I used to bike to the bus stop when I lived in Cedar Rapids, and it was a city ordnance you had to use the road. Hell, I once rode a bike on the highway for miles to pike up a layaway (remember those?).
but I had the decency and common sense to get the hell out of the way when a car was behind me...
I also think any ordnance that mandates road use is a bit silly, as sidewalks should be used by children and should always be an option for people to get off the road if needed.
One important thing that cyclists also need to remember is that they are usually considered a vehicle, so they have to treat pedestrians the same as if they were in a car.
If you can keep up with the speed of traffic I don't mind cyclists too much..but they need to know how to signal.
My personal favorites are the ones who have turn signals on their bikes.
As for keeping up with traffic, you're not there to spin your pedals as if it's exercise when you're on the road: If you have modern day thumb shifts (which are WONDERFUL) you should be able to quickly shift up and down with ease to keep yourself moving.
As someone who only rides my bike casually, I completely refuse to use bike lanes because I can’t be 100% certain I’ll be able to stay in my lane when a car comes. I always feel like I’m gonna swerve into traffic or something.
it was generally my policy to get the hell out of the way...the car outweighs me by a few hundred pounds so it just seemed like good sense to let them pass.
It's sad but true, you can usually tell which ones are dicks and which aren't by how they're dressed. If they were normal clothes, chances are they get out of the way the minute they hear you. If they're dressed like they're getting ready for a marathon...you're gonna be tempted to run them over...
I used to bike to the bus stop when I lived in Cedar Rapids, and it was a city ordnance you had to use the road. Hell, I once rode a bike on the highway for miles to pike up a layaway (remember those?).
but I had the decency and common sense to get the hell out of the way when a car was behind me...
I also think any ordnance that mandates road use is a bit silly, as sidewalks should be used by children and should always be an option for people to get off the road if needed.
One important thing that cyclists also need to remember is that they are usually considered a vehicle, so they have to treat pedestrians the same as if they were in a car.
If you can keep up with the speed of traffic I don't mind cyclists too much..but they need to know how to signal.
My personal favorites are the ones who have turn signals on their bikes.
As for keeping up with traffic, you're not there to spin your pedals as if it's exercise when you're on the road: If you have modern day thumb shifts (which are WONDERFUL) you should be able to quickly shift up and down with ease to keep yourself moving.
As someone who only rides my bike casually, I completely refuse to use bike lanes because I can’t be 100% certain I’ll be able to stay in my lane when a car comes. I always feel like I’m gonna swerve into traffic or something.
it was generally my policy to get the hell out of the way...the car outweighs me by a few hundred pounds so it just seemed like good sense to let them pass.
It's sad but true, you can usually tell which ones are dicks and which aren't by how they're dressed. If they were normal clothes, chances are they get out of the way the minute they hear you. If they're dressed like they're getting ready for a marathon...you're gonna be tempted to run them over...