The Clash Between Drivers and Cyclists

Mike · April 15th, 2007, 10:00 PM

It is no secret that many people (especially the ones who don't run or ride) have a problem with cyclists. But there is a growing controversy in San Francisco due to a group -- Critical Mass -- which goes out once a month and pretty much seems to do a good job of causing hell in the City. While its overall goal is commendable, the group appears to be further hurting the image that cyclists have.

In the latest Critical Mass ride, hundreds of cyclists apparently surrounded a vehicle and broke out a mini van's rear window. The S.F. police mention that the driver may have unintentionally bumped a rider.

As both a driver and cyclist, I will admit that much work has to be done to make it safer for everyone out on the road. For example, threads like this one seem to show the type of confusion that both cyclists and drivers seem to have.

What do you guys think?

**GroundZero3** · April 15th, 2007, 10:06 PM

The sad part is most people don't know the laws in their area which causes confusions and problems. Cars think they own the road and alot of people are in a rush. Its just as bad for motorcycles.

Hey-Todd · April 15th, 2007, 10:10 PM

Legal or not, I don't believe bicycles should be on the overcrowded roads if they can't do the speed limit. IMO.

Atomic Rooster · April 15th, 2007, 10:16 PM

For the most part around here, it seems as if the bicyclists own the damn road. Many do not follow the rules and act pretty arrogant about it. They have pissed me off more times than I care to remember and acted like it was my fault for getting in their way. This is coming from someone who rides and follows the rules of the road.

lost-and-found · April 16th, 2007, 12:01 AM

What really irks me is when people ride bicycles during the night without proper lighting. And many of them are dressed in dark, non-reflective clothing as well.

The Real Bingo · April 16th, 2007, 12:20 AM

Move to the north...not too many cyclists up this way.

But yeah...most drivers are assholes to anyone on the road not in a vehicle. Pedestrians and cyclists have to really pay attention because one never knows if a car is going to run a red light or try to get a head start on the green light.

Northeast Philadelphia, however, is pretty good with its designated bike lanes.

voogru · April 16th, 2007, 01:14 AM

I like the people that walk around in the middle of the road in VERY dark areas with dark clothing at night the most. Not too long ago I came very close to hitting a cycler that was:

1. On the wrong side of the road.
2. Completely wearing dark clothing and no reflectors.

I was also in the middle of passing another vehicle that read the 40 mile per hour speed limit as 0.40 miles per hour speed limit.

I don't know how I saw him, but I did and thankfully avoided the dumbass.

I think they just have a death wish or something.

carl33p · April 16th, 2007, 01:27 AM

I ride my bike daily, in a college town where lots of people bike. I know all the bike laws, and dont slow traffic down.
It seems to me that the cyclist wearing all the fancy gear are the ones that ride in the road and act like they own the roads. The novice riders usuaully stay out of the way. Just today I saw a group of 20 cyclist. The bike lane was atleast 3 feet wide, BUT many of them insisted on riding side by side and taking up part of car lane. This is on a VERY busy road....

The problem exist when there is NO sidewalk AND NO bike lane in a one-laner. What is a biker to do?

The Real Bingo · April 16th, 2007, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carl33p

The problem exist when there is NO sidewalk AND NO bike lane in a one-laner. What is a biker to do?

Drive on the road like he's supposed to. As a pedestrian, it's annoying and dangerous to have some idiot riding a bike on the sidewalk - not to mention skateboarders, scooters, and rollerbladers (not too many of those around here).

Mike · April 16th, 2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Real Bingo

Drive on the road like he's supposed to. As a pedestrian, it's annoying and dangerous to have some idiot riding a bike on the sidewalk - not to mention skateboarders, scooters, and rollerbladers (not too many of those around here).

Exactly.

It is also very dangerous because drivers backing out of their driveways don't expect a person on a bike to fly by going between 10-20 m.p.h. on the sidewalk.

In fact, the police in my town will stop people who are unsafely riding on the sidewalk.