Quote:
Originally Posted by AFireInside
Also to the guy who challenged drivers to get out of their car just once, I'm not sure if your point was to be tough or maybe I missed the point of that statement, but I don't think that many guys would hesitate to tell a spandex clad biker where to go. I've done it before, didn't think twice about it. Just because you ride a bike to work doesn't make you any more fit than those who drive and hit the gym before/after work. Get over yourself.
If that wasn't your point ignore that last paragraph!!  |
I'm pretty sure the point that the poster was trying to make is this - walk a mile in the other guys shoes. Most adult cyclists are also drivers, so we understand your frustrations with bad cyclists who flaunt or completely ignore the rules of the road. Many (not all) of the drivers who complain so loudly about cyclists haven't been on a bike in years. If you get on the saddle, you might understand better our concerns.
As someone who enjoys my bike ride to work nearly everyday, I have to say that a lot of drivers are just bad. Yesterday, for instance, I was in a designated right turning lane, and I signaled a right turn. A truck passed me in the driving lane, and then turned (no signal) right in front of me. I had to slam on the brakes and wait for him to pass.
I drove to work today, and I drove the same way that I normally bike. I was slowed for about 20 seconds waiting for an opportunity to pass a bike, while I waited over a minute stopped behind a car making a left turn. For the most part, bikes are not what causes traffic delays.
Seeing people with bad biking habits annoy me, because it makes us all look bad and further fuels the anti-bike crowd. Today, I saw a guy talking on a cell phone riding his bike down the street, and it angered me. I realize that with rights come responsibilities. Same goes whether you are in a car or on a bike. Whether I'm driving or riding a bike, I always try to think about what the other guy would want me to do - simple things like being visible, acting predictably, signaling my intentions, and showing respect for the other vehicles on the road.