indyfabz

Eloquent in its brevity.

MNHarv

Wait...

So if the father from Orange Country Choopers is rolling up to a stop sign controlled interstection but he ain't there yet and I'm about to ride through because ain't nobody presently wait'n to go through said interstection, I should hold up for Wally Walrus so's he can pollute my ear drums when he takes off with his louder for chowder phallic symbol on wheels?

And do those things even come with turn signals...?

phughes

Yep, I live in PA as well, and have gone through red lights, after first stopping and waiting for the light to change many times, on the bicycle, as well as motorcycles. Some simply do not detect smaller vehicles.

phughes

Uhm...

MNHarv

If I gotta explain..

cbrstar

Really, North America will get the cyclists it deserves. The road system has only gotten more dangerous and disrespectful towards cyclists and the Kangeroo court system is allowing it. People are a product of their environment, and if cyclists are acting more hostile it's because that environment is more hostile. When I was a kid it was safe enough to have a group of Jr High Students cycle together to the next city. Cars slowed down and gave space while passing us, and nothing was yelled or thrown from the vehicle. Now it would be too dangerous to host a school event like this. There would be some jerk trying to drive an inch off the students to "scare them". Cans and who knows what might be thrown at them etc. When's the last time you heard of a motorist being charged with manslaughter involving a cyclist? it's extremely rare these days.

Motorists try to say "Well cyclists don't stop at red lights". Really? I think there isn't a single motorist who hasn't gone over the speed limit. Failed to signal etc. Heck how many of them have parked their car then immediately Jay Walked across the street to where ever they are going despite a cross walk only being half a block away? Maybe remove the plank from your own eye.

This is more about the overinflated ego that motorists have. It's like a religion. "Well if I have to work day and night to pay insurance to keep my rapidly depreciating liability on the road... Then you should too!". These types of motorists don't have a responsible bone in their body, and loath the fact they are held accountable for their 3000pound motorized death machine that can destroy lives and millions property in a instant. I worked as a Insurance Broker and heard the crying and whining daily.

phughes

Oh no, I understood what you wrote, a completely bizarre, unrelated rant. I got that.

MNHarv

You're displeased? Perish the thought.

Go ahead now. Have the last word.

Troul 

But... but, but if they got charged with that, it could lead to having a negative life changing experience for that driver.....

cant have that happen now can we..

downhillmaster

Just plain weird.
Why am I guessing that you see phallic symbols everywhere...

Paul Barnard

When's the last time you heard of any motorist being charged? Typically unless there is excess speed, drugs or alcohol involved, then drivers aren't charged irrespective of the mode of conveyance of the deceased. Do we really want to criminalize human error?

OnTheTarmac

It's cringe when people say motrocycles, big trucks, loud cars, etc are phallic compensators. I guarantee most people who say this drink coffee with oat milk and can't do a sub 6hr century (imperial). You can enjoy a bike ride and also have a cool truck, car, etc. at the same time.

MNHarv

No, but that one is pretty obvious. Ask yourself what motivates some people. Especially from middle age on. Mid life crisis convertibles? Trying to recapture a youth which one might think was unfulfilled? Not just a nice looking or riding motorcycle but one that stands out like the proverbial king of credit card badassery. They didn't even ride that well because they were ungainly. Poorly designed. (there were exceptions but few) I saw a lot of them on trailers on the way out to Sturgis, but magically, but the time we were nearing Pierre SD, The ones on trailers were being unloaded to ride in. If that's one's thing, I guess...


I won't recommend rereading Freud because I think he got it wrong. But then if enough people read it and believe it, they tend to sort of live it out. It doesn't become right, per se, but it becomes accepted. (do I need to spell out why?)


If you (and others) don't see the symbolism I can think of three reasons. Which would also mean you don't see the beta male style competition that often happens at intersections LOL. But you will now because I put it in your head to watch for it. And in the rarified occasions when it does and you catch it you'll think, Dammit, that ass on Bike Forums told me this would happen.


Nietzsche, on the other hand, that guy was prophetic. ASZ is even better if you can find a copy in his original, what we'd call Old German. That's how I first discovered Neitzsche and I'm grateful for that.


So.. you been mansplained enough? You hate me? Good.

GeezyRider 

My motorcycles always had turn signals and had to go through state inspection to verify they worked just like any other motor vehicle.

MNHarv

I've lived in two states where if the bikes didn't come with them new you didn't need to retrofit them. Maybe that's changed since?

OnTheTarmac

God this is an insufferable take. You're conflating phallic symbols with midlife crisis stereotypes? That doesn't even make sense. The reason people buy convertibles and motorcycles are because they are fun to drive, and to the extent there is a performative or signalling aspect to it, that is definitely not limited to middle aged men. Look at any nightlife scene at the young people with their (heavily financed) Lambos and stereos blasting.
I think the real underlying psychology is a tinge of jealousy. The loud obnoxious truck or motorcycle captured your attention or made a statement that you weren't able to counter as a mere pedestrian or cyclist.

metz1295

In general, I agree and practice following car laws whenever possible. That said, there are some exceptions. In some states, it is legal for a cyclist to slow, check for safety then proceed through a red light. Also, some red light detection systems will not pick up a bike. Especially, for those with all carbon. In those cases, I will proceed if safe to do so.

cbrstar

If someone accidentally discharges a firearm and it kills someone 9/10 they are charged with manslaughter or at the very least criminal negligence. Why is owning a car any less of a responsibility then a firearm? It's always "It wasn't my fault, I didn't mean to" yet someone's family is destroyed. Now I understand that it's not always the motorists fault. But I have seen way too many motorists driving aggressively and recklessly towards cyclists in the past few years. Even myself I have had them swerve at me for no reason other than to get some kicks. Heck last year I was standing on the side walk holding my bike and a truck drove over the curb onto the sidewalk barely missing me. The driver yelled some type of profanity and then drove like a complete psychopath away! I reported him but never heard back from the Police.


If you are driving recklessly and unaware of your surroundings and you hurt someone. Yes you should be charged.

Fahrenheit531 

OP is a freaking troll genius. Sticks around long enough to make sure things are really going, then sneaks away like some Looney Tunes instigator crawling out of the brawly dust cloud unnoticed.

downhillmaster

Good stuff.
For what it’s worth, I feel sorry for you.

badger1

Too deep for me. Isn't this teh Biek Forms, and not Psychology Today? Can't we just play bikes?

Paul Barnard

Since this thread is all over the place I'll ask. What was the last Harley model you rode?

phughes

Yep, just one less member I'll be seeing on the forum...

Ironfish653

Do Buells count?
(Asked in the spirit of contrarianism)

MNHarv

It doesn't matter. The point is, I might cross against the stop sign if I thought I had enough time given, perhaps, the type of vehicle I might encounter if I stopped.