What Is Wrong With People?
#101
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When I took driver's ed in 1971 I was taught to drive defensibly. Now that I'm back to riding a bike 50+ years later, I ride defensibly. I use the crosswalk if there is one. If there isn't one I stay as far right as I can get, as long as it's paved. If there's no bike lane, then it's the sidewalk for me. I guess I'm a coward when it comes to competing with very heavy things that move fast, and are driven by idiots.
Btw I'm enjoying your thread Mr. B.
Btw I'm enjoying your thread Mr. B.
#102
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If you move to the right, use a sidewalk or otherwise try to stay out of the way, I'm not sure that's being defensive. If so, then why not do the same when you are in your car?
But it's a choice. And in some places maybe a valid and sensible choice. But it's not for my conditions I ride in here. I can be defensive and ride in the middle of my lane for times it's needed.
But it's a choice. And in some places maybe a valid and sensible choice. But it's not for my conditions I ride in here. I can be defensive and ride in the middle of my lane for times it's needed.
#103
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https://www.progressive.com/answers/...nsive-driving/
Defensive drivers use techniques that reduce their risk of a crash by remaining alert, being prepared for the unexpected, and controlling what they can.
There's no requirement that the defensive actions you'd take on a bicycle have to be the same as the ones you'd take in a car.
#104
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VC has its time and place, I agree. But I have to say that riding on a 2x2 lane busy road, with a limit of probably 50-60 kph, and taking the middle of the lane for any length of time is extremely stressful for me. I've done it. I've hated every minute of it, and invariably I push harder on the pedal to get through the section as fast as I can, foolishly thinking that riding at 35 kph as opposed to a leisurely 27 kph would make any difference to motorist zipping by me. Unless I am riding with a large group, I will avoid this situation by taking an alternative, but usually longer, way around it.
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A 1-km stretch of road on my commute is just as I described. Going to work, it's slightly uphill, perhaps 1% grade, semi-dark, lots of traffic., and certain times of the year the sun is right in front of me. I don't bother going on the road. I'll just stay on the sidewalk and ride leisurely till I turn off onto a park trail. Coming home, however, I will take the road--there's light which has a pedestrian crossing, and you get about a 35-second green light, which I treat like a 35-second head start on traffic. So I take the lane on the road, and with the 1% downhill, I am usually able to get through the 1-km section before traffic catches up to me.
We all have to do whatever we need to do to ensure our own safety. You cannot trust your safety to drivers.
We all have to do whatever we need to do to ensure our own safety. You cannot trust your safety to drivers.
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#106
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I agree with that. I try to avoid the roads where it's necessary to take the lane with higher speed traffic. But I usually take the lane through intersections, moving back to the right once it is safe and prudent to do so. Which is the subject of this thread.
#107
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njkayaker I think we agree on what the definition of defensive driving is.
And this you posted seems to sum it up fairly well.
I ride my bike defensively. Not timidly.
And this you posted seems to sum it up fairly well.
What is a defensive driver?
Defensive drivers use techniques that reduce their risk of a crash by remaining alert, being prepared for the unexpected, and controlling what they can.
https://www.progressive.com/answers/...nsive-driving/
Defensive drivers use techniques that reduce their risk of a crash by remaining alert, being prepared for the unexpected, and controlling what they can.
https://www.progressive.com/answers/...nsive-driving/
#108
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njkayaker I ride my bike defensively. Not timidly.
Risk-aversion is a big part of situational awareness, the two go hand in hand.
#109
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I'm not saying people should ride "timidly" but they also need to do whatever they think will keep them safe. Not whatever you happen to approve of.
If a newer rider comes across a situation that they see as overwhelming, taking an easier way is "defensive driving". Calling this "timid" is arrogant.
Last edited by njkayaker; 10-05-23 at 09:29 AM.
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#110
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I have cars coming the other way on a two lane road passing the car in front of them. I'm ready to leave the road if they don't get back over in time. It's a regular occurrence that happens many times when I ride on the Natchez Trace. If I wasn't planning for what to do if the car doesn't get over, I wouldn't be riding defensively. I'm even ready for the oncoming cars behind other that might pull out to pass at the last moment not seeing me.
I'm not saying people should ride "timidly" but they also need to do whatever they think will keep them safe. Not whatever you happen to approve of.
If a newer rider comes across a situation that they see as overwhelming, taking an easier way is "defensive driving". Calling this "timid" is arrogant.
Last edited by Iride01; 10-05-23 at 10:01 AM.
#111
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You don't know whether something is "the right thing for all to do". What is the "right thing" is going to be different for different people (based on experience and such) and the situation.
Last edited by njkayaker; 10-05-23 at 10:05 AM.
#112
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#113
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#114
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