You know who you are- Stop giving cyclists a bad name
#51
Tawp Dawg
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '06 Surly Pugsley, '14 Surly Straggler, '88 Kuwahara Xtracycle, '10 Motobecane Outcast 29er, '?? Surly Cross Check (wife's), '00 Trek 4500 (wife's), '12 Windsor Oxford 3-speed (dogs')
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I guess the only solution is to never leave the house? =/
#52
Randomhead
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
Posts: 24,385
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Liked 3,686 Times
in
2,509 Posts
#53
Tawp Dawg
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '06 Surly Pugsley, '14 Surly Straggler, '88 Kuwahara Xtracycle, '10 Motobecane Outcast 29er, '?? Surly Cross Check (wife's), '00 Trek 4500 (wife's), '12 Windsor Oxford 3-speed (dogs')
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I can see that, I've just never consider it to be rude as a driver or rider. I am usually almost all the way across the intersection of the left turn by the time the next car behind me even starts to turn. All the streets that I would do it on, I also make sure that I am out of the way of the cars behind once through the turn. I guess as usual, it all comes down to individual circumstance.
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Virginia/DC
Posts: 1,454
Bikes: quite a few
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Anyway, I've learned in DC that if I wait in line at a red, 3-5 other cyclists will go past me (although I often catch up pretty quick). But I know the traffic patterns and red light cycles on my commute very well. There are some intersections I always wait line for, and some I never wait for. I believe I actually end up inconveniencing drivers less the way I ride, legal or not.
#56
2 Old 2 B New B
I do the filter to the front of the turn lane thing too. I think it inconveniences car drivers less than taking my turn in line because I can quickly get out of their way after the green light. Otherwise, the ones behind me have to wait for my sorry slow posterior to accelerate, such as it is, down the turn lane and across the intersection to let them by. Of course, as I do so, they are probably greatly entertained by my 2w Cygolite HotShot taillight merrily blinking away in front of them....
#57
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I'm not going to name any names, but you know who you are (Guy on a road bike with red tires, cable lock around your seatpost, wearing a yellow shirt with long black sleeves riding on Greenburg Rd. in Tigard, OR today at 5:01pm). When you passed me while I waited my turn in the left turn lane at Greenburg and Tiedeman/North Dakota, you riding in the lane that was supposed to go straight through the light (you weren't in the bike lane, but plugging up the car lane) and you passed everyone in the left turn lane and then turned left anyway. Pulling this kind of crap is what gives cyclists a bad name. Wait your turn like everybody else. But I guess since you're super slow (I passed you on the trail about a mile later, even though I had to wait two lights and you had a big head start) you have to take every advantage you can get.
Sorry to everyone else who had to listen to me rant. And if Mr. red tires is reading this, you can apologize for screwing it up for the rest of us.
Sorry to everyone else who had to listen to me rant. And if Mr. red tires is reading this, you can apologize for screwing it up for the rest of us.
#58
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I hear this kind of crap all the time and really it is mind boggling. Do you know that car that cut me off yesterday, well did he give all cars a bad name? Do you know that the police have all whole traffic sections dedicated to bad car and truck drivers, at least they do in my city. They even have red light cameras and photo radar for vehicles that break the law. But nowhere do I see vehicles getting a bad name because of these infractions. Go to traffic court, you will see thousands of people trying to fight their "mistakes" in court. Somehow vehicles don't have "bad names".
I will admit there are bad cyclists but guess what that number is tenfold when it comes to motorized vehicles on the road. I see bad drivers every few minutes. And I really don't think they are ruining for the rest of them.
And I love these holier than thou cyclists because we all break the law. Some infractions smaller than others but none the less infractions. I have yet to meet a cyclist that follow all the rules of the road. Then again maybe you are one perfect cyclist.
And for the cyclist that will no doubt blow past the stop sign this morning without even looking, someday Darwin's Theory will catch up and we won't even need to have a discussion.
I will admit there are bad cyclists but guess what that number is tenfold when it comes to motorized vehicles on the road. I see bad drivers every few minutes. And I really don't think they are ruining for the rest of them.
And I love these holier than thou cyclists because we all break the law. Some infractions smaller than others but none the less infractions. I have yet to meet a cyclist that follow all the rules of the road. Then again maybe you are one perfect cyclist.
And for the cyclist that will no doubt blow past the stop sign this morning without even looking, someday Darwin's Theory will catch up and we won't even need to have a discussion.
Sadly, they don't think that Darwin's Theory will catch up to them, because they think that they are acting in a "safe" manner. As well as they think that they are actually doing cycling a "favor" by running red lights and/or stop signs. And yes, those scofflaw motorists DO have/cause a bad rep in the eyes of some people out there.
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
<quote>
Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
</quote>
I see NOTHING in there that says that cyclists get a "free pass" to the front of the line. So please show us where it is written that cyclists get this "free pass" to the front of the line.
#60
VICTORY IS MINE!
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Ogden, UT
Posts: 239
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#61
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
if u r slow u can run reds bcos u ain't worth many pts.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#62
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
In 16 years of driving I've twice been hit from behind while waiting at a light, once by a Dodge Ram 2500 doing around 25 MPH, which certainly qualified as being "smashed" (totaled my truck, at least, and did a pretty good number on the car that I got pushed into). Even if you don't go looking for trouble (by running reds, for example), it can still find you.
I guess the only solution is to never leave the house? =/
I guess the only solution is to never leave the house? =/
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#63
afraid of whales
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Front Range, CO
Posts: 4,306
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 347 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I do the filter to the front of the turn lane thing too. I think it inconveniences car drivers less than taking my turn in line because I can quickly get out of their way after the green light. Otherwise, the ones behind me have to wait for my sorry slow posterior to accelerate....
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Long Beach, Ca.
Posts: 591
Bikes: Raleigh Sojourn, '67 Raleigh Super Course, old Gary Fisher Mamba, and a generic Chinese folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#65
Senior Member
It DOES?!? Where the bloody hell is that written? The last time I checked the motor vehicle law in most IF not ALL states, says:
<quote>
Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
</quote>
I see NOTHING in there that says that cyclists get a "free pass" to the front of the line. So please show us where it is written that cyclists get this "free pass" to the front of the line.
<quote>
Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
</quote>
I see NOTHING in there that says that cyclists get a "free pass" to the front of the line. So please show us where it is written that cyclists get this "free pass" to the front of the line.
When they are stopped at a light I pass them in their lane in return. No difference in my mind.
Must be legal, beacuse I've never seen anyone pulled over for doing it in a car or on a bike.
#66
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Around here, at least, cars pass me in my lane all the time. That's why I ride to the far right of the lane.
When they are stopped at a light I pass them in their lane in return. No difference in my mind.
Must be legal, beacuse I've never seen anyone pulled over for doing it in a car or on a bike.
When they are stopped at a light I pass them in their lane in return. No difference in my mind.
Must be legal, beacuse I've never seen anyone pulled over for doing it in a car or on a bike.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#67
Banned
Though, he's probably wondering why his ears are having a burning sensation as of late.
__________________
Prisoner No. 979
Prisoner No. 979
#68
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: PDX
Posts: 641
Bikes: Trek 1200, Kona Honky Inc, PX Stealth
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I ran 5 stop signs this morning. neener neener neener...
No I dont have red tires.
No I dont have red tires.
Last edited by pityr; 11-02-11 at 10:26 AM.
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: PNW - Victoria, BC
Posts: 1,486
Bikes: 2002 Litespeed Vortex - 2007 Trek Madone 5.9 - 2004 Redline Conquest Pro - Specialized S-Works Festina Team Model - 93 Cannondale M 800 Beast of the East
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
At times like these I have to remind myself of the following:
No matter how much I wish it weren't so, I don't think anyone is going to listen to my advice and as to why they shouldn't be a jackass (riding a bike or otherwise).
No matter how much I wish it weren't so, I don't think anyone is going to listen to my advice and as to why they shouldn't be a jackass (riding a bike or otherwise).
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 600
Bikes: All-City Space Horse!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It DOES?!? Where the bloody hell is that written? The last time I checked the motor vehicle law in most IF not ALL states, says:
<quote>
Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
</quote>
I see NOTHING in there that says that cyclists get a "free pass" to the front of the line. So please show us where it is written that cyclists get this "free pass" to the front of the line.
<quote>
Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
</quote>
I see NOTHING in there that says that cyclists get a "free pass" to the front of the line. So please show us where it is written that cyclists get this "free pass" to the front of the line.
#71
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Um, we're not talking about filtering down the bike lane or the shoulder. We're talking about taking the lane then making an illegal left turn from the straight lane, left in front of traffic.
#72
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 600
Bikes: All-City Space Horse!
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Your original post did not make it clear he was taking the lane while making this maneuver. There are times when I am filtering past traffic in the left turn lane when I go into the straight lane for a bit. Times when I might do this. No cars in straight lane behind me, or if going the same speed or faster than cars in straight lane. I do always merge back into the left turn lane before I make my left turn though. Cutting across is dangerous.
#73
Senior Member
Thread Starter
That is fine, I was responding to a comment that appeared to be made in a much large sense.
Your original post did not make it clear he was taking the lane while making this maneuver. There are times when I am filtering past traffic in the left turn lane when I go into the straight lane for a bit. Times when I might do this. No cars in straight lane behind me, or if going the same speed or faster than cars in straight lane. I do always merge back into the left turn lane before I make my left turn though. Cutting across is dangerous.
Your original post did not make it clear he was taking the lane while making this maneuver. There are times when I am filtering past traffic in the left turn lane when I go into the straight lane for a bit. Times when I might do this. No cars in straight lane behind me, or if going the same speed or faster than cars in straight lane. I do always merge back into the left turn lane before I make my left turn though. Cutting across is dangerous.
Bicycle use on streets and highways is growing daily, both for exercise
and transportation in city areas. The same traffic rules and regulations
apply to both bicyclists and vehicle drivers.
A major problem for drivers is the ability to see bicyclists, especially
at night. Sometimes they may be in the blind spot of your vehicle (exactly what this Fred was doing). When
you approach a bicyclist, keep on the lookout and slow down. To avoid
conflict, drivers of motor vehicles need to know the rules:
As a bicyclist in Oregon, you must be aware that bicycles are considered
vehicles. You have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities as
vehicle drivers.
Bicyclists must ride in the direction of traffic and as near to the right
side of the road or street as is practical. On a one-way street in a city, a
Bike Box83
bicyclist may ride as near as practical to either the right or left side of the
street or roadway.
Other rules include: always keep at least one hand on the handlebars,
don’t carry more passengers than there are seats available, yield to
pedestrians, have adequate brakes, and never perform stunts while riding
on streets or highways.
Signal your intentions clearly and in plenty of time. There are two ways
you may signal a right turn. Use the standard, upturned left arm signal
(see drawing on Page 38), or extend the right arm straight out to the right
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 141
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you are that envious of the people running the reds give it a try. Look both ways first though. That's what really bothers the people in cars, that they can't get away with it too.
#75
Senior Member
I think it's dangerous to be going in and out of the main lane and the left turn lane. Seems like all kinds of bad things could happen. It's not as if there is a designated space in the left turn lane for bicycles to buzz past the cars. My understanding (at least in my state) is that cyclists should obey the same rules and have the same responsibilities (a few highlights below from the Oregon Driver's Manual):
Bicycle use on streets and highways is growing daily, both for exercise
and transportation in city areas. The same traffic rules and regulations
apply to both bicyclists and vehicle drivers.
A major problem for drivers is the ability to see bicyclists, especially
at night. Sometimes they may be in the blind spot of your vehicle (exactly what this Fred was doing). When
you approach a bicyclist, keep on the lookout and slow down. To avoid
conflict, drivers of motor vehicles need to know the rules:
As a bicyclist in Oregon, you must be aware that bicycles are considered
vehicles. You have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities as
vehicle drivers.
Bicyclists must ride in the direction of traffic and as near to the right
side of the road or street as is practical. On a one-way street in a city, a
Bike Box83
bicyclist may ride as near as practical to either the right or left side of the
street or roadway.
Bicycle use on streets and highways is growing daily, both for exercise
and transportation in city areas. The same traffic rules and regulations
apply to both bicyclists and vehicle drivers.
A major problem for drivers is the ability to see bicyclists, especially
at night. Sometimes they may be in the blind spot of your vehicle (exactly what this Fred was doing). When
you approach a bicyclist, keep on the lookout and slow down. To avoid
conflict, drivers of motor vehicles need to know the rules:
As a bicyclist in Oregon, you must be aware that bicycles are considered
vehicles. You have the same rights, duties, and responsibilities as
vehicle drivers.
Bicyclists must ride in the direction of traffic and as near to the right
side of the road or street as is practical. On a one-way street in a city, a
Bike Box83
bicyclist may ride as near as practical to either the right or left side of the
street or roadway.