Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike

There is a world of difference between alleged "public threats" directed at cyclists (or any other group) by the numerous wingnuts who comment"/rant on social media sites that are designed to encourage such electronic frothing, and actual physical threats and menacing gestures made in person on the street where actual physical contact is possible.

Originally Posted by downtube42

We are the other. Ten motorists roll through a stop sign and motorists think those are just bad drivers. One cyclist rolls through the stop sign, and motorists think the cyclist is demonstrating the lawlessness of all cyclists. As the other, we are freeloading rule breaking drags on society.

Originally Posted by gthomson

I am avoiding responding but I like your answer. I was reading through a recent post last night and the responses were really pissing me off and I started typing my response but stopped because I knew that would lead down the hole you mention above and really piss me off.
Turned the tablet off and went to bed.

Originally Posted by stephr1

The really big issue is that, even if you provide an answer or comment that *you* feel is logical and exudes common sense, someone will find a way to pervert and twist what you wrote and use it as a reason to diss you.

You're not going to win, or even get some semblance of your point across, because "it's hard to have a battle of wits with an unarmed man (or person)". You made a great choice in your actions.

Originally Posted by gthomson

Because the internet is so good at knowing what my interests are based on all my browsing history, I am receiving more news articles related to local biking news. This year has had a big impact on cycling with everyone home and getting involved by buying, fixing and riding bikes and it seems some of my communities are responding by committing to more bike infrastructure to help cyclists out. My nearest city has committed to an extra 40 km’s in bike lanes throughout the downtown core for 2021.

What I find shocking is the backlash against these changes by the pro car/anti cyclist people. Any time I see a news article on social media, the comments section is hundreds of post long with people for or against and a lot of hatred between the two. It really disturbs me to see what some of these anti cyclist people say about this and almost scares me to be on the road knowing some of these people really want to prove their point?

Some of ongoing issues are cyclists should be licensed, they should pay extra taxes for these changes to bike lanes, they shouldn’t be allowed on certain roads or that they should grow up and stop riding bikes! Really?

I drive a car and I ride a bike so I pay taxes and appreciate both for what they are. I will admit there are some cyclists who are bad apples and give us all a bad name, but guess what – the same goes for drivers! Cyclists usually don’t kill people when they get in an accident!

Anyone else noticing this dividing issue or am I just more sensitive to it now in this COVID year?

Originally Posted by big john

That sentiment has been around for as long as I can remember. When a cyclist gets hit by a car, read the comments on the news story. Much of our country is strongly anti-bicycle.

Originally Posted by CAT7RDR

Passing the the Live Oak Cyn/Santiago Cyn T in the OC Sunday, a man waiting at the stop sign in his SUV yelled at me to shove my front blinking light up my @@@. I just grinned and shook my head. Road rage at a blinking light, what's next?

Originally Posted by Digger Goreman

Our society creates and encourages bullies like watering garbage creates mushrooms....

Originally Posted by cubewheels

Because cyclists who wear 100% cyclist specific clothing tend to be jerks and ride dangerously on the road.

That is my experience where I live. It may not be true elsewhere.

I don't wear any cycling-specific item, including my footwear and helmet. Whenever I pass someone with 100% cycling specific clothing, they will really try hard to chase me even if the traffic does not permit it safely. They ride like it's a video game, cutting off cars just to get a pass at me.

I've even seen some (clubbies) racing each other without regards to traffic. It's even worse if advanced club members are riding together.

Originally Posted by cubewheels

Because cyclists who wear 100% cyclist specific clothing tend to be jerks and ride dangerously on the road..

Originally Posted by rydabent

Even tho I am an exclusive bent rider, both LWB bent and a trike, and dont really need a "cycling kit", I still wear a helmet and cycling shoes.

Originally Posted by Carbonfiberboy

I rather doubt that women feel the same way, but one nice thing about being in shape and wearing road kit is that I get the occasional whistle from the sidewalk or rolled down window. Yeah, this is a Navy town, but still. No hate there.

Originally Posted by Pilot321

In my region the big problem is most roads that you want to ride on do NOT have a shoulder, so you are affecting traffic mostly on hills, and drivers do not like to be delayed even a few seconds. They are often aggressive, rude and don't understand that we are unprotected and vulnerable. I have had cars and trucks pass me with inches to spare. It seems they are purposely trying to scare me sometimes to teach me a lesson. That lesson being don't ride your bike around here.