Unless you're leftist Antifa trash, then it's ok to prance around with full police support.
Why Do I Carry While Riding My Bicycle?
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Unless you're leftist Antifa trash, then it's ok to prance around with full police support.
I commuted for 20 years via bike in the L.A. area. I wore a helmet, reflective safety vest, and had lights on the bike. I also had a bell for pedestrians and a marine air horn for cars. I was punched by a gang member leaning out of a passing car. I had beer bottles thrown at me. I went into a sewer grate and flipped off of the bike and bent the front forks sideways. I was chased by a maniac who blew through a stop sign, almost hit me and then pursued me when I yelled at him. I lost him in an apartment building parking deck. I was chased by a dog pack (they stopped dead when pepper sprayed) and individual dogs (ditto). I had one bike stolen and broke a Specialized frame clear through at the rear hub (I wondered why the back of the bike felt wobbly). I got hit by a lady in her car who made a right turn on red right into the back of my bike and bent the wheel into a pretzel. She waved to me out of her sunroof as she drove away. I rode over two different rattle snakes that were sunning on the road - I didn't realize what they were until I was passing them. I crashed into a sign post in the dark and broke my collar bone and suffered a concussion and memory loss for over a year. That last one did it for me. But until then, despite monsoon-like rain, ash and smoke from brush fires so heavy it burned my eyes and made it hard to breathe - I kept at it. I realize now that I was the epitome of a fool, risking my life daily for staying in shape.
The groups I encounter on highway 42 out of Fuquay that pack ride on that winding road are really risking their lives from any vehicle doing 55 that comes around a curve only to find 30 cyclists doing 20 right in front of them. That driver only has seconds to stop or go into the ditch and probably roll the vehicle. I only bicycle in neighborhoods or paths now.
The groups I encounter on highway 42 out of Fuquay that pack ride on that winding road are really risking their lives from any vehicle doing 55 that comes around a curve only to find 30 cyclists doing 20 right in front of them. That driver only has seconds to stop or go into the ditch and probably roll the vehicle. I only bicycle in neighborhoods or paths now.
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Not a clue, none I hope.
No doubt about that one
Good thinking by them to choose one of the most congested and backed up roads in the area so that they can further congest and back it up.
In SC bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as any other vehicle. It is illegal to pass on the right in a single lane or use the shoulder to pass vehicles stopped at a stop sign or red light. They are legally supposed to wait in line like everyone else and wait.
I don't mind the riding and I will wait and go around them but I also had no problem ticketing them when they ran red lights and stop signs since they claimed that they had the same rights as cars. Tickets stood up in court too.
My wife has NO patience with bicyclists on the road interfering with the flow of traffic. And it bothers me because we have kids that picked up on that kind of behavior as they grew up.
When the kids hit their teens, and the subject of driving loomed, I was very careful to explain to them that losing your patience and your cool while behind the wheel of a vehicle that weighs thousand of pounds is a SERIOUS thing. I made sure to set a good example to them and pointed out a few things I really wanted to impress on them.
Like the fact that you're sitting in a comfortable seat inside a heated/cooled vehicle, sheltered from the element, with a radio for entertainment. Which means you can spare the few moments it takes for that little old lady to hobble her way across the parking lot in front of the grocery store.
Or the fact that just because you may have the right of way doesn't excuse you from proceeding with caution and intelligence anyway...because being in an accident where someone may be killed or injured, or even if it's just vehicular damage, there's little consolation to be had when you KNOW it could have been avoided entirely had you just avoided the accident entirely.
There are rude, crude, and socially unacceptable people in all walks of life...and that includes bicyclists, motorcyclists, car, and truck drivers. This is a fact, and it's also a fact that you'll encounter examples of all of them while out and about. Might as well figure out how to handle your own attitude BEFORE those encounters happen.
When the kids hit their teens, and the subject of driving loomed, I was very careful to explain to them that losing your patience and your cool while behind the wheel of a vehicle that weighs thousand of pounds is a SERIOUS thing. I made sure to set a good example to them and pointed out a few things I really wanted to impress on them.
Like the fact that you're sitting in a comfortable seat inside a heated/cooled vehicle, sheltered from the element, with a radio for entertainment. Which means you can spare the few moments it takes for that little old lady to hobble her way across the parking lot in front of the grocery store.
Or the fact that just because you may have the right of way doesn't excuse you from proceeding with caution and intelligence anyway...because being in an accident where someone may be killed or injured, or even if it's just vehicular damage, there's little consolation to be had when you KNOW it could have been avoided entirely had you just avoided the accident entirely.
There are rude, crude, and socially unacceptable people in all walks of life...and that includes bicyclists, motorcyclists, car, and truck drivers. This is a fact, and it's also a fact that you'll encounter examples of all of them while out and about. Might as well figure out how to handle your own attitude BEFORE those encounters happen.
Timfoilhat
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In Illinois, my subdivision was located on a road that was a single lane in each direction. It was paved perfectly (RARE in Illinois) and with the exception of 3 well manicured subdivisions off one side along it's 2 mile length it was scenic with golf courses and a forest preserve. We regularly had issues getting into and out of the subdivision as the bicyclists loved, loved, LOVED to take the lane (legal, but unnecessary) and pedal along at 5 mph on this 40 mph road. There was a stoplight at the intersection that crossed a state highway (RT64) and the same bicyclists regularly disregarded the light and caused traffic to lock brakes to avoid them. Stop sign just before the intersection must have been invisible as well.
I dealt with that as a (seasonal, hooray for ice) daily frustration that has left me with a seriously bad impression of all bicyclists. I just wanted to see some courtesy extended (move over a bit), and some amount of responsibility for one's own safety and respect for the law. After a few years of waiting behind them, and witnessing I found myself silently wishing them flattened the next time they ran a red light. Totally not my style. I'm chill and live and let live about most things.
We had a short lived effort to require bicyclists to get license plates on their rides if they wanted to share the road with cars. There were a number of concessions granted to them like the ability to just yield at a stop sign controlled intersection that was otherwise empty, but they would recieve tickets for running lights, and impeding traffic flow during commute times. I generally dislike government controlling much of anything, but I dislike uneven enforcement of existing rules even more.
The good news is that there basically no bike riders anywhere near where I live now. People around here drive so freaking bad that a bike or motorcycle is a deathtrap. Everyone knows it.
I dealt with that as a (seasonal, hooray for ice) daily frustration that has left me with a seriously bad impression of all bicyclists. I just wanted to see some courtesy extended (move over a bit), and some amount of responsibility for one's own safety and respect for the law. After a few years of waiting behind them, and witnessing I found myself silently wishing them flattened the next time they ran a red light. Totally not my style. I'm chill and live and let live about most things.
We had a short lived effort to require bicyclists to get license plates on their rides if they wanted to share the road with cars. There were a number of concessions granted to them like the ability to just yield at a stop sign controlled intersection that was otherwise empty, but they would recieve tickets for running lights, and impeding traffic flow during commute times. I generally dislike government controlling much of anything, but I dislike uneven enforcement of existing rules even more.
The good news is that there basically no bike riders anywhere near where I live now. People around here drive so freaking bad that a bike or motorcycle is a deathtrap. Everyone knows it.
Except people who get in my way.
OP
Other than doing a rolling stop through stop signs like 99% of ALL vehicles do, most cyclists I know don't "blow" through stop signs because this is what will happen to you eventually.
www.chicagotribune.com
Famed architect Helmut Jahn struck by two vehicles, killed while riding bicycle near St. Charles
Helmut Jahn, famed architect behind the Thompson Center, dies in bicycle collision, authorities confirm.
Other than doing a rolling stop through stop signs like 99% of ALL vehicles do, most cyclists I know don't "blow" through stop signs because this is what will happen to you eventually.
Famed architect Helmut Jahn struck by two vehicles, killed while riding bicycle near St. Charles
Helmut Jahn, famed architect behind the Thompson Center, dies in bicycle collision, authorities confirm.
I was thinking the same thing. In the 10ās of thousandās of miles I rode I never once ran a red light. Good way to get squashed. Now a cyclist can and will roll or balance and not come to a complete stop just about all the time, but flying through an Intersection is death wish stuff.
two fingers
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Here's my thing with bicyclists. Just because you can, that doesn't mean you SHOULD.
If your bike club is riding three wide during commuter hours, you're the problem, not cars/trucks/drivers.
There's a douchebag here in Greenville who rides a recumbent trike. He does it on Arlington Blvd (MAJOR road in town) during commuter hours. Is he legally allowed? Yep. He's a legal douchebag.
The same goes for country roads on a weekend. Why must you guys ride three wide? Just go single file and be done with it? If you're doing 25-35 in a 55 .....and nobody can get around you....I don't care what you're on, you're the problem. Paved roads were made to go fast. Period. That's the only reason we spend billions on the annually.... so people and products can get to their destinations quickly. If you're mucking up the quickly part, you're the problem. End of story.
That said, I don't hate anyone. And I would never EVER put someone's life in danger to make a point. I don't harass, clip, or push cyclists. I have strong opinions about them on paved roads. But they aren't strong enough to hurt somebody.
Back on topic. When I ride my mountain bike on trails or grass ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I'm packing an S&W M&P Shield .40. One mag has snake shot. The other has bear/people rounds.
If your bike club is riding three wide during commuter hours, you're the problem, not cars/trucks/drivers.
There's a douchebag here in Greenville who rides a recumbent trike. He does it on Arlington Blvd (MAJOR road in town) during commuter hours. Is he legally allowed? Yep. He's a legal douchebag.
The same goes for country roads on a weekend. Why must you guys ride three wide? Just go single file and be done with it? If you're doing 25-35 in a 55 .....and nobody can get around you....I don't care what you're on, you're the problem. Paved roads were made to go fast. Period. That's the only reason we spend billions on the annually.... so people and products can get to their destinations quickly. If you're mucking up the quickly part, you're the problem. End of story.
That said, I don't hate anyone. And I would never EVER put someone's life in danger to make a point. I don't harass, clip, or push cyclists. I have strong opinions about them on paved roads. But they aren't strong enough to hurt somebody.
Back on topic. When I ride my mountain bike on trails or grass ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I'm packing an S&W M&P Shield .40. One mag has snake shot. The other has bear/people rounds.
Cyclists are going slower, giving them longer to react and dramatically shortening stopping distance, and have far superior visibility, due to not having support structure obstructing their view. They can assess the intersection as they're approaching and determine far in advance if they need to stop or can safely roll through. Pedaling through an intersection at 400 watts with your head down looking at the front tire is a spandex-wrapped death wish.
Doesn't matter how wide they're riding, single file or three wide, they're entitled to the entire lane. It is legal to go around a bicycle on a solid line provided there is no oncoming traffic. You're required to give them at least three feet when passing. It is dangerous to attempt to pass a cyclist while sharing the lane with them.
OP
Why do they ride three wide? Nobody can get around? Why can't you get around by passing in the other lane just like you would get around a slower car? Is it because you want to pass them with cars coming in the opposite direction while still driving in their lane? They ride 2 and 3 wide to prevent motorists from squeezing by with oncoming traffic while passing.Here's my thing with bicyclists. Just because you can, that doesn't mean you SHOULD.
If your bike club is riding three wide during commuter hours, you're the problem, not cars/trucks/drivers.
There's a douchebag here in Greenville who rides a recumbent trike. He does it on Arlington Blvd (MAJOR road in town) during commuter hours. Is he legally allowed? Yep. He's a legal douchebag.
The same goes for country roads on a weekend. Why must you guys ride three wide? Just go single file and be done with it? If you're doing 25-35 in a 55 .....and nobody can get around you....I don't care what you're on, you're the problem. Paved roads were made to go fast. Period. That's the only reason we spend billions on the annually.... so people and products can get to their destinations quickly. If you're mucking up the quickly part, you're the problem. End of story.
That said, I don't hate anyone. And I would never EVER put someone's life in danger to make a point. I don't harass, clip, or push cyclists. I have strong opinions about them on paved roads. But they aren't strong enough to hurt somebody.
Back on topic. When I ride my mountain bike on trails or grass ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I'm packing an S&W M&P Shield .40. One mag has snake shot. The other has bear/people rounds.
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Mmmm...no, not really.
It's not that people "can't get around" necessarily, its that a lot of these take place in areas where "getting around" isn't easy/safe. Like winding roads where passing isn't much of an easy option, especially depending on the traffic conditions. Because of course we'll pass them when it's safe to do so.
And I'm a firm believer that a lot of bicyclists aren't really doing this for "safety" so much as they are for "socializing". Kinda difficult to keep up a running conversation/commentary if they're single file.
4seasonhunter
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No, it's illegal to go over the posted speed limit... but it seems a lot of people are under the opposite impression š
I honestly wish this is what rush hour looked like in our major cities... no spandex, heck no helmets, seems pretty civilized.
OP
A bicyclist may use a full marked lane. āBicyclists usually ride on the right side of the lane, but are entitled to use the full laneā¦. Drivers wishing to pass a bicyclist may do so only when there is abundant clearance and no oncoming traffic is in the opposing lane. When passing a bicyclist, always remember the bicyclist is entitled to use of the full lane.ā ā North Carolina Driverās Handbook, p.95.
Non-Motorized Vehicles Exempt from Impeding Traffic
Ā§ 20-141. (h) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on the highway at such a slow speed as to impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law; provided, this provision shall not apply to farm tractors and other motor vehicles operating at reasonable speeds for the type and nature of such vehicles.
Les White
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Here's the thing. The guy in the tractor is out there WORKING. Someone's leisure time activity while hogging the road with a "I have just as much right as you" attitude just doesn't fly.
I'm all for people cycling within reason. We don't allow cyclists on the freeway for obvious safety reasons. The same should apply - and common sense should dictate - on narrow back country roads with a 55mph speed limit. If you can't travel at even HALF the posted speed limit then you are creating a dangerous situation. Stick to slower more bike friendly roads.
Les White
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Hell no. If it were up to me we'd paint a bike lane right down the center lane of I-40 from Barstow to Wilmington. Seems like the problem would sort itself out in short order for the aforementioned cyclists who lack common sense and basic reasoning skills.
4seasonhunter
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I mean, I get what you're saying, but there are a lot of folks who have or choose to use bicycles as a mode of transportation (myself included). I ride the stretch of old 70 back home every day which is 55mph, 2 lane, to work and back. I'm commuting just like the tractor is driving to another field. For whatever reason it pisses some people off, haven't figured it out, but they try and run me off the road. There also seems to be some correlation between the weight of the driver and the degree of pissedoffness, thinking that some folks are just upset that they aren't in shape to ride.. ? š
Common sense? C'mon man!
4seasonhunter
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But that median or shoulder has plenty of room for a bike road, throw up some Jersey walls, plop some pavement everybody's happy.
Timfoilhat
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Question. In places where there are bike lanes do bicycles need to use the lanes or can they just continue to keep on keeping on in the car lanes? Seems like the bike lanes keep getting put in but nobody is ever in them.
Question. When there are networks of paths and dedicated lanes on roads available why do recreational riders choose to ride on roads they know to be busy and congested? Seems like a bad plan to me, that why I don't do it. The people just trying to get to work or school, ok, makes sense since the roads are the only way to get there. Just for a pleasure ride or workout why not use the dedicated paths and lanes?
Question. When there are networks of paths and dedicated lanes on roads available why do recreational riders choose to ride on roads they know to be busy and congested? Seems like a bad plan to me, that why I don't do it. The people just trying to get to work or school, ok, makes sense since the roads are the only way to get there. Just for a pleasure ride or workout why not use the dedicated paths and lanes?
OP
Greenway and paths have too many pedestrians to maintain a decent speed. Most bike lanes don't go very far or have disconnected areas in between them. My daily ride is 30 miles, some has bike lanes and some is the 4 lane parts of Colony Rd, Queens Rd and Queens Rd W.
Don't forget the driving lane they turned into a bike lane/botany exhibit on The Plaza.
ChickenHawk
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It is funny seeing you complain about something slower than you making it difficult to maintain speed while telling people in cars to quit complaining about bikes.
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Again, the guy in the tractor gets out of the way if cars start piling up behind them. In my experience bicycles stay right there no matter how difficult it is for someone to pass. If they would express that little bit of courtesy when there are 5-10 cars behind them they wouldn't get the hate that they do.