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Main
Date: 20 Apr 2007 20:52:11
From:
Subject: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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Mike Boyd is editor of the Colorado Springs Business Journal and a
poor comedian. He can be reached at Mike.Boyd@csbj.com or 329-5202
Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=10469
"The Colorado Department of Transportation issued a warning last week
that drivers of internal combustion machines (i.e. cars, trucks,
hulking SUVs, etc.) should be on the lookout for riders of muscled-
powered vehicles (i.e. bicycles).
Seems that with the onset of spring, bicyclists become more prominent
on the roadways. CDOT also was reminding cyclists that they play by
the same rules of the road as gasoline and diesel consumers, and can
be penalized for breaking those rules (of course you never see a peace
officer stop a cyclists for running a red light or failing to maintain
a minimum speed or passing on the right or anything else for that
matter - not that I'm bitter).
The following are CDOT's tips for bicyclists:
* Ride on the right and never ride against traffic (and I would
add: stay out of the way of traffic, because those of us in hulking
SUVs like driving really fast and can become quite agitated when we
have to slow down become some health-nut on a bicycle thinks he or she
is just as much entitled to the road as we are - I know, I should
probably add this to the list of issues to discuss with my therapist).
* Ride single file (which it seems is all too often too difficult
of a concept for a group of cyclists to grasp).
* Obey traffic laws, signs and signals (unless of course that
would slow you down or inconvenience you, because after all, laws only
apply to the mean-old-motoring, carbon-monoxide-producing, killing-the-
planet-by-burning-fossil-fuels public).
* Use a headlight, taillight and reflectors at night (better yet,
stay off the roads at night, it's safer for everyone).
* Make eye contact with drivers (that way you can tell when we're
about to explode with road rage).
* Always wear a helmet (which I never did as a child, which might
help to explain some of my issues)..........SNIP"
Some people got it, some people didn't come close
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=10530
"Just in case you haven't heard/read, I'm not very popular among some
in the bicycling community.
It seems the tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and caustic whit in my April 6
column didn't resonate with everyone who read it. However, some people
did get it.
The first e-mail I received about the column was from Eva Syrovy on
the morning it was published. "Your opinion piece brought a real
chuckle. Like most cyclists, I'm also an occasional driver, so relate
to both sides of that story! Gotta say, I do break the rules sometimes
when on two wheels - and feel sort of guilty about it - but justify it
blithely by somehow equating my lack of carbon-monoxide production
with karma points. What do you think - perhaps a mile of non-carbon
monoxide for one run stop sign?"
But a lot of folks didn't get it. Last week we printed two of the e-
mails as letters to the editor. Those two were just the tip of the
iceberg of the responses I received, but are representative of the
majority of the comments.
I appreciate the feedback from everyone who took the time to read the
column and write a reasoned reply - even those folks who missed the
tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and caustic whit or somehow thought I was
advocating violence against cyclists (which I still can't find in the
column no matter how many times I read it), and those folks who
wholeheartedly disagreed with me.
But as the e-mails continued to flood into my inbox, it became clear
that some members of the cycling community had things other than
reasoned disagreement on their minds..................SNIP"
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Date: 24 Apr 2007 17:56:24
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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On Apr 23, 9:11 am, frkry...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Apr 23, 12:18 am, Michael Press <rub...@pacbell.net> wrote:
>
> > My
> > interactions with car drivers are almost universally friendly or
> > neutral. Very few antagonistic interactions, and I attribute this
> > to the good will of most car drivers.
>
> I agree entirely. So much so that I'm a little baffled by people who
> portray cycling as some sort of battle, or a deathly risk.
>
> I don't know why my universe is so different from theirs, but I'm glad
> it is!
>
> - FrankKrygowski
Dear Frank,
You ought to be horsewhipped!
:)
Sorry, but I needed an excuse to post the following excerpt from a
mostly-bicycling magazine circa 1883 that's available online that's
mentioned on rec.bicycles.rides:
http://www.aafla.org/index/outing1883.html
The excerpt that follows is from an article about 234 rides on a model
234 bicycle by an author unafraid of horsewhips or long paragraphs.
His claim to have encountered half a million horses would have
provoked a lively round of quibbling on that era's equivalent of RBT,
concerning whether a bicyclist would see an average of 2,137 horses
per daily ride:
Helmet-thread aficionados may discuss how the vicious cut with the
horsewhip was warded off by a straw hat!
:)
Note the irritation at women drivers, fancy horses and carriages, and
the "vain pride" of drivers who insist that the bicyclist need not
worry about frightening the animals and should "come on without
dismounting."
Cheers,
Carl Fogel
As regards other perils of the road, I may say that before I had
covered one hundred
and fifty miles, and before my cyclometer had been three days on its
axle, I was
attacked, while bending over to read it, by three drunken men, who
drove close by me
in a carriage, and one of whom gave me a vicious cut with the whip,
which my straw hat chanced to ward off, but which might easily have
put out an eye, or caused other lasting disfigurement. Once or twice,
too, drunken drivers have attempted to run me down from behind, though
never very persistently, or with near approximation to success. On a
few occasions, also, drivers have wantonly forced a dismount by
refusing to yield an inch of the track in approaching, -the most
exasperating instance
which I recall being that of the ruffian who directed one of the four-
horse coaches of a hotel at Lake George. On Staten Island, last
September, I got a tumble in trying to curve too sharply around a
wagon, just ahead, whose driver "slowed up" suddenly, though not
maliciously. I never yet caused a runaway, and my most serious
troubles with horses were in the cases of two sedate old "plugs," one
in Connecticut and one in Western New York, which were driven by
women, who persisted in "hauling them in," until, in the former case,
a wheel was cramped off, and in the latter the vehicle was made to
describe one or two complete backward revolutions, but without hurting
anything. I never met but two horses that seemed thoroughly frightened
at the bicycle, though it is, perhaps, not unreasonable to assume that
"Number 234" has encountered as many as half a million of them. Both
of these were fancy nags, --one in Ohio, the other at Ticonderoga, --
whose drivers, being possessed with a vain pride in their ability to
control them, ordered me to "come on," without dismounting. Had I done
so there would surely have been two wrecked "trotting sulkies" and two
dead or demoralized horse-jockeys "laid out" on those two occasions.
After causing the first pair of mules which I faced on the Erie canal
to wheel about and kick their driver down a thirty-foot embankment, I
took no further chances of that sort on the towpath ; and I likewise
generally dismounted before the horseback riders in Kentucky, whose
half-broken steeds seemed only too glad of a chance to shy at any
moving object whatever.
http://www.aafla.org/SportsLibrary/Outing/Volume_02/outII01/outII01l.pdf
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Date: 25 Apr 2007 15:54:49
From: Michael Press
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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In article
<1177462584.184276.292330@t38g2000prd.googlegroups.com >,
carlfogel@comcast.net wrote:
> Note the irritation at women drivers, fancy horses and carriages, and
> the "vain pride" of drivers who insist that the bicyclist need not
> worry about frightening the animals and should "come on without
> dismounting."
On local trails I pull over and stop, but do not dismount for
horses. Typically the rider of the horse is relieved at not having
to manage a horse's inclination to shy at ridden bicycles, and
thanks me for it.
--
Michael Press
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Date: 24 Apr 2007 07:46:06
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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On Apr 23, 9:11 am, frkry...@gmail.com wrote:
> On Apr 23, 12:18 am, Michael Press <rub...@pacbell.net> wrote:
>
> > My
> > interactions with car drivers are almost universally friendly or
> > neutral. Very few antagonistic interactions, and I attribute this
> > to the good will of most car drivers.
>
> I agree entirely. So much so that I'm a little baffled by people who
> portray cycling as some sort of battle, or a deathly risk.
>
> I don't know why my universe is so different from theirs, but I'm glad
> it is!
>
> - Frank Krygowski
I don't find driver antagonism to be much of a problem. Driver
inattention, however, is something that I have to deal with on a
regular basis. Keep in mind that some riders are subject to a huge
amount of interactions with other road users, and some ride in places
where interactions are far less frequent, and some peoples' bikes are
hanging on hooks in the garage. All of this will affect one's view of
the underlying nature of traffic.
Robert
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Date: 24 Apr 2007 12:37:29
From: Michael Press
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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In article
<1177425966.297077.68800@t38g2000prd.googlegroups.com >,
r15757@aol.com wrote:
> On Apr 23, 9:11 am, frkry...@gmail.com wrote:
> > On Apr 23, 12:18 am, Michael Press <rub...@pacbell.net> wrote:
> >
> > > My
> > > interactions with car drivers are almost universally friendly or
> > > neutral. Very few antagonistic interactions, and I attribute this
> > > to the good will of most car drivers.
> >
> > I agree entirely. So much so that I'm a little baffled by people who
> > portray cycling as some sort of battle, or a deathly risk.
> >
> > I don't know why my universe is so different from theirs, but I'm glad
> > it is!
> >
> > - Frank Krygowski
>
>
> I don't find driver antagonism to be much of a problem. Driver
> inattention, however, is something that I have to deal with on a
> regular basis. Keep in mind that some riders are subject to a huge
> amount of interactions with other road users, and some ride in places
> where interactions are far less frequent, and some peoples' bikes are
> hanging on hooks in the garage. All of this will affect one's view of
> the underlying nature of traffic.
I see a _lot_ of traffic. Since you are sensitized to driver
inattention then you can spot it a city block away, exactly as I
can.
--
Michael Press
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Date: 23 Apr 2007 19:36:47
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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On Apr 23, 3:40 pm, dgk <d...@somewhere.com > wrote:
> On Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:42:36 -0700, Bill <b...@comcast.net> wrote:
> >frkry...@gmail.com wrote:
> >> On Apr 23, 12:18 am, Michael Press <rub...@pacbell.net> wrote:
> >>> My
> >>> interactions with car drivers are almost universally friendly or
> >>> neutral. Very few antagonistic interactions, and I attribute this
> >>> to the good will of most car drivers.
>
> >> I agree entirely. So much so that I'm a little baffled by people who
> >> portray cycling as some sort of battle, or a deathly risk.
>
> >> I don't know why my universe is so different from theirs, but I'm glad
> >> it is!
>
> >> - Frank Krygowski
>
> >I have an alternative way of dealing with drivers at a 4 way. I just
> >ride as if I am going to make a right turn so they will go and then I
> >can loop around behind them. Like you guys said, some drivers just have
> >a brain freeze if you meet them at a stop sign.
> >Bill Baka
>
> Drivers at stop signs are often trying to be helpful by waving other
> folks on. That usually leads to confusion, but at least they were
> trying to be nice. I prefer if people just do what they're supposed to
> do.
I agree. When I come up to a four-way stop, if a driver has ROW, I
give a hand "come through" hand signal to confirm it. If I have ROW,
I take it quickly so there's no doubt.
The rules of the road work remarkably well. There's no need to get
excessively creative.
- Frank Krygowski
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Date: 23 Apr 2007 08:11:26
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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On Apr 23, 12:18 am, Michael Press <rub...@pacbell.net > wrote:
> My
> interactions with car drivers are almost universally friendly or
> neutral. Very few antagonistic interactions, and I attribute this
> to the good will of most car drivers.
I agree entirely. So much so that I'm a little baffled by people who
portray cycling as some sort of battle, or a deathly risk.
I don't know why my universe is so different from theirs, but I'm glad
it is!
- Frank Krygowski
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Date: 24 Apr 2007 10:42:36
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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frkrygow@gmail.com wrote:
> On Apr 23, 12:18 am, Michael Press <rub...@pacbell.net> wrote:
>> My
>> interactions with car drivers are almost universally friendly or
>> neutral. Very few antagonistic interactions, and I attribute this
>> to the good will of most car drivers.
>
> I agree entirely. So much so that I'm a little baffled by people who
> portray cycling as some sort of battle, or a deathly risk.
>
> I don't know why my universe is so different from theirs, but I'm glad
> it is!
>
> - Frank Krygowski
>
I have an alternative way of dealing with drivers at a 4 way. I just
ride as if I am going to make a right turn so they will go and then I
can loop around behind them. Like you guys said, some drivers just have
a brain freeze if you meet them at a stop sign.
Bill Baka
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Date: 23 Apr 2007 15:40:33
From: dgk
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
On Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:42:36 -0700, Bill <bbaka@comcast.net > wrote:
>frkrygow@gmail.com wrote:
>> On Apr 23, 12:18 am, Michael Press <rub...@pacbell.net> wrote:
>>> My
>>> interactions with car drivers are almost universally friendly or
>>> neutral. Very few antagonistic interactions, and I attribute this
>>> to the good will of most car drivers.
>>
>> I agree entirely. So much so that I'm a little baffled by people who
>> portray cycling as some sort of battle, or a deathly risk.
>>
>> I don't know why my universe is so different from theirs, but I'm glad
>> it is!
>>
>> - Frank Krygowski
>>
>I have an alternative way of dealing with drivers at a 4 way. I just
>ride as if I am going to make a right turn so they will go and then I
>can loop around behind them. Like you guys said, some drivers just have
>a brain freeze if you meet them at a stop sign.
>Bill Baka
Drivers at stop signs are often trying to be helpful by waving other
folks on. That usually leads to confusion, but at least they were
trying to be nice. I prefer if people just do what they're supposed to
do.
I find that most drivers, even here in NYC, are willing to get along
with bicycles. They seem to have a grudging respect for anyone willing
to bike in the traffic.
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Date: 21 Apr 2007 19:26:46
From: bjw@mambo.ucolick.org
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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On Apr 21, 11:09 am, Zog The Undeniable <hrothga...@yahoo.com > wrote:
> mrjohnso...@hotmail.com wrote:
> > Mike Boyd is editor of the Colorado Springs Business Journal and a
> > poor comedian. He can be reached at Mike.B...@csbj.com or 329-5202
>
> He sounds like a US version of the cretinous Jeremy Clarkson.
The cretinous Jeremy Clarkson? I wasn't aware there
was any other Jeremy Clarkson.
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Date: 21 Apr 2007 17:09:00
From: Jay Beattie
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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On Apr 21, 3:53 pm, Bill <b...@comcast.net > wrote:
> Jens M=FCller wrote:
> > mrjohnso...@hotmail.com schrieb:
>
> >> Seems that with the onset of spring, bicyclists become more prominent
> >> on the roadways. CDOT also was reminding cyclists that they play by
> >> the same rules of the road as gasoline and diesel consumers,
>
> > Umm, of course. So, where is the news?
>
> The only time I can say that bicycling is not one of my favorite things
> to do is when I know I have some work at home that I am putting off for
> my rides. Kind of a guilty trip since I know I could be doing something
> useful, instead of going out for an 8 hour Saturday marathon ride.
> However, nice spring weather make me itch for some outside time.
> It's a priority balancing act.
> Lucky for me I don't watch all the junk stuff on TV so I do have more
> time to ride or work.
> I have seen more cyclists in the last few weeks but most of them are
> riding junk bikes with junk trailers. That my be the homeless factor in
> this area. About once a month I do see a roadie all dressed up, but
> they, or he, is a rare sight.
Portland has a huge population of poseurs that come out with the sun
-- like last Thursday and Friday. It was an explosion of lycra, and my
quiet little commute through the West Hills turned in to a promenade
of world champs and pro team riders -- including some dork in a full
Francaise des Jeux team outfit with white shorts and jersey. How do
you not laugh at that? A lot of them have that spin-class kind of
fitness and can climb O.K., but they struggle on the tight descents
because they have zero bike handling skills. Its like watching the
goony birds land -- you just try to stay out of the way. -- Jay
Beattie.
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Date: 21 Apr 2007 17:47:52
From: Dane Buson
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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In rec.bicycles.misc Jay Beattie <jbeattie@lindsayhart.com > wrote:
>
> Portland has a huge population of poseurs that come out with the sun
> -- like last Thursday and Friday. It was an explosion of lycra, and my
> quiet little commute through the West Hills turned in to a promenade
> of world champs and pro team riders -- including some dork in a full
> Francaise des Jeux team outfit with white shorts and jersey. How do
> you not laugh at that? A lot of them have that spin-class kind of
> fitness and can climb O.K., but they struggle on the tight descents
> because they have zero bike handling skills. Its like watching the
> goony birds land -- you just try to stay out of the way.
I get the most amusement when I pass someone using aerobars on my way
home. Do they really need to get down on their aerobars to cross the
I-90 bridge?
--
Dane Buson - sigdane@unixbigots.org
"Get scared right away; Avoid the rush.
-Slovotsky's Law #31
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Date: 22 Apr 2007 04:24:22
From: John Forrest Tomlinson
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:47:52 -0700, Dane Buson <dane@unseen.edu >
wrote:
>In rec.bicycles.misc Jay Beattie <jbeattie@lindsayhart.com> wrote:
>>
>> Portland has a huge population of poseurs that come out with the sun
>> -- like last Thursday and Friday. It was an explosion of lycra, and my
>> quiet little commute through the West Hills turned in to a promenade
>> of world champs and pro team riders -- including some dork in a full
>> Francaise des Jeux team outfit with white shorts and jersey. How do
>> you not laugh at that? A lot of them have that spin-class kind of
>> fitness and can climb O.K., but they struggle on the tight descents
>> because they have zero bike handling skills. Its like watching the
>> goony birds land -- you just try to stay out of the way.
>
>I get the most amusement when I pass someone using aerobars on my way
>home. Do they really need to get down on their aerobars to cross the
>I-90 bridge?
Maybe they're practicing using the aero bars so they'll be more
effective in them in competition or in some important situation.
That's admirable.
--
JT
****************************
Remove "remove" to reply
Visit http://www.jt10000.com
****************************
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Date: 21 Apr 2007 18:58:55
From: Phil Holman
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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"Dane Buson" <dane@unseen.edu > wrote in message
news:ounqf4-dlt.ln1@curare.zuvembi.homelinux.org...
> In rec.bicycles.misc Jay Beattie <jbeattie@lindsayhart.com> wrote:
>>
>> Portland has a huge population of poseurs that come out with the sun
>> -- like last Thursday and Friday. It was an explosion of lycra, and
>> my
>> quiet little commute through the West Hills turned in to a promenade
>> of world champs and pro team riders -- including some dork in a full
>> Francaise des Jeux team outfit with white shorts and jersey. How do
>> you not laugh at that? A lot of them have that spin-class kind of
>> fitness and can climb O.K., but they struggle on the tight descents
>> because they have zero bike handling skills. Its like watching the
>> goony birds land -- you just try to stay out of the way.
>
> I get the most amusement when I pass someone using aerobars on my way
> home. Do they really need to get down on their aerobars to cross the
> I-90 bridge?
It's got to be the safest place to do that. No cars and nowhere for
anyone to pull out in front of them.
Phil H
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Date: 21 Apr 2007 18:47:39
From: Zoot Katz
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:47:52 -0700, Dane Buson <dane@unseen.edu >
wrote:
>I get the most amusement when I pass someone using aerobars on my way
>home. Do they really need to get down on their aerobars to cross the
>I-90 bridge?
I was getting aero benefits against a light head wind today by
resting my forearms on the grips of the North Road bar on the
Xtracycle. With my thumbs in the bend it's okay for awhile but the
brakes aren't instantly accessible.
The regular riding position is completely upright. I've got the bar
so high it needed a tandem shifter cable.
--
zk
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Date: 21 Apr 2007 18:03:00
From: Bill Sornson
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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Dane Buson wrote:
> I get the most amusement when I pass someone using aerobars on my way
> home. Do they really need to get down on their aerobars to cross the
> I-90 bridge?
I usually assume those guys (and gals) are out training; easier to use aeros
with some practice, no?
Bill "and God knows I've been /smoked/ by more than a few of 'em" S.
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Date: 21 Apr 2007 16:43:37
From: datakoll@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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"motorists" believe all cyclists are retared unless the cyclists are
wearing clothing imported from Puerto Rico. In the case of riders
wearing clothing from PR, all "motorists" believe these riders are
queer then react appropriately for better or worser.
after 19 years of year round commuting in a bicycle friendly area, I
believe the "motorists" are totally accurate in their judgement. I
rarely see a cyclist obey traffic laws or exercise sound judgement in
traffic.
In all cases, cyclists should understand this situation and act
appropriately. For example, when dealing with "motorists," I use sign
language. At an intersection with 3 cars and myself on bike: I DIRECT
TRAFFIC. with sign language. That pleases the "motorists." They smile
wave and go on down the pike.
Frequently, another cyclist ( wearing PR clothing) passes me silently
in a game called "mulsanne." I usually shout "BIKE PASSING ON THE LEFT
ASSHOLE." Loudly, for as yawl understand, the louder you shout the
clearer the retared will get the message.
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Date: 21 Apr 2007 12:44:55
From: Tom Keats
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
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In article <1177179582.661348.170070@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com >,
landotter <landotter@gmail.com > writes:
>> > As far as cyclists breaking the rules of the road, well, often around
>> > here when I yield to drivers, they stop and let me pass anyway. they
>> > are so accustomed to cyclists doing dumbshit things that they expect it.
>>
>> How long can you trackstand? I just stare them down until they
>> friggin' move. Accepting false courtesy from idiot drivers only
>> perpetuates idiocy.
>
> Agreed. I don't trackstand usually, just put my foot down and wait
> till they go, sometimes yelling, "it's YOUR turn, GO!" Certainly not
> as annoying as the 25% of cars that don't even slow down for the 4-way
> near my house...
If the driver appears to be of the Nervous Nellie sort,
instead of yelling I prefer to point to the stop sign
I'm obeying. Maybe throw in a smile and the go-ahead
nod. Yelling imperatively at them sometimes just gets
them even more flustered and unpredictable. Next thing
you know they're reflexively jamming the gas pedal or
brake pedal, whichever is handiest in their panic.
Some drivers just need a little calm reassurance and
gentle "handholding". Especially if their car has a
Learner's sticker on it.
Heh. I guess if it's possible to evoke road rage,
it's also possible to evoke road tranquility.
cheers,
Tom
--
Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats curlicue vcn dot bc dot ca
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Date: 22 Apr 2007 21:18:43
From: Michael Press
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
In article <njpd0f.pm8.ln@bud.garden.local >,
tkeats2005@hotmail.com (Tom Keats) wrote:
> In article <1177179582.661348.170070@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com>,
> landotter <landotter@gmail.com> writes:
>
> >> > As far as cyclists breaking the rules of the road, well, often around
> >> > here when I yield to drivers, they stop and let me pass anyway. they
> >> > are so accustomed to cyclists doing dumbshit things that they expect it.
> >>
> >> How long can you trackstand? I just stare them down until they
> >> friggin' move. Accepting false courtesy from idiot drivers only
> >> perpetuates idiocy.
> >
> > Agreed. I don't trackstand usually, just put my foot down and wait
> > till they go, sometimes yelling, "it's YOUR turn, GO!" Certainly not
> > as annoying as the 25% of cars that don't even slow down for the 4-way
> > near my house...
>
> If the driver appears to be of the Nervous Nellie sort,
> instead of yelling I prefer to point to the stop sign
> I'm obeying. Maybe throw in a smile and the go-ahead
> nod. Yelling imperatively at them sometimes just gets
> them even more flustered and unpredictable. Next thing
> you know they're reflexively jamming the gas pedal or
> brake pedal, whichever is handiest in their panic.
> Some drivers just need a little calm reassurance and
> gentle "handholding". Especially if their car has a
> Learner's sticker on it.
>
> Heh. I guess if it's possible to evoke road rage,
> it's also possible to evoke road tranquility.
I often give a driver a gesture to "go ahead, I will wait", and
usually it all works smoothly.
There are a few road signs around here that read `Share the road.'
I take it to be directed at me as a bicyclist as well. My
interactions with car drivers are almost universally friendly or
neutral. Very few antagonistic interactions, and I attribute this
to the good will of most car drivers.
--
Michael Press
|
| | |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 18:46:43
From: RonSonic
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 12:44:55 -0700, tkeats2005@hotmail.com (Tom Keats) wrote:
>In article <1177179582.661348.170070@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com>,
> landotter <landotter@gmail.com> writes:
>
>>> > As far as cyclists breaking the rules of the road, well, often around
>>> > here when I yield to drivers, they stop and let me pass anyway. they
>>> > are so accustomed to cyclists doing dumbshit things that they expect it.
>>>
>>> How long can you trackstand? I just stare them down until they
>>> friggin' move. Accepting false courtesy from idiot drivers only
>>> perpetuates idiocy.
>>
>> Agreed. I don't trackstand usually, just put my foot down and wait
>> till they go, sometimes yelling, "it's YOUR turn, GO!" Certainly not
>> as annoying as the 25% of cars that don't even slow down for the 4-way
>> near my house...
>
>If the driver appears to be of the Nervous Nellie sort,
>instead of yelling I prefer to point to the stop sign
>I'm obeying. Maybe throw in a smile and the go-ahead
>nod. Yelling imperatively at them sometimes just gets
>them even more flustered and unpredictable. Next thing
>you know they're reflexively jamming the gas pedal or
>brake pedal, whichever is handiest in their panic.
>Some drivers just need a little calm reassurance and
>gentle "handholding". Especially if their car has a
>Learner's sticker on it.
The ones that get me are the older women who REFUSE to pass. They'll just hang
like grim death about 12 feet behind no matter how I wave gesture, turn on the
bike to face them and explain in loud, calm English that they need to pass me.
>Heh. I guess if it's possible to evoke road rage,
>it's also possible to evoke road tranquility.
Could do with a lot more of that spread around.
Ron
Ron
Effect pedal demo's up at http://www.soundclick.com/ronsonicpedalry
|
| | | |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 19:05:35
From: Phil Holman
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
"RonSonic" <ronsonic@tampabay.rr.com > wrote in message
news:mu4l235rbrp6l6mhdv7lmbil0lsukhd0g1@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 21 Apr 2007 12:44:55 -0700, tkeats2005@hotmail.com (Tom Keats)
> wrote:
>
>>In article <1177179582.661348.170070@b75g2000hsg.googlegroups.com>,
>> landotter <landotter@gmail.com> writes:
>>
>>>> > As far as cyclists breaking the rules of the road, well, often
>>>> > around
>>>> > here when I yield to drivers, they stop and let me pass anyway.
>>>> > they
>>>> > are so accustomed to cyclists doing dumbshit things that they
>>>> > expect it.
>>>>
>>>> How long can you trackstand? I just stare them down until they
>>>> friggin' move. Accepting false courtesy from idiot drivers only
>>>> perpetuates idiocy.
>>>
>>> Agreed. I don't trackstand usually, just put my foot down and wait
>>> till they go, sometimes yelling, "it's YOUR turn, GO!" Certainly not
>>> as annoying as the 25% of cars that don't even slow down for the
>>> 4-way
>>> near my house...
>>
>>If the driver appears to be of the Nervous Nellie sort,
>>instead of yelling I prefer to point to the stop sign
>>I'm obeying. Maybe throw in a smile and the go-ahead
>>nod. Yelling imperatively at them sometimes just gets
>>them even more flustered and unpredictable. Next thing
>>you know they're reflexively jamming the gas pedal or
>>brake pedal, whichever is handiest in their panic.
>>Some drivers just need a little calm reassurance and
>>gentle "handholding". Especially if their car has a
>>Learner's sticker on it.
>
> The ones that get me are the older women who REFUSE to pass. They'll
> just hang
> like grim death about 12 feet behind no matter how I wave gesture,
> turn on the
> bike to face them and explain in loud, calm English that they need to
> pass me.
The reason they won't pass is because their perception of distance is
abysmal. To them, it looks like there isn't enough room and they are
likely to run you over. Annoying, but not as scary as the red neck truck
driver who passes when there really isn't enough room.
Phil H
|
| | | | |
Date: 22 Apr 2007 14:43:51
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
Phil Holman wrote:
> The reason they won't pass is because their perception of distance is
> abysmal. To them, it looks like there isn't enough room and they are
> likely to run you over. Annoying, but not as scary as the red neck truck
> driver who passes when there really isn't enough room.
>
> Phil H
>
>
I have the kind of red neck drivers that wait to get right next to me
and then either honk the horn or yell something stupid at me. Usually I
shrug it off but sometimes they get the one fingered salute and a dare
to come back. That is reserved for the single occupant drivers. I have
no desire to take on more than one dumb red neck at a time. So far they
just speed away before I can get their license number. If one turns back
I can be calling 911 and giving his license number and telling them that
there's about to be a fist fight at such and such location.
Maybe not the best solution but maybe they will think twice the next time.
Bill Baka
|
| | | |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 16:20:18
From: Howard Kveck
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
In article <mu4l235rbrp6l6mhdv7lmbil0lsukhd0g1@4ax.com >,
RonSonic <ronsonic@tampabay.rr.com > wrote:
> The ones that get me are the older women who REFUSE to pass. They'll just
> hang like grim death about 12 feet behind no matter how I wave gesture, turn on
> the bike to face them and explain in loud, calm English that they need to pass
> me.
That's always good on a slower part of a descent. They'll ahng back when they
could easily go around, then, when the road has gotten windier and steeper and your
speed has gone way up, they decide to go around. On the outside of a turn but still
*way* in their lane - in other words, inches away from the cyclist. Thanks!
--
tanx,
Howard
Never take a tenant with a monkey.
remove YOUR SHOES to reply, ok?
|
| |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 11:19:42
From: landotter
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
On Apr 20, 11:54 pm, JD <CKA...@webtv.net > wrote:
> On Apr 20, 9:08 pm, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu>
> wrote:
>
> > mrjohnso...@hotmail.com wrote:
> > > But a lot of folks didn't get it. Last week we printed two of the e-
> > > mails as letters to the editor. Those two were just the tip of the
> > > iceberg of the responses I received, but are representative of the
> > > majority of the comments.
>
> > Humor-impairment is rampant these days.
>
> > As far as cyclists breaking the rules of the road, well, often around
> > here when I yield to drivers, they stop and let me pass anyway. they
> > are so accustomed to cyclists doing dumbshit things that they expect it.
>
> How long can you trackstand? I just stare them down until they
> friggin' move. Accepting false courtesy from idiot drivers only
> perpetuates idiocy.
Agreed. I don't trackstand usually, just put my foot down and wait
till they go, sometimes yelling, "it's YOUR turn, GO!" Certainly not
as annoying as the 25% of cars that don't even slow down for the 4-way
near my house...
|
| | |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 12:04:44
From: G.T.
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
landotter wrote:
> On Apr 20, 11:54 pm, JD <CKA...@webtv.net> wrote:
>> On Apr 20, 9:08 pm, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> mrjohnso...@hotmail.com wrote:
>>>> But a lot of folks didn't get it. Last week we printed two of the e-
>>>> mails as letters to the editor. Those two were just the tip of the
>>>> iceberg of the responses I received, but are representative of the
>>>> majority of the comments.
>>> Humor-impairment is rampant these days.
>>> As far as cyclists breaking the rules of the road, well, often around
>>> here when I yield to drivers, they stop and let me pass anyway. they
>>> are so accustomed to cyclists doing dumbshit things that they expect it.
>> How long can you trackstand? I just stare them down until they
>> friggin' move. Accepting false courtesy from idiot drivers only
>> perpetuates idiocy.
>
> Agreed. I don't trackstand usually, just put my foot down and wait
> till they go, sometimes yelling, "it's YOUR turn, GO!" Certainly not
> as annoying as the 25% of cars that don't even slow down for the 4-way
> near my house...
>
Yep, that about covers it.
Greg
--
The ticketbastard Tax Tracker:
http://www.ticketmastersucks.org/tracker.html
Dethink to survive - Mclusky
|
| |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 19:09:05
From: Zog The Undeniable
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
mrjohnson85@hotmail.com wrote:
> Mike Boyd is editor of the Colorado Springs Business Journal and a
> poor comedian. He can be reached at Mike.Boyd@csbj.com or 329-5202
He sounds like a US version of the cretinous Jeremy Clarkson.
|
| |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 16:07:25
From: =?ISO-8859-1?Q?Jens_M=FCller?=
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
mrjohnson85@hotmail.com schrieb:
> Seems that with the onset of spring, bicyclists become more prominent
> on the roadways. CDOT also was reminding cyclists that they play by
> the same rules of the road as gasoline and diesel consumers,
Umm, of course. So, where is the news?
|
| | |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 22:53:48
From: Bill
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
Jens Müller wrote:
> mrjohnson85@hotmail.com schrieb:
>
>> Seems that with the onset of spring, bicyclists become more prominent
>> on the roadways. CDOT also was reminding cyclists that they play by
>> the same rules of the road as gasoline and diesel consumers,
>
> Umm, of course. So, where is the news?
The only time I can say that bicycling is not one of my favorite things
to do is when I know I have some work at home that I am putting off for
my rides. Kind of a guilty trip since I know I could be doing something
useful, instead of going out for an 8 hour Saturday marathon ride.
However, nice spring weather make me itch for some outside time.
It's a priority balancing act.
Lucky for me I don't watch all the junk stuff on TV so I do have more
time to ride or work.
I have seen more cyclists in the last few weeks but most of them are
riding junk bikes with junk trailers. That my be the homeless factor in
this area. About once a month I do see a roadie all dressed up, but
they, or he, is a rare sight.
Bill Baka
|
| |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 10:16:03
From: Colin Nelson
Subject: Re:
|
<mrjohnson85@hotmail.com > wrote in message
news:1177127531.886516.38090@n59g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> Mike Boyd is editor of the Colorado Springs Business Journal and a
> poor comedian. He can be reached at Mike.Boyd@csbj.com or 329-5202
>
> Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
> http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=10469
>
> "The Colorado Department of Transportation issued a warning last week
> that drivers of internal combustion machines (i.e. cars, trucks,
> hulking SUVs, etc.) should be on the lookout for riders of muscled-
> powered vehicles (i.e. bicycles).
>
> Seems that with the onset of spring, bicyclists become more prominent
> on the roadways. CDOT also was reminding cyclists that they play by
> the same rules of the road as gasoline and diesel consumers, and can
> be penalized for breaking those rules (of course you never see a peace
> officer stop a cyclists for running a red light or failing to maintain
> a minimum speed or passing on the right or anything else for that
> matter - not that I'm bitter).
>
> The following are CDOT's tips for bicyclists:
>
> * Ride on the right and never ride against traffic (and I would
> add: stay out of the way of traffic, because those of us in hulking
> SUVs like driving really fast and can become quite agitated when we
> have to slow down become some health-nut on a bicycle thinks he or she
> is just as much entitled to the road as we are - I know, I should
> probably add this to the list of issues to discuss with my therapist).
> * Ride single file (which it seems is all too often too difficult
> of a concept for a group of cyclists to grasp).
> * Obey traffic laws, signs and signals (unless of course that
> would slow you down or inconvenience you, because after all, laws only
> apply to the mean-old-motoring, carbon-monoxide-producing, killing-the-
> planet-by-burning-fossil-fuels public).
> * Use a headlight, taillight and reflectors at night (better yet,
> stay off the roads at night, it's safer for everyone).
> * Make eye contact with drivers (that way you can tell when we're
> about to explode with road rage).
> * Always wear a helmet (which I never did as a child, which might
> help to explain some of my issues)..........SNIP"
>
>
> Some people got it, some people didn't come close
> http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=10530
>
> "Just in case you haven't heard/read, I'm not very popular among some
> in the bicycling community.
>
> It seems the tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and caustic whit in my April 6
> column didn't resonate with everyone who read it. However, some people
> did get it.
>
> The first e-mail I received about the column was from Eva Syrovy on
> the morning it was published. "Your opinion piece brought a real
> chuckle. Like most cyclists, I'm also an occasional driver, so relate
> to both sides of that story! Gotta say, I do break the rules sometimes
> when on two wheels - and feel sort of guilty about it - but justify it
> blithely by somehow equating my lack of carbon-monoxide production
> with karma points. What do you think - perhaps a mile of non-carbon
> monoxide for one run stop sign?"
>
> But a lot of folks didn't get it. Last week we printed two of the e-
> mails as letters to the editor. Those two were just the tip of the
> iceberg of the responses I received, but are representative of the
> majority of the comments.
>
> I appreciate the feedback from everyone who took the time to read the
> column and write a reasoned reply - even those folks who missed the
> tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and caustic whit or somehow thought I was
> advocating violence against cyclists (which I still can't find in the
> column no matter how many times I read it), and those folks who
> wholeheartedly disagreed with me.
>
> But as the e-mails continued to flood into my inbox, it became clear
> that some members of the cycling community had things other than
> reasoned disagreement on their minds..................SNIP"
>
He`d better be looking out for `Great Big Billygoat Gruff` !
--
Colin N.
Lincolnshire is mostly flat ... But the wind is mostly in your face
|
| |
Date: 20 Apr 2007 21:54:02
From: JD
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
On Apr 20, 9:08 pm, "David L. Johnson" <david.john...@lehigh.edu >
wrote:
> mrjohnso...@hotmail.com wrote:
> > But a lot of folks didn't get it. Last week we printed two of the e-
> > mails as letters to the editor. Those two were just the tip of the
> > iceberg of the responses I received, but are representative of the
> > majority of the comments.
>
> Humor-impairment is rampant these days.
>
> As far as cyclists breaking the rules of the road, well, often around
> here when I yield to drivers, they stop and let me pass anyway. they
> are so accustomed to cyclists doing dumbshit things that they expect it.
How long can you trackstand? I just stare them down until they
friggin' move. Accepting false courtesy from idiot drivers only
perpetuates idiocy.
JD
|
| |
Date: 20 Apr 2007 23:11:46
From: Gary Young
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
On Fri, 20 Apr 2007 20:52:11 -0700, mrjohnson85 wrote:
> Mike Boyd is editor of the Colorado Springs Business Journal and a poor
> comedian. He can be reached at Mike.Boyd@csbj.com or 329-5202
>
> Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
> http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=10469
Do you really want to be directing hits to his website? Chuckleheads like
this make their living stirring up pointless controversies. More
controversy = more readers = more advertising dollars.
> "The Colorado Department of Transportation issued a warning last week
> that drivers of internal combustion machines (i.e. cars, trucks, hulking
> SUVs, etc.) should be on the lookout for riders of muscled- powered
> vehicles (i.e. bicycles).
>
> Seems that with the onset of spring, bicyclists become more prominent on
> the roadways. CDOT also was reminding cyclists that they play by the
> same rules of the road as gasoline and diesel consumers, and can be
> penalized for breaking those rules (of course you never see a peace
> officer stop a cyclists for running a red light or failing to maintain a
> minimum speed or passing on the right or anything else for that matter -
> not that I'm bitter).
>
> The following are CDOT's tips for bicyclists:
>
> * Ride on the right and never ride against traffic (and I would
> add: stay out of the way of traffic, because those of us in hulking SUVs
> like driving really fast and can become quite agitated when we have to
> slow down become some health-nut on a bicycle thinks he or she is just
> as much entitled to the road as we are - I know, I should probably add
> this to the list of issues to discuss with my therapist).
> * Ride single file (which it seems is all too often too difficult
> of a concept for a group of cyclists to grasp).
> * Obey traffic laws, signs and signals (unless of course that
> would slow you down or inconvenience you, because after all, laws only
> apply to the mean-old-motoring, carbon-monoxide-producing, killing-the-
> planet-by-burning-fossil-fuels public).
> * Use a headlight, taillight and reflectors at night (better yet,
> stay off the roads at night, it's safer for everyone).
> * Make eye contact with drivers (that way you can tell when we're
> about to explode with road rage).
> * Always wear a helmet (which I never did as a child, which might
> help to explain some of my issues)..........SNIP"
>
>
> Some people got it, some people didn't come close
> http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=10530
>
> "Just in case you haven't heard/read, I'm not very popular among some in
> the bicycling community.
>
> It seems the tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and caustic whit in my April 6
> column didn't resonate with everyone who read it. However, some people
> did get it.
>
> The first e-mail I received about the column was from Eva Syrovy on the
> morning it was published. "Your opinion piece brought a real chuckle.
> Like most cyclists, I'm also an occasional driver, so relate to both
> sides of that story! Gotta say, I do break the rules sometimes when on
> two wheels - and feel sort of guilty about it - but justify it blithely
> by somehow equating my lack of carbon-monoxide production with karma
> points. What do you think - perhaps a mile of non-carbon monoxide for
> one run stop sign?"
>
> But a lot of folks didn't get it. Last week we printed two of the e-
> mails as letters to the editor. Those two were just the tip of the
> iceberg of the responses I received, but are representative of the
> majority of the comments.
>
> I appreciate the feedback from everyone who took the time to read the
> column and write a reasoned reply - even those folks who missed the
> tongue-in-cheek sarcasm and caustic whit or somehow thought I was
> advocating violence against cyclists (which I still can't find in the
> column no matter how many times I read it), and those folks who
> wholeheartedly disagreed with me.
>
> But as the e-mails continued to flood into my inbox, it became clear
> that some members of the cycling community had things other than
> reasoned disagreement on their minds..................SNIP"
|
| |
Date: 21 Apr 2007 00:08:22
From: David L. Johnson
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
mrjohnson85@hotmail.com wrote:
> But a lot of folks didn't get it. Last week we printed two of the e-
> mails as letters to the editor. Those two were just the tip of the
> iceberg of the responses I received, but are representative of the
> majority of the comments.
Humor-impairment is rampant these days.
As far as cyclists breaking the rules of the road, well, often around
here when I yield to drivers, they stop and let me pass anyway. they
are so accustomed to cyclists doing dumbshit things that they expect it.
--
David L. Johnson
If all economists were laid end to end, they would not reach
a conclusion. -- George Bernard Shaw
|
| |
Date: 20 Apr 2007 20:57:21
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
On Apr 20, 9:52 pm, mrjohnso...@hotmail.com wrote:
> Mike Boyd is editor of the Colorado Springs Business Journal and a
> poor comedian. He can be reached at Mike.Boyd(insert@here)csbj.com or 329-5202
|
| |
Date: 20 Apr 2007 20:55:00
From:
Subject: Re: Bicycling doesn't top list of my favorite activities
|
Mike.Boyd@csbj.com
|
|
