Archwhorides 

I don't suffer *that* annoyance one bit, because I type witty BF responses at high speed while weaving on my e-bike through strollers on the local bikeway.

Archwhorides 

This sad tragedy occurred about a mile from my pad, still waiting for details. I love the Minuteman Bikeway, but riding it on a sunny weekend day with some of the jokers out there is like play Rushing Roulette.

KraneXL

What offends me are people that see wrong and do nothing about it. There's an old saying that goes “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” That's an important philosophy for big things, but it also important for the little things as well.

The reason that most of us enjoy our cushy lives today is because of the sacrifice of the men and women of good conscience that came before us. They did the right thing when it was hard work, and didn't just walk away and trust that it would be fixed by fate. All we have to do now is maintain it. If you see something happening that you know is wrong, then you are that instrument of fate.

I can't tell you how to live your life, but as a man of good conscience I can't just look away or turn a blind eye. I am compelled to act. Whether that's for my sake or for the sake of those around me.

RubeRad

But not for ALL the little things. A line has to be drawn somewhere, or nobody would ever be able to get anything done for all the righting injustice all day long. And everybody will draw that line in a different place.

People riding bikes on sidewalks, slowly, and with heightened vigilance to not inconvenience pedestrians, is way beyond where I draw the line.

banerjek

Yelling at nitwits is more likely to provoke nitwits into a defensive position which doesn't make them any better. Frankly, just looking at them making it clear you don't have time to waste on morons like them is more likely to be effective. Most communication is nonverbal, so verbalizing is not a requirement for taking action or being effective.

Many people who do these things know exactly what they're doing, so rewarding them with the attention they seek is counterproductive. It's kind of like people who harass cyclists -- the whole point is the reaction, so the last thing you want to do is give them what they want. Plus it plays way better with witnesses. Makes it easier to transform consciousness in a good way and help everyone own the solution.

robertorolfo

I agree with this sentiment, and I don't think you are specifically referencing the original sidewalk incident, but other types of behavior.

If an Uber driver does something stupid, and I yell at him about it, he is at least going to think about it, and perhaps even modify his/her behavior. If I say nothing, he will keep doing that stupid thing until something happens...

But, again, I also agree with RubeRad that there has to be a reasonable threshold.

KraneXL

My feelings exactly. Its a unified effort. But together each one of us can do our parts. Who said anything about yelling at people? I remind them that there's a right way and a wrong that's acceptable for all of us. Something we all need to hear from each other from time to time. And most times, it needs to be said out loud to resonate.

For example, the other day there was a young man in the gym locker room on a video call with his girl. I reminded him that the men's locker room may not the most appropriate place for a call of that type. He was the only one that heard me, and no yelling ensued. That wasn't for me, but for the other unaware gentleman in the background getting dressed.

That said, there are times and situations for subtly, but that doesn't work on everyone. Some people will only respond to more aggressive means of verbal communication. But I leave that to the other guy, since I've never been very good at it.

Skipjacks

This is what the world is becoming. Holier than thou people Tweeting all day about some minor infraction of what they perceive to be a standard in hopes of gaining social points from followers.

Its' all about 'look what I saw and commented on being wrong!'

This ends up being a contest of sorts to see who can be more offended than the last guy.

What you end up with is everyone complaining about everybody for everything.

Daniel4

I don't think anybody has posted anything that would stop him or her from cycling. These are annoyances the OP asked and we complied.

And then we go on our merry way - at least most of us.

alan s 

phile

when i complain loudly in public about someone complaining on social media about people complaining on social media, all while someone films it and posts it on social media

Skipjacks

The irony is pretty thick, isn't it?

alan s 

banerjek

Arguably, we started in one

Jim from Boston

What may annoy you when commuting? +10

OBoile

I'm not sure where you ride, but where I am, many dog leashes are significantly longer than the width of a MUP.

Skipjacks

True story.

20 foot leashes are not uncommon at all.

The MUP I ride most is about 15 feet at it's widest point, 3 feet at its most narrow.

Granted most of the dogs are in the 15 foot wide section, but 20 foot leashes are not uncommon AT ALL

Hypno Toad

You might notice that the video has no sound ... yeah, I had some words, I wasn't exceptional proud of the R-rated content of my comments to the dog walker, so I opted to remove the audio from the video before posting it to YouTube.

If anybody takes the time to look through my YouTube channel (can't image why you would), you'll find all the swear words liberally applied in other videos. Bike-commuting was a great way to perfect the best utilization of profane words.

Cycle Tourist

That sounds pretty pessimistic. I've comutted for many years and found most people very courteous. Touring is generally on public roads as well and I'm still here. I've had a few brushes with cars cutting me off by turning right after just passing me and a few honks or engine revs when occupying a car lane momentarily for safety but bikes belong on the street and unless there's a safety factor I stay out of bike lanes. They can be more dangerous.
If you feel more safe, that's fine. They often have their place and a good reason for being there.

Skipjacks

Best.

Quote.

Ever.

It's so true!!!!

banerjek

I actively avoid MUPs.

Cycling speeds aren't appropriate near peds, dogs, and kids. Joggers/walkers are guaranteed to suddenly turn and kids/dogs are guaranteed to suddenly dart out -- that's just what they do. This requires low enough speeds to respond to that.

I live in Portland where we have a number of MUPs. Cyclist treatment of peds here is abysmal as the vast majority pass way too close and way too fast. If I were a walker rather than a cyclist, I would hate cyclists.

OBoile

I disagree. MUPs aren't appropriate for aggressive group rides, but this is the commuter forum. They're fine for that.

banerjek

I actively avoid MUPs because I prefer a brisk pace, not because I don't think bikes belong. Peds/kids/dogs belong on MUPs and it is neither safe nor appropriate to ride near them at anything other than low speeds.

Hypno Toad

Based on riding in a number different cities around the US, I'm gonna say that MUPs are variable as a good place for a 'fast' bike. Even in my region, some MUPs are GREAT for biking fast and some MUPs are total crap.

caloso

Not all MUPs are created equal. And even the same MUP can be a totally different place Monday at 730am than it is Saturday at 10am. Our local MUP, the American River Bike Trail, is a bike highway on weekday mornings where it's mostly commuters, people riding for fitness/training, and riders who are combining the two. On weekend mornings, it's a zoo and I will avoid it at all costs.