Bicycles: Hazard or Traffic?

[cpd]

Whether you like it or not, that is exactly the attitude that infuriates many drivers, even drivers who are also cyclists. Sometimes it is not a question of whether we legally can do something, it is sometimes a question of whether we should do something. Call a behavior whatever we want, but if many are inconvenienced for the asserted rights of one or a few there will be strife. Whether or not impatient drivers are right or wrong, if they do something stupid out of frustration and cause harm I think the cyclist who asserts their rights at inopportune times is partially at fault.

As a cyclist and a motorist one thought I try to erase from my mind is that when I'm riding I'm somehow on morally higher ground than when I'm driving. I think that's a mistake too many cyclists make.

With or without a morally superior attitude, the simple fact remains that as long as I am operating in accordance with the law, I will not I put myself at greater risk of danger to accommodate a motorist. If that impedes a driver for 10 seconds, so be it. The attitude of drivers having a problem with that is the one that morally superior attitude. It essentially says, "I don't care if you have a right to be in the road and whether you are safer where you are, get out of my way because you are slowing me down no matter how inconsequentially." Cars already win the battle of physics, their efficiency should not trump the safety of others.

Don't get me wrong, I don't ride around thinking I have any moral high ground. As a cyclist you have to recognize that you are at an extreme disadvantage so I do everything I can safely do to not frustrate drivers. I will ride on the side when safe, move over if I can etc. But what I won't do is put myself at greater risk because a car believes it has more right to the road than I do.

 

[cpd]

Some applicable laws in the state of Wisconsin:
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/IX/59/2


https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/IX/60/5/b


Harsh penalty

Thanks for the cites Steve. I have not read the statutes on this in awhile. Like the law says, a cyclist should move over, if practicable.

Don't take my position incorrectly. I don't ride dead center when there is a car behind me (I see how my use of the term "middle" could be construed). There are circumstances, however, where hugging the shoulder is not a safe practice and in those situations, I stay further into the lane than a motorist may prefer.

 

[adk highlander]

I may get one of these. I like the thanks on the front they can read in the mirror.

 

[cpd]

Priceless adk -- particularly the drafting jersey.

 

[gholt]

I may get one of these. I like the thanks on the front they can read in the mirror.

Where do you get these?
I've never seen them.

 

[adk highlander]

A very subtly named website called Share The Damn Road | Cycling Jerseys That Make A Statement

I have not known about it for long. Some are a bit much. I am not trying to antagonize anyone but I do like the orange one.

 

[rnatalli]

Just on the surface, this was a pretty dumb idea. Put bikes that weigh 20lbs on the same path as a car that weighs 3,000 lbs isn't bright. I live in Massachusetts and spend lots of time in Cambridge and I see these folks even in the snow when it's slippery which to me is plain foolish. I've learned to live with it as many cyclists do obey the rules, but yes, there are tons who do not and they should really think about that position as a car will win every time. Sure they can try and sue, but if it's their fault, the driver was merely inconvenienced and the biker may lose his legs. Pretty lousy deal if you ask me.

 

[herbu]

If that impedes a driver for 10 seconds, so be it.

I don't mind 10 seconds. 10 minutes gets my goat. 1 or 2 bikes can be passed pretty easily, even on a hilly, curvy road. A pack of 20-50 is a different story. Though slower, the herd is much longer than a car, and require a very long line of sight to get around. Then, after creeping along behind them for 10 minutes, we finally come to an intersection w/ a stop sign. They stay bunched up, filling the lane, and cross the intersection 2-5 at a time as they can. Another 5 minutes. At least now they are spaced out and I can pass them 3-4 at a time. Another 5 minutes to get past the whole herd.

There must be a number of cycling clubs here. The nearest road to us seems to be a favorite route for them to go from town to the lake.

 

[crossedover]

If your on the roads, make sure you wear your helmet

 

[Irvrobinson]

I don't mind 10 seconds. 10 minutes gets my goat. 1 or 2 bikes can be passed pretty easily, even on a hilly, curvy road. A pack of 20-50 is a different story. Though slower, the herd is much longer than a car, and require a very long line of sight to get around. Then, after creeping along behind them for 10 minutes, we finally come to an intersection w/ a stop sign. They stay bunched up, filling the lane, and cross the intersection 2-5 at a time as they can. Another 5 minutes. At least now they are spaced out and I can pass them 3-4 at a time. Another 5 minutes to get past the whole herd.

There must be a number of cycling clubs here. The nearest road to us seems to be a favorite route for them to go from town to the lake.

This is very common. In most states it is illegal to impede traffic, but I've only heard or read about about a few cases of the police acting against cyclists, even herds. My primary home is a couple of hundred yards from a winding two-lane road that is so popular with herds that on weekends I just treat that road like a bike path and avoid it altogether. Of course, I have an option. For the unfortunate people who live on that road it's a constant annoyance. I am surprised there aren't more injuries or fatalities; in fact, there are almost none, but I wouldn't consider riding it.

 

[its phillip]

I mostly commute on major roads/highways so there are no bikes there. Unfortunately, a few of the roads I take to get to those highways do get a few bikes from time to time. I don't mind people biking but it really doesn't help the already terrible traffic situation around here when they ride on such heavily congested roads.

 

[jinjuku]

Simply put, here state law tells me I can, and state agencies suggest that I ride in the middle of the lane.

Remember State Law's aren't some security barrier that keeps a 4000lb hunk of metal from turning you into human pulp.

People can state the obvious laws that bikes have as much right of way as any other vehicle. You can either ride with that mind set or that of actual self preservation.

 

[cpd]

I don't mind 10 seconds. 10 minutes gets my goat. 1 or 2 bikes can be passed pretty easily, even on a hilly, curvy road. A pack of 20-50 is a different story. Though slower, the herd is much longer than a car, and require a very long line of sight to get around. Then, after creeping along behind them for 10 minutes, we finally come to an intersection w/ a stop sign. They stay bunched up, filling the lane, and cross the intersection 2-5 at a time as they can. Another 5 minutes. At least now they are spaced out and I can pass them 3-4 at a time. Another 5 minutes to get past the whole herd.

There must be a number of cycling clubs here. The nearest road to us seems to be a favorite route for them to go from town to the lake.

My perspective comes from the fact that I generally ride alone. I cannot stand other cyclists, they are such @holes

All kidding aside, if a herd of 50 is blocking traffic for 10 minutes, then I think that pretty clearly is impeding traffic. At least here they have the obligation to move over if practicable. That would frustrate me too.

I would still say that on balance there are likely more instances of motorist "discourtesy" to cyclists than the other way around.

 

[cpd]

Remember State Law's aren't some security barrier that keeps a 4000lb hunk of metal from turning you into human pulp.

People can state the obvious laws that bikes have as much right of way as any other vehicle. You can either ride with that mind set or that of actual self preservation.

I cannot cite any studies, but I have always been instructed (and I assume that is why the DOT instructs the same) that it is safer if you are not hugging the shoulder. First, you are more visible to the motorist behind you because you are directly in their path. Second, when you hug the shoulder motorists often feel falsely encouraged that they can pass without moving over at all, or they try squeezing between you and oncoming traffic. Third, you can see and react more readily to crossing hazards. Fourth, don't underplay the issue of shoulder debris/animals.

 

[rnatalli]

My favorite are the ones that that stick their kids in the cart behind the bike that's close to the ground. Sure, it has a flag, but nothing like putting your child in the direct path of car exhaust and making them difficult for a driver to see.

 

[cpd]

My favorite are the ones that that stick their kids in the cart behind the bike that's close to the ground. Sure, it has a flag, but nothing like putting your child in the direct path of car exhaust and making them difficult for a driver to see.

The issue is not the trailer - it is the parenting decision. I don't think any parent should ride with a kid on the streets, in a trailer or a child seat (also known as "kid-a-pults"). Again I cannot cite a study but I believe it is generally accepted that trailers are safer than child seats.

 

[jinjuku]

I cannot cite any studies, but I have always been instructed (and I assume that is why the DOT instructs the same) that it is safer if you are not hugging the shoulder. First, you are more visible to the motorist behind you because you are directly in their path. Second, when you hug the shoulder motorists often feel falsely encouraged that they can pass without moving over at all, or they try squeezing between you and oncoming traffic. Third, you can see and react more readily to crossing hazards. Fourth, don't underplay the issue of shoulder debris/animals.

I didn't say anything about shoulder or curb riding. I'm saying you are taking your chances.

I did MX with Honda Factory for 5 years in the 250cc class. I'll get back into that before I get any form of powered two wheel vehicle for the public streets.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

A lot of dead people had the "right of way" - some cyclists just need some common sense.. riding a bike around cars, is an inherent risk.

There likely needs to be more laws to protect the bikers from their own behavior. Things like running red lights, pulling out into traffic, block the flow of traffic, etc. are just dangerous in ANY vehicle lol.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

As a very aggressive cyclist myself, I find the hate between car and bikes enhance my work out. On 50% of my rides, I get to catch the car that buzzed me, at the next stop light, pull them out of there car and beat them silly. When I am lucky enough for this to happen, I get to skip my afternoon MMA workout.

All kidding aside, though there is an inherent risk, you are probably more likely to die sooner if you are a couch potato than being killed by a car while riding a bike. We try to be as safe as possible but are always on curvy country roads with no shoulder.

And what the heck is a 15 or 20lb bike?

Here's a shot from my last race

 

[herbu]

This is a 15-20lb bike. It serves me well for exercise and peace cruising along the American Tobacco Trail, (built along an old abandoned railroad track). Fortunately, the ATT passes just outside my neighborhood. Easy access w/o going on a paved road.

And here's a shot from my last race...