What may annoy you when commuting?
03-21-19, 01:16 PM
#76
Banned
03-21-19, 01:17 PM
#77
Virgo
Considering the Venue as you suggested maybe I should Clarify. My concentration is not with experienced, veteran riders like yourselves. My drive is with the inexperienced, beginning rider and those who want to try the sport in an attempt to keep them out of trouble so they do try the sport, enjoy its many benefits and stay with it in order to grow the sport as much as possible. These people go out on urban streets unprepared and not realizing the dangers and something happens they are not going to stay with the sport. And they will lose and we will loose. I am just saying be aware of the dangers and find your own personal way of dealing with them. But they have to be dealt with,not ignored. I believe many of these deaths and injuries are with inexperienced riders and that hurts the sport.
03-21-19, 01:17 PM
#78
Senior Member
Considering the Venue as you suggested maybe I should Clarify. My concentration is not with experienced, veteran riders like yourselves. My drive is with the inexperienced, beginning rider and those who want to try the sport in an attempt to keep them out of trouble so they do try the sport, enjoy its many benefits and stay with it in order to grow the sport as much as possible. These people go out on urban streets unprepared and not realizing the dangers and something happens they are not going to stay with the sport. And they will lose and we will loose. I am just saying be aware of the dangers and find your own personal way of dealing with them. But they have to be dealt with,not ignored. I believe many of these deaths and injuries are with inexperienced riders and that hurts the sport.
please take a step back and look exactly at what you are doing and saying on a cycling forum, and the commuting section no less. if everyone took your attitude there would be a whole lot of things not being done on a daily basis.
My first love is lognboarding, i throw myself down the biggest paved hill i can find and know i'm doing something that most people and i'm pretty sure yourself included would consider massively stupid. would i listen to most people i would not have any fun in my life, would i listen to your views on commuting i'd be paying about 30 euros a week for what is currently a 15 min bike ride to work. you got hit, you are weary of what can happen to you, that is your problem not ours. accept that and move on.
03-21-19, 01:17 PM
#79
Portland Fred
This is absolutely not true.
There are a wide variety of tactics you can use to guide the behavior of vehicles behind (including ones that can't see you and don't know you're there) and even in front of you. For example, if you see cars coming up behind you, you can nudge them out or even get them to slow down via positioning. Drivers tend to do whatever the vehicle in front of them did, so it's not hard to herd cars. You can use what you know about what's going on behind you to alter patterns to set up turns across traffic and many other useful things.
There are an enormous number of ways to communicate with and influence drivers -- which they appreciate if done right. If you do this, the road experience is completely different. BTW, people are creatures of habit meaning that they show up at about the same times in about the same places. This means you can "train" people to work with you.
Absolutely. No one has a greater interest in your safety than you, so you definitely don't want to entrust others with it. It's critical to be aware of your environment and actively engage with others to negotiate shared space.
There are a wide variety of tactics you can use to guide the behavior of vehicles behind (including ones that can't see you and don't know you're there) and even in front of you. For example, if you see cars coming up behind you, you can nudge them out or even get them to slow down via positioning. Drivers tend to do whatever the vehicle in front of them did, so it's not hard to herd cars. You can use what you know about what's going on behind you to alter patterns to set up turns across traffic and many other useful things.
There are an enormous number of ways to communicate with and influence drivers -- which they appreciate if done right. If you do this, the road experience is completely different. BTW, people are creatures of habit meaning that they show up at about the same times in about the same places. This means you can "train" people to work with you.
Absolutely. No one has a greater interest in your safety than you, so you definitely don't want to entrust others with it. It's critical to be aware of your environment and actively engage with others to negotiate shared space.
03-21-19, 01:25 PM
#80
Virgo
I recommend you find a like-minded cyclist/bike commuter to listen and/or help you talk through your crash one on one.
03-21-19, 01:29 PM
#81
Senior Member
Yeah, those drunk drivers can be pretty relaxed. You were riding in the Tourist Areas during the day. Next time you are here I will take you on St. Claude, Claiborne and Hayne Blvd during rush hour to give you an idea what a commute would be like. You got Health Insurance?
03-21-19, 01:31 PM
#82
Senior Member
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Storm sewers backing up overnight and creating black ice slicks on an otherwise clean pavement are annoying. Some BF posters are also just like that.
__________________
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
Work is the curse of the drinking classes - Oscar Wilde
03-21-19, 01:32 PM
#83
Senior Member
03-21-19, 01:41 PM
#84
Senior Member
This is absolutely not true.
There are a wide variety of tactics you can use to guide the behavior of vehicles behind (including ones that can't see you and don't know you're there) and even in front of you. For example, if you see cars coming up behind you, you can nudge them out or even get them to slow down via positioning. Drivers tend to do whatever the vehicle in front of them did, so it's not hard to herd cars. You can use what you know about what's going on behind you to alter patterns to set up turns across traffic and many other useful things.
There are an enormous number of ways to communicate with and influence drivers -- which they appreciate if done right. If you do this, the road experience is completely different. BTW, people are creatures of habit meaning that they show up at about the same times in about the same places. This means you can "train" people to work with you.
Absolutely. No one has a greater interest in your safety than you, so you definitely don't want to entrust others with it. It's critical to be aware of your environment and actively engage with others to negotiate shared space.
There are a wide variety of tactics you can use to guide the behavior of vehicles behind (including ones that can't see you and don't know you're there) and even in front of you. For example, if you see cars coming up behind you, you can nudge them out or even get them to slow down via positioning. Drivers tend to do whatever the vehicle in front of them did, so it's not hard to herd cars. You can use what you know about what's going on behind you to alter patterns to set up turns across traffic and many other useful things.
There are an enormous number of ways to communicate with and influence drivers -- which they appreciate if done right. If you do this, the road experience is completely different. BTW, people are creatures of habit meaning that they show up at about the same times in about the same places. This means you can "train" people to work with you.
Absolutely. No one has a greater interest in your safety than you, so you definitely don't want to entrust others with it. It's critical to be aware of your environment and actively engage with others to negotiate shared space.
03-21-19, 01:46 PM
#85
Portland Fred
Fortunately, decent alternatives exist nearby. Water crossing options are not good. Pretty much everyone would want to take the ped route (where available) unless traffic moves way slower than I suspect it does.
03-21-19, 01:52 PM
#86
Portland Fred
If they're running the light, they either have to come from the side or behind to be a threat. You can see people approaching from the side before you get to the intersection and take appropriate action. If they're coming from behind, that they ran the red and are bearing right down on you would be a dead giveaway that it's time to bail. Actually needing to bail is extremely rare -- I've found it necessary maybe 2 or 3 times in my life.
If you don't know what's going on behind you, you should. There's a reason mirrors are legally required on cars. They're even more useful when you're slower than everyone else in a visually busy area with people of unknown ability/sobriety/mental state and not in a steel safety cage.
03-21-19, 01:52 PM
#87
Senior Member
ok i've read through this whole thread especially your attitude of everyone stay inside and don't commute cause i got hit by a car and no one should ride on the streetsx ever.
please take a step back and look exactly at what you are doing and saying on a cycling forum, and the commuting section no less. if everyone took your attitude there would be a whole lot of things not being done on a daily basis.
My first love is lognboarding, i throw myself down the biggest paved hill i can find and know i'm doing something that most people and i'm pretty sure yourself included would consider massively stupid. would i listen to most people i would not have any fun in my life, would i listen to your views on commuting i'd be paying about 30 euros a week for what is currently a 15 min bike ride to work. you got hit, you are weary of what can happen to you, that is your problem not ours. accept that and move on.
please take a step back and look exactly at what you are doing and saying on a cycling forum, and the commuting section no less. if everyone took your attitude there would be a whole lot of things not being done on a daily basis.
My first love is lognboarding, i throw myself down the biggest paved hill i can find and know i'm doing something that most people and i'm pretty sure yourself included would consider massively stupid. would i listen to most people i would not have any fun in my life, would i listen to your views on commuting i'd be paying about 30 euros a week for what is currently a 15 min bike ride to work. you got hit, you are weary of what can happen to you, that is your problem not ours. accept that and move on.
03-21-19, 02:01 PM
#88
Senior Member
I'm a little confused by the picture painted.
If they're running the light, they either have to come from the side or behind to be a threat. You can see people approaching from the side before you get to the intersection and take appropriate action. If they're coming from behind, that they ran the red and are bearing right down on you would be a dead giveaway that it's time to bail. Actually needing to bail is extremely rare -- I've found it necessary maybe 2 or 3 times in my life.
If you don't know what's going on behind you, you should. There's a reason mirrors are legally required on cars. They're even more useful when you're slower than everyone else in a visually busy area with people of unknown ability/sobriety/mental state and not in a steel safety cage.
If they're running the light, they either have to come from the side or behind to be a threat. You can see people approaching from the side before you get to the intersection and take appropriate action. If they're coming from behind, that they ran the red and are bearing right down on you would be a dead giveaway that it's time to bail. Actually needing to bail is extremely rare -- I've found it necessary maybe 2 or 3 times in my life.
If you don't know what's going on behind you, you should. There's a reason mirrors are legally required on cars. They're even more useful when you're slower than everyone else in a visually busy area with people of unknown ability/sobriety/mental state and not in a steel safety cage.
03-21-19, 02:04 PM
#89
Senior Member
Wrong again. You can read into what I have said anything you want. That is your freedom and right. But all I have said repeatedly is, just be aware of the dangers and deal with them in your own personal way. Do not ignore them. I do not pity myself. I am stating a fact. You can get hurt or even killed riding urban streets especially during rush hours. Be aware of it and deal with it. And I certainly do not need your pity or for you to make it your problem. I am stating a fact.
03-21-19, 02:06 PM
#90
Senior Member
I couldn't resist googling that one. To save others time, these look like the major (unimproved) freight routes through town so you have things like 4 lane shoulderless roads butting right into a curb and I'm guessing everyone drives at highway speeds. It looks bad compared to most highway riding unless traffic jams slow it down to something reasonable.
Fortunately, decent alternatives exist nearby. Water crossing options are not good. Pretty much everyone would want to take the ped route (where available) unless traffic moves way slower than I suspect it does.
Fortunately, decent alternatives exist nearby. Water crossing options are not good. Pretty much everyone would want to take the ped route (where available) unless traffic moves way slower than I suspect it does.
03-21-19, 02:12 PM
#91
Portland Fred
You obviously have not seen New Orleans drivers run a Stop Sign or Red Light. They actually accelerate and close their eyes. If someone is sitting in an intersection looking down the street looking for cars, not at you in the Bike Lane or right hand lane, and pulls out on you, you are going to get hit in the side or you are going to hit them. You have no control over that none. Again, they come out fast. Very Fast.
There are no silver bullets, but there are definitely things you can do. In terms of equipment, daytime strobes can help in some situations. In terms of things you can do, subtle behavior and communication cues are your friend. Those who jump out tend to follow different movement patterns, and watching the drivers eyes can help. Ideally, you want to make eye contract where you can both tell you're acknowledging each others' presence. I often ride in the traffic lane even when there's a bike lane. One of the problems with being in a separate space is that you're out of sight/mind.
We have our own equivalents.
03-21-19, 02:14 PM
#92
Senior Member
Well, it started out as a nice thread listing everybody's experiences. But it took just under two days before someone's opinion got challenged with the typical tone of " Then why are you cycling?"
And you know what happens with online discussions from there.
And you know what happens with online discussions from there.
03-21-19, 02:16 PM
#93
Senior Member
it ends in an organized orgy somewhere in the middle of a playground at 2 am? or is that just me?
03-21-19, 02:16 PM
#94
Senior Member
03-21-19, 02:18 PM
#95
Senior Member
You say I got hit that is my problem not ours. I say I was was not seeking your pity or making it your problem. You say I am an insufferable woe because I point out the fact commuting during rush hour has its dangers and you should be aware of them and deal with them in your own way. Philosophy is not your strong suit I gather.
03-21-19, 02:23 PM
#96
Senior Member
To make sure I'm understanding, they're sitting at a side street and suddenly gun it when you ride by? Definitely a very dangerous situation.c
There are no silver bullets, but there are definitely things you can do. In terms of equipment, daytime strobes can help in some situations. In terms of things you can do, subtle behavior and communication cues are your friend. Those who jump out tend to follow different movement patterns, and watching the drivers eyes can help. Ideally, you want to make eye contract where you can both tell you're acknowledging each others' presence. I often ride in the traffic lane even when there's a bike lane. One of the problems with being in a separate space is that you're out of sight/mind.
We have our own equivalents.
There are no silver bullets, but there are definitely things you can do. In terms of equipment, daytime strobes can help in some situations. In terms of things you can do, subtle behavior and communication cues are your friend. Those who jump out tend to follow different movement patterns, and watching the drivers eyes can help. Ideally, you want to make eye contract where you can both tell you're acknowledging each others' presence. I often ride in the traffic lane even when there's a bike lane. One of the problems with being in a separate space is that you're out of sight/mind.
We have our own equivalents.
03-21-19, 02:29 PM
#97
Portland Fred
Nothing really gets to me -- seriously.
There's nothing more futile than struggling against inevitability, in this case the cycling environment. Bad drivers, morons, difficult conditions, etc. are all part of that. Gotta find a way to embrace it.
To do otherwise is like taking up mountaineering and being unhappy because it's too much work, too dangerous, and too cold.
There's nothing more futile than struggling against inevitability, in this case the cycling environment. Bad drivers, morons, difficult conditions, etc. are all part of that. Gotta find a way to embrace it.
To do otherwise is like taking up mountaineering and being unhappy because it's too much work, too dangerous, and too cold.
The bad part and good part of cycling are one and the same as far as I'm concerned. I actually prefer riding in crap weather to warm sunshine. Though truth be told, I'm not a fan of the slow herky jerky movement one expects in urban areas. Much more fun to just spin for miles. For many years, I had a commute like that.
03-21-19, 02:30 PM
#98
Senior Member
When if ever are you going ti catch on? I am the best at riding in traffic. The best. It is just that the drivers around here are so bad, so malicious, you can not compensate for them. No matter how good you are.
Whitewater Kayaking. No Cars.
Whitewater Kayaking. No Cars.
03-21-19, 02:31 PM
#99
Senior Member
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Thanks for your reply. When I was composing my reply to your post, I tried to judge the “tenor” of your post,and choose the appropriate description. My first choice was “vehement,” but that seemed too strident.
Even now, I can’t think of another synonym, though perhaps “morbid” comes to mind. Nonetheless, I was acknowledging the gavity of your concerns.
The point of my reply was that I recognize the dangers of cycling, and anyone interested should be aware, and choose it of their own volition. If that’s the case, I certainly would advise as much as warranted from my extensive experience.
It seemed to me, that your post actively discouraged road cycling. FYA, IMO this was a pretty good thread (of many) on the subject“Commute by bike? But that's dangerous!.”
Even now, I can’t think of another synonym, though perhaps “morbid” comes to mind. Nonetheless, I was acknowledging the gavity of your concerns.
The point of my reply was that I recognize the dangers of cycling, and anyone interested should be aware, and choose it of their own volition. If that’s the case, I certainly would advise as much as warranted from my extensive experience.
It seemed to me, that your post actively discouraged road cycling. FYA, IMO this was a pretty good thread (of many) on the subject“Commute by bike? But that's dangerous!.”
You misunderstand the intent of my discussion. It is not to scare or discourage be morbid or be vehement. It is to bring attention to the fact that commuting on city streets in urban areas especially during peak traffic hours can be and is dangerous.
Just recognize that and take whatever personal precautions you see fit. Too many people have bought into the hype you can just glog along and be oblivious to what is going on around you and you will somehow be protected because you are on a bike. My personal choice is to avoid street riding. I don't trust the people driving cars. Getting hit by a car is not fun. Trust me
.
Just recognize that and take whatever personal precautions you see fit. Too many people have bought into the hype you can just glog along and be oblivious to what is going on around you and you will somehow be protected because you are on a bike. My personal choice is to avoid street riding. I don't trust the people driving cars. Getting hit by a car is not fun. Trust me
Considering the Venue as you suggested maybe I should Clarify. My concentration is not with experienced, veteran riders like yourselves. My drive is with the inexperienced, beginning rider and those who want to try the sport in an attempt to keep them out of trouble so they do try the sport, enjoy its many benefits and stay with it in order to grow the sport as much as possible.
These people go out on urban streets unprepared and not realizing the dangers and something happens they are not going to stay with the sport. And they will lose and we will loose.
I am just saying be aware of the dangers and find your own personal way of dealing with them. But they have to be dealt with,not ignored. I believe many of these deaths and injuries are with inexperienced riders and that hurts the sport.
These people go out on urban streets unprepared and not realizing the dangers and something happens they are not going to stay with the sport. And they will lose and we will loose.
I am just saying be aware of the dangers and find your own personal way of dealing with them. But they have to be dealt with,not ignored. I believe many of these deaths and injuries are with inexperienced riders and that hurts the sport.
Generally I get kudos or just indifference towards my cycling, mostly as a year-round commuter here in Metro Boston, even after my serious accident four years ago. The most hostile remarks, particularly in Winter, are from those drivers who fear for themselves to hit me.
Of course I contend with their fears using many of those talking points as mentioned above ["Once again: Health VS Cycling Accidents" (link)]. One soft argument I read on Bikeforums is that cycling in traffic really does look dangerous to car drivers ensconced in their vehicles.
Personally I feel pretty safe, well-lit, with unlimited vision with mirrors, and pretty nimble on my bike. Nonetheless, I’m totally attentive to the cars around me, and I have a number of safety aphorisms (link) in my mind to keep me alert; e.g., “Like a weapon, consider every stopped car loaded, with an occupant ready to exit (from either side).”)
Once though, I was standing on a busy intersection (Massachusetts and Commonwealth Aves) one Saturday night watching some happy-go-lucky student-type cyclists on Hubway Bike Share bikes, no helmets, riding along and laughing in traffic, and I thought to myself that really does look dangerous.
Of course I contend with their fears using many of those talking points as mentioned above ["Once again: Health VS Cycling Accidents" (link)]. One soft argument I read on Bikeforums is that cycling in traffic really does look dangerous to car drivers ensconced in their vehicles.
Personally I feel pretty safe, well-lit, with unlimited vision with mirrors, and pretty nimble on my bike. Nonetheless, I’m totally attentive to the cars around me, and I have a number of safety aphorisms (link) in my mind to keep me alert; e.g., “Like a weapon, consider every stopped car loaded, with an occupant ready to exit (from either side).”)
Once though, I was standing on a busy intersection (Massachusetts and Commonwealth Aves) one Saturday night watching some happy-go-lucky student-type cyclists on Hubway Bike Share bikes, no helmets, riding along and laughing in traffic, and I thought to myself that really does look dangerous.
03-21-19, 02:33 PM
#100
Banned
In Europe, everyone has it by default.
