have any problem if I come around a curve and there's a biker on the side of the road riding. As long as you aren't driving too fast you will have no problem steering around a bike. It sounds to me like in Atlanta everybody just needs to learn to have a little consideration for each other. In NYC bikes aren't really a problem either as far as I can tell. There's so much traffic in NYC that the normal traffic speed is actually slower than a fast biker, lol. At least on the cross streets, the Ave's are usually faster flowing, but there's space for bikers on the side of the road most of the time. Is Atlanta that much different?

Hotlanta traffic is a nightmare! I go through on the way to the mountains or when visiting a relative when they are there and it makes chicago look like Mayberry by comparison. I've read they are the most heavily penalized city in the nation for urban sprawl, if true, there traffic reflects that stat.

 

[imprezawrxwagon]

Originally posted by: AMCRambler
I live in upstate NY and we don't really have a problem with bikes here either. Most of our roads have a bit of shoulder on them and as long as the riders don't go two abreast traffic can get around you fine. We also have a lot of twisty and curvy roads up here and I never have any problem if I come around a curve and there's a biker on the side of the road riding. As long as you aren't driving too fast you will have no problem steering around a bike. It sounds to me like in Atlanta everybody just needs to learn to have a little consideration for each other. In NYC bikes aren't really a problem either as far as I can tell. There's so much traffic in NYC that the normal traffic speed is actually slower than a fast biker, lol. At least on the cross streets, the Ave's are usually faster flowing, but there's space for bikers on the side of the road most of the time. Is Atlanta that much different?

I don't know about bikes in Atlanta much - when I am in Atlanta, I rarely encounter them, and when I do, I just pass them making the distance between us as much as possible.

But, in downtown Miami/South Beach - cyclists are the worst. It is unbelievable. Most of them will scratch your car without hesitation; some will use it as a jumping board of sorts. My wife spends much time driving around South Beach and the area and the new car looks just plain horrible from all the dents and scratches, many of which come from cyclists. So it really does not me make all warm and fuzzy when somebody mentions cyclists on the roads with cars.