Message to the Lime Green Shirts
- Thread starter Sircrashalot
- Start date
Shaggz
A strong 7
Not directly at you, Norm, but like it or not, these are the rules:
"39:4-14.2, 39:4-10.11 Operating Regulations.
Every person riding a bicycle on a roadway shall ride as near to the right roadside as practicable exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. A bicyclist may move left under any of the following conditions: 1) To make a left turn from a left turn lane or pocket; 2) To avoid debris, drains, or other hazardous conditions on the right; 3) To pass a slower moving vehicle; 4) To occupy any available lane when traveling at the same speed as other traffic; 5) To travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded, but otherwise ride in single file. Every person riding a bicycle should ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic."
Thanks Steve.
I'm curious though. If I'm going 22-23 in a 25 mph zone, does a car have the right to blaze past me at 40-50? It happens very frequently IME. The same people who complain about bikers are likely the same people jamming the gas because I'm going 2 mph below the speed limit.
I don't think any of that translates to cars having any more "ownership" of the road though. There's nothing that says bikes aren't allowed. Point #2 basically concedes that bikes have every right to ride where the rider will be safest. A car going 20 in a 40 is supposed to do the same thing as a bike - get out of the way. So I think if I'm doing 25 in a 25, my bike and I are the same as a car.
I'm curious though. If I'm going 22-23 in a 25 mph zone, does a car have the right to blaze past me at 40-50? It happens very frequently IME. The same people who complain about bikers are likely the same people jamming the gas because I'm going 2 mph below the speed limit.
I don't think any of that translates to cars having any more "ownership" of the road though. There's nothing that says bikes aren't allowed. Point #2 basically concedes that bikes have every right to ride where the rider will be safest. A car going 20 in a 40 is supposed to do the same thing as a bike - get out of the way. So I think if I'm doing 25 in a 25, my bike and I are the same as a car.
:getsome:
Absolutely!!
Again, go back to safety.
My regular route(3x week) includes a long climb to a wicked fast downhill on a narrow two way road with some low visibility around corners. The speed limit on this road is 35 and it's a fair limit.
I only climb up this cursed hill because the downhill is so freaking sweet. Anyway, it's a narrow road and it is dangerous. There is always debris on the edges of the road. Any car passing me would have to cross the double yellow and if a car were coming the other way, we'd all be done for. When I hit 30mph on the incline, I take the lane. Mid-point on the hill, I'm flying at 45mph or more. As soon as I drop back to the mid thirties, I give the lane back. I've never had issues with the drivers on this road since it is obvious even to them that I am in a very precarious position. Yielding the road and giving a wave or peace as they pass, makes all well in the world of cyclist vs. motorist.
My point, as cyclists we need to be bold, visible and even loud(agressively defensive) but there is never an excuse for rude. If I flip the bird to someone who rode behind me on the hill they'd look for the next cyclist to run over. If I wave in thanks, they respect the next cyclist they see and give me more space on the hill next time. That's just how it is.
Motorists are understanding if you give them a chance. I drive too and give cyclists a wide berm(you never know when they're battling fatigue, bees or an asthma attack). Yes, I have been pissed off by riders aimlessly wandering in the road, yet I've also been caught riding two abreast or more in conversation unaware of a car on our tails. It happens... and can be OK if everybody stays cool.
If the cyclists that were splayed across the road gave some signal to the OP I don't think he'd have had the reaction he did. He may even have stopped to help, cause that's what we do. I think a lot has been read into what he posted, so, read it again and let's all play nice.
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IME alot of drivers just don't know the rules. I could list some groups that fall into this catergory but I don't want to start another fight. Some people just don't know what to do and it is very tough to educate those people. In general a simple wave to a motorist doesn't do jack.
Maybe not, but it doesn't hurt anything.
And if it seems sincere, it can create guilt and gnaw at the brain of the offending driver until his frozen green heart melts.
At least it worked for the Grinch....
Nimrod
New Member
You tell'em Ben!
Being a good Liberal, riding my bike to work at least once a week...
Last week, riding home from work... nice clear day...I'm on the right side of the white line, in a 15-20 mph school zone (schools in btw)... This jerk in a Tahoe buzz's me reallllllllllllllllly close, cranks the horn and yells something at 40 plus mph... yea he's cool
I sit up as tall as I can, swing to the middle of the lane (he's looking in the mirror 100-200 yards ahead, looking to see his handy work) and give him both middle fingers,:getsome: then a whole bunch of baaaaad words. Shit for brains hits the brakes.... I stood up in the drops, started sprinting like a mad man at the dude.... Going to do something...... Yell at him...Spit on him, kick the side of the truck in (I'm beyond mad)
Well.... the jerk got caught by the next traffic light.... oh man.... he's watching me closing on him.... the guy panicked and made a left on red. Real class act.
Got home Mrs. Nimrod asked how my ride was "Fine"
Tony I had a similar incident recently in Asbury, but mine was with a huge-haired jersey girl in hottie goggles driving a camry. She didnt like that I was taking up the right lane of a 4 lane highway to avoid getting hit by car doors opening. That hurts btw. She was the only car travelling in that direction as far as my eyes could see, and I was cruising at 25+, yet she still had to lay on her horn and scare the shit out of me before she got over to the left lane. Then of course she gave me the NJ wave and some choice words before speeding off. I caught her at the next light and gave her some NJ love in return, scaring the shit out of HER as I rolled up on her drivers window. Isn't biking cool?
Crash I know you didnt start this thread to pick a e-fight. I love the discussion though and am happy you started it. Don't mistake any of the comment as anything but friendly banter.
Crash I know you didnt start this thread to pick a e-fight. I love the discussion though and am happy you started it. Don't mistake any of the comment as anything but friendly banter.
Tony I had a similar incident recently in Asbury, but mine was with a huge-haired jersey girl in hottie goggles driving a camry. She didnt like that I was taking up the right lane of a 4 lane highway to avoid getting hit by car doors opening. That hurts btw. She was the only car travelling in that direction as far as my eyes could see, and I was cruising at 25+, yet she still had to lay on her horn and scare the shit out of me before she got over to the left lane. Then of course she gave me the NJ wave and some choice words before speeding off. I caught her at the next light and gave her some NJ love in return, scaring the shit out of HER as I rolled up on her drivers window. Isn't biking cool?
nothing but bitches and hoes, I tell ya, bitches and hoes
Nimrod
New Member
Tony I had a similar incident recently in Asbury, but mine was with a huge-haired jersey girl in hottie goggles driving a camry. She didnt like that I was taking up the right lane of a 4 lane highway to avoid getting hit by car doors opening. That hurts btw. She was the only car travelling in that direction as far as my eyes could see, and I was cruising at 25+, yet she still had to lay on her horn and scare the shit out of me before she got over to the left lane. Then of course she gave me the NJ wave and some choice words before speeding off. I caught her at the next light and gave her some NJ love in return, scaring the shit out of HER as I rolled up on her drivers window. Isn't biking cool?
Remember a couple of years ago,
when I kicked in the Strippers (next door) storm door, then grabbed their 6'-3" boyfriend by the neck and threw him to the ground after he almost ran over the kids playing kickball in the street? I was even madder last week
M
mponsig
Guest
I am familiar with Fresh Pond Road and it can be a hairy situation more so for the motorist than the bicyclist IMHO. I do try to follow the make love not war philosophy but I can see how easy it is to get upset with cyclists when you are one as well and they do not seem to obey the common law as you yourself would. In any case, no matter how ignorant the other human being is, I always wave even if sometimes it's with the back of my hand and my middle finger is sticking up. :rofl::rofl:
Sircrashalot
New Member
warcricket
Like a Jerk
heh, u said norm. heh, get it? heh.
My 2 cents....
In my 36 years of riding i've only been hit by cars (3 times); including one drunk driver and one hit and run. Over those 36 years it happened when I was not experienced (6, 14 and 16 years old). Fortunately I'm here just some broken bones (check out my left arm). The thing i took away is that as cyclists on the road, we need to be smart. "Some" drivers either don't care or don't know any better. You can the most courteous rider but it takes one a-hole trying to beat the landscaping truck behind you thru a stop sign and bam your on the ground. Spandex and foam always lose to metal and asphalt.
I ride to work 2 - 4 days a week, about 7 miles in and 20 - 30 home. I can say at least once a week i would get creamed if I didn't ride with the thought that every person is "trying" to hit me. Its frustrating but I let it go a long time ago. Anrothar is right, always try an signal, but never take for granted that motorists are paying attention. In NJ there are too many cars not enough roads and a lot of angry, frustrated and distracted people. If more people rode a bike most of those problems would be lessened. But alas we are the few. Ride smart, don't make yourself a target.
In my 36 years of riding i've only been hit by cars (3 times); including one drunk driver and one hit and run. Over those 36 years it happened when I was not experienced (6, 14 and 16 years old). Fortunately I'm here just some broken bones (check out my left arm). The thing i took away is that as cyclists on the road, we need to be smart. "Some" drivers either don't care or don't know any better. You can the most courteous rider but it takes one a-hole trying to beat the landscaping truck behind you thru a stop sign and bam your on the ground. Spandex and foam always lose to metal and asphalt.
I ride to work 2 - 4 days a week, about 7 miles in and 20 - 30 home. I can say at least once a week i would get creamed if I didn't ride with the thought that every person is "trying" to hit me. Its frustrating but I let it go a long time ago. Anrothar is right, always try an signal, but never take for granted that motorists are paying attention. In NJ there are too many cars not enough roads and a lot of angry, frustrated and distracted people. If more people rode a bike most of those problems would be lessened. But alas we are the few. Ride smart, don't make yourself a target.
MixMastaMM
Team Bulldog Rider
Its the bitches that'll getiches.
warcricket
Like a Jerk
i've always found it better to claim at least one third of the lane of REALLY low traffic roads, cause if you don't everyone thinks they can squeeze by five inches from you; however, if you do claim the lane, drivers will usually slow down and wait till its safe to pass you.
though, on anything with a solid amount of cars; i hug the curb.
though, on anything with a solid amount of cars; i hug the curb.
ArmyOfNone
Well-Known Member
man thats a great description LOL
Remember a couple of years ago,
I was even madder last week
You want to talk to someone about all of this? I know ppl
lou_b_83
New Member
Had a bad group on my ride in to work today. It was a group of 6 that were 3 wide. It was a two lane road and they were taking up one of the lanes. As I slowed down to wait for the traffic to brake so I could go around them, one of the guys actually gave me the middle finger. I was not beeping at them to move and I was not even close to them! Not very nice to see at all. That is what is giving people that ride bad names.
That is what is giving people that ride bad names.