Bicycle question

[turbo36]

Now I know why you think I'm narrow minded, you like organized group rides

Actually I do very few group road rides of more then 2 or 3 riders mostly I do long 3-5 hours individual rides by myself so I can ride at my pace and not others.

Honest questions...

1. When you ride in a group with more than two abreast and take up the whole lane, don't you feel guilty at all if there is a car behind you that can't pass?

If riding in a group we stay two abreast until a car closes on us and then we move into a single line.

2. When a car gets behind you and can't pass, don't you try to make room so the car can pass, or if you can't, do you feel at like you're holding that driver up?

As soon as the road permits we move over - usually this is 10-15 seconds. When I drive one of my tractors I use the same policy.

3. Do you feel that the road is your right to ride a bike? .

Absolutely- the law says it is.

4. What's the maximum amount of riders riding together that will form a single file so cars can pass, or do you form a single file at all?

Hard to say, I been in some races that had pace lines of 20-30 bikes

5. How many miles do you drive your car to ride your bike? (you don't have to answer that one )

I built a new house 1 mile from the rail trail so I don't have to drive my car, also I ride my bike to work (10 miles) and I will ride my bike to most of the mountain bike trails I ride whenever I can.

Just curious.

Inquiring minds need to know. Any other questions? I would be more then happy to answer them.

 

[turbo36]

I could never understand a bicyclist or group of them that blocks the road. In good weather, I run down our local roads for miles. Something I always keep in mind, if there is a collision between me and something much larger, what will be the damage. Machine- 1, me- splat. So, common sense dictates that I take every precaution to move out of the way.

I was riding with a friend in his car one day when he encountered a bicycle that would always ride the middle of the road. My friend cured him of this with no damage done. He got up to about 50 mph, got close behind him, and absolutely locked up the brakes, screeching and swerving to a stop. This guy had no clue what was going on and swerved almost into the ditch. My buddy stopped and told him that next time his bike is in the middle of the road, he may not be able to stop his car in time. I never saw the bike in the middle of the road again.

So that makes him a big man?

 

[Sigarms]

Inquiring minds need to know. Any other questions? I would be more then happy to answer them.

No, no more questions. From your answers, you seem like a responsible bike rider who loves to ride for the sake of riding.

Since I drive over 4,000 miles a month for work, riding the bike would take too much of my time during the day, however, anytime you're in North Carolina, you're more than welcome to come over and see what I have to deal with on a regular basis driving to and from the house on our rural roads which helps me form my opinions on the bike riders in my area.

 

[turbo36]

No, no more questions. From your answers, you seem like a responsible bike rider who loves to ride for the sake of riding.

Yep, just like I support your right to own the types of dogs you want and own as many guns as you want.

 

[sseelhoff]

As a cyclist, let me let you in on a little secret. The folks most critical of the road hogging cyclists are actually other cyclists. I cannot tell you how many charity rides I have participated in and seen the behavior described in this thread (cyclists hogging the road-not moving for traffic-disregarding traffic signals, stop signs, etc....) Without exception, I have seen this behaviour chastised by other participants (riders) and event organizers. It's rude, unsafe, and not really tolerated by the cycling community at large. Most of us realize that a few of these idiots make us all look bad, and care not to associate with this type of behaviour.

The rules of the road are this (Per Texas Transportation Code): A bicycle is a vehicle, and is permitted to operate on the public roadways, unless specifically excluded (i.e. highways). A bicycle is, however, required to operate as far to the right as practicable, and cannot operate in such a manner as to impede other traffic lawfully on the roadway, get your *** out fo the way. Most states prohibit more than two bicycles riding abreast at any time.

The reality is, any cyclist who cannot maintain a line next to the shoulder is probably has poor handling skills and is going to end up with more than a ticket. Penalties range from a beer can thrown from a window at speed, to performing an involuntary muffler check on the underside of a moving vehicle.

Some of the anger is unnecessary. If the cyclist is on the edge of the road, go around. We understand. Just use a bit of caution, and you won't be inconvenienced but a few seconds. We' re really not trying to ruin your day, but enjoy a little bit of scenery in ours. By the same token, don't make our lives miserable to compensate for the few jerks that do exist.

 

[Sigarms]

Yep, just like I support your right to own the types of dogs you want and own as many guns as you want.

Good point, but keep in mind, with all the types of dogs I keep care of and the two guns I own, I do my best not to have an adverse effect on the daily lives of others whom I don't know.

Sad to say, most of the road bike riders I now come into contact with do not seem to have the same principles as you do when it comes to riding a road bike.

I support all who want to enjoy a sport they love, I only ask that when they pursue that love, that it doesn't have an adverse effect upon my daily life. I sincerely don't think that is too much to ask for.

Apologies, I'm not the better man when after driving over 250 miles in one day, and I'd like to get home to my wife, that I have to deal with four or so bike riders on a semi regular basis that I have to be behind on my drive home on a rurual road, with those same road bikers making NO EFFORT whatsoever to try to let me pass them on the road. I'd be lying if I said I didn't get aggrivated.

Again, nice to know I'm not the only one.

Perhaps if more road bikers had your priciples while riding, I would of been the only one posting on this thread.

 

[Sigarms]

As a cyclist, let me let you in on a little secret. The folks most critical of the road hogging cyclists are actually other cyclists. I cannot tell you how many charity rides I have participated in and seen the behavior described in this thread (cyclists hogging the road-not moving for traffic-disregarding traffic signals, stop signs, etc....) Without exception, I have seen this behaviour chastised by other participants (riders) and event organizers. It's rude, unsafe, and not really tolerated by the cycling community at large. Most of us realize that a few of these idiots make us all look bad, and care not to associate with this type of behaviour.

The rules of the road are this (Per Texas Transportation Code): A bicycle is a vehicle, and is permitted to operate on the public roadways, unless specifically excluded (i.e. highways). A bicycle is, however, required to operate as far to the right as practicable, and cannot operate in such a manner as to impede other traffic lawfully on the roadway, get your *** out fo the way. Most states prohibit more than two bicycles riding abreast at any time.

The reality is, any cyclist who cannot maintain a line next to the shoulder is probably has poor handling skills and is going to end up with more than a ticket. Penalties range from a beer can thrown from a window at speed, to performing an involuntary muffler check on the underside of a moving vehicle.

Some of the anger is unnecessary. If the cyclist is on the edge of the road, go around. We understand. Just use a bit of caution, and you won't be inconvenienced but a few seconds. We' re really not trying to ruin your day, but enjoy a little bit of scenery in ours. By the same token, don't make our lives miserable to compensate for the few jerks that do exist.

Well said.

You seem like a responsible cyclist.

However, sad to say, I'm going to say that the majority of cyclists I come across in my area make NO ATTEMPT at all for you to try and pass while driving a car when they are riding abreast of each other.

THAT is my bone of contention.

Let me ask you this, since I never rode in large numbers. When on the weekend and 50 or more cyclists get together for a ride in the "rural county", does anyone ever say, "geeze, with 50 of us riding together, figuring three to four abreast, don't you think some of the people driving cars might get a little upset if they can't pass around us and get stuck behind us for miles going bewteen 10-20mph?".

Or do they say, "screw the drivers, we have as much right to this road as they do?".

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Perhaps that's the way you see, I see it as lacking in maturity. I would expect a 16 year old to do this but not a grown man.

That's me. "Please pass the ketchup, I think I'll go to bed!" Actually, around here, a 16 year old would just hit him in the back with his fresh emptied beer can on the way by.

 

[Sigarms]

Perhaps that's the way you see, I see it as lacking in maturity. I would expect a 16 year old to do this but not a grown man.

I would expect a grown man to have better judgement than to ride his bike in the middle of the road.

Hey, like I said, I've had stuff thrown at me from drivers while running or riding for no reason at all other than to have a laugh at my expense. That said, I also know better when to keep my mouth shut even if the driver of the vehicle is in the wrong. He's in a car. I'm not.

 

[Egon]

How about unicycles?

Check out Wobbling Wally!

This thread is getting sorta funny in a sick way.

 

[turbo36]

As a cyclist, let me let you in on a little secret. The folks most critical of the road hogging cyclists are actually other cyclists. I cannot tell you how many charity rides I have participated in and seen the behavior described in this thread (cyclists hogging the road-not moving for traffic-disregarding traffic signals, stop signs, etc....) Without exception, I have seen this behaviour chastised by other participants (riders) and event organizers. It's rude, unsafe, and not really tolerated by the cycling community at large. Most of us realize that a few of these idiots make us all look bad, and care not to associate with this type of behaviour.

The rules of the road are this (Per Texas Transportation Code): A bicycle is a vehicle, and is permitted to operate on the public roadways, unless specifically excluded (i.e. highways). A bicycle is, however, required to operate as far to the right as practicable, and cannot operate in such a manner as to impede other traffic lawfully on the roadway, get your *** out fo the way. Most states prohibit more than two bicycles riding abreast at any time.

The reality is, any cyclist who cannot maintain a line next to the shoulder is probably has poor handling skills and is going to end up with more than a ticket. Penalties range from a beer can thrown from a window at speed, to performing an involuntary muffler check on the underside of a moving vehicle.

Some of the anger is unnecessary. If the cyclist is on the edge of the road, go around. We understand. Just use a bit of caution, and you won't be inconvenienced but a few seconds. We' re really not trying to ruin your day, but enjoy a little bit of scenery in ours. By the same token, don't make our lives miserable to compensate for the few jerks that do exist.

While I agree with most of your comments I take exception to your comment abut maintaining your line on the edge of the road. I don't know what your roads are like in Texas but in Michigan we have potholes on the edge of the road that make it possible to ride the "fog line" so I will ride just to the left of it until I hear a car coming and then move over as it approaches. The reason for this is that there are new studies showing that if you "ride the line" most car drivers assume you can stay on it and will never slow down and move around you (as they are required to do by law) rather they will maintain their speed and split the lane inches away from you. One false move on your part and you are dead.
I got hit by a little old lady who clipped me with the mirror, apparently because I was so far to the right I was out of her deteriorated peripheral vision.

 

[Sigarms]

This thread is getting sorta funny in a sick way.

True, but two things come to light, at least for myself.

1. As mentioned, I'm not the only driver who finds some bike riders rude or just plain...well, you can fill in the word/words of your choice.

2. No one who rides a road bike will admit to the fact (on this forum) that they won't make any type of attempt of manuver for a car to pass them when the car is "stuck" behind them.

 

[Sigarms]

I don't know what your roads are like in Texas but in Michigan we have potholes on the edge of the road that make it possible to ride the "fog line" so I will ride just to the left of it until I hear a car coming and then move over as it approaches.

Again, you're in the minority on who and what I observe from cyclists in my area.

Have to tell you though, you sound like you ride your road bike just like a guy with "a pretty narrow outlook" I know of

 

[Egon]

2. No one who rides a road bike will admit to the fact (on this forum) that they won't make any type of attempt of maneuver for a car to pass them when the car is "stuck" behind them.

Yup, I pull over. So now what???


I've put more than a mile or on a bike. For years I road to work. 26 kilometers round trip. Yup, I wore spandex but my job didn't qualify for "Yuppie" status.

 

[turbo36]

Again, you're in the minority on who and what I observe for cyclists in my area.

Have to tell you though, you sound like you ride your road bike just like a guy with "a pretty narrow outlook" I know of

How am I wrong? I follow the law and move over when a car approaches what am I doing wrong?

 

[sseelhoff]

Well said.

You seem like a responsible cyclist.

However, sad to say, I'm going to say that the majority of cyclists I come across in my area make NO ATTEMPT at all for you to try and pass while driving a car when they are riding abreast of each other.

THAT is my bone of contention.

Let me ask you this, since I never rode in large numbers. When on the weekend and 50 or more cyclists get together for a ride in the "rural county", does anyone ever say, "geeze, with 50 of us riding together, figuring three to four abreast, don't you think some of the people driving cars might get a little upset if they can't pass around us and get stuck behind us for miles going bewteen 10-20mph?".

Or do they say, "screw the drivers, we have as much right to this road as they do?".

When I ride group rides, we are all on constant watch for traffic. When a car approaches from behind, we all start shouting "car back" so everyone is aware, and make every effort to get into a single file line, and yell at those hanging out to get over to the side. When we get to an intersection, we always a) stop, and b) let motorists get by before resuming our ride.