Cops Bust Woman for Hitting Cyclist After She Brags on Twitter

[decksnap]

I feel like cyclists aren't going to get respect until they start obeying the rules themselves, on the whole. I may see one in 500 cars doing something illegal, but nearly every cyclist I see seems to break the rules of the road in some way. They follow traffic when it suits them, and then roll right by stopped traffic. Or block the road in a group, or go from street to sidewalk to street... or just decide to skip the lights.

I think there just needs to be better enforcement, because I like biking, but as a generalization, the cyclists I see on the road are pretty much self-centered douchebags.

 

[steiney]

You are wrong about the scooters.
So I take it you want people to fat and lazy or keep spending money on cars and gas.

As for bikes on the road. Sorry it is more a stupid decision for our government not to build roads to account for something other than cars.

Also I had this view before I became a heavy cyclist less than a year ago. It aways been my view that people are rude to them. It only got more strongly reenforced because I have seen it from both sides.

The reason you see cyclist have that view is we have seen both sides. Rude motorist who are so self entitled that they believe they own the road.

Reading "So I take it you want people to fat and lazy or keep spending money on cars and gas." makes me think I'm dealing with a serious bike nut. Seriously? You're inferring that I want people to be fat? Lazy? Yes, I personally pine for a culture of lazy people. And of course because it's soooooo lazy to operate a motor vehicle for purposes of transporting myself relatively long distances in relatively short amounts of time. And I do want people to keep spending money on cars. It works much better for our economy than when everyone just steals cars. (and gas.)

It's definitely unfortunate that our government hasn't provided people more passageway types, but that's not a fault of motor vehicle drivers. The fact of the matter is, the road systems were designed only for motor vehicles. It does not make any sense for the government to apologize to a very small group of people by allowing them to do something that is incredibly dangerous and also a huge nuisance for everyone.

 

[steiney]

I feel like cyclists aren't going to get respect until they start obeying the rules themselves, on the whole. I may see one in 500 cars doing something illegal, but nearly every cyclist I see seems to break the rules of the road in some way. They follow traffic when it suits them, and then roll right by stopped traffic. Or block the road in a group, or go from street to sidewalk to street... or just decide to skip the lights.

I think there just needs to be better enforcement, because I like biking, but as a generalization, the cyclists I see on the road are pretty much self-centered douchebags.

Yes, this statement mirrors exactly what I see when I'm driving.

I understand the desire to ride a bicycle, and I applaud folks for staying fit, but if my workout/exercise routine causes traffic jams and endangers lives, I don't think there should be a law specifically allowing it.

FYI, my father is a road cyclist, exactly like the people we all loathe. I know first hand from talking to him that there are plenty of cyclists that really get off on forcing traffic to bend to their will, etc. It's your typical police officer types. They want to be in a position to force people to do things. A police is willing to risk his life to have that position, and apparently so are plenty of cyclists.

 

[quasinormal]

I feel like cyclists aren't going to get respect until they start obeying the rules themselves, on the whole. I may see one in 500 cars doing something illegal, but nearly every cyclist I see seems to break the rules of the road in some way. They follow traffic when it suits them, and then roll right by stopped traffic. Or block the road in a group, or go from street to sidewalk to street... or just decide to skip the lights.

I think there just needs to be better enforcement, because I like biking, but as a generalization, the cyclists I see on the road are pretty much self-centered douchebags.

This is pretty much the standard right wing argument and talk back radio fodder world wide along with "why don't they pay registration", "why don't they have number plates so we can report them to police", "they hold up traffic" and other nonsical and ignorant complaints.

I can kind of agree about the behaviour of some cyclists at least off the roads. It upsets me when I see cyclists pass pedestrians on shared cycle ways too fast and too close. It is classic passive aggressive behaviour. That said, which would you rather have- a passive aggressive cyclist or motorist?

On the roads however I see too many cyclists compromising their own safety by riding too close too the kerb and parked cars and not claiming the whole lane by riding in the middle.

 

[rdowns]

I feel like cyclists aren't going to get respect until they start obeying the rules themselves, on the whole. I may see one in 500 cars doing something illegal, but nearly every cyclist I see seems to break the rules of the road in some way. They follow traffic when it suits them, and then roll right by stopped traffic. Or block the road in a group, or go from street to sidewalk to street... or just decide to skip the lights.

I think there just needs to be better enforcement, because I like biking, but as a generalization, the cyclists I see on the road are pretty much self-centered douchebags.

Yeah, 1 in 500 because only .002 of drivers drive over the speed limit and come to a full stop at a stop sign and always use their turn signal and don't follow traffic too closely and don't talk on their phones and/or text.

 

[steiney]

This is pretty much the standard right wing argument and talk back radio fodder world wide along with "why don't they pay registration", "why don't they have number plates so we can report them to police", "they hold up traffic" and other nonsical and ignorant complaints.

Yes, what a terrible idea it would be to be able to tag, license, monitor and patrol bicyclists to make sure they follow the rules of the road just like motorists. You guys want to have the same rights to the roads as motorists, but you don't want to be required to follow the rules of those roads. This is why I don't ever feel bad when I hear another news report of one of you getting smeared against the pavement.

Yeah, 1 in 500 because only .002 of drivers drive over the speed limit and come to a full stop at a stop sign and always use their turn signal and don't follow traffic too closely and don't talk on their phones and/or text.

The proportion of motorists not following the rules is way lower than the proportion of cyclists not following the rules, from what I've personally seen while driving the last eleven years. No question. I think anyone who's not a cyclists will wholeheartedly agree with that statement.

 

[decksnap]

This is pretty much the standard right wing argument and talk back radio fodder world wide along with "why don't they pay registration", "why don't they have number plates so we can report them to police", "they hold up traffic" and other nonsical and ignorant complaints.

Which part of my complaint was right wing, which part was ignorant, and which part was nonsensical?

Cyclists need to start following the rules, and police need to start holding them to them.

 

[steiney]

Which part of my complaint was right wing, which part was ignorant, and which part was nonsensical?

Cyclists need to start following the rules, and police need to start holding them to them.

Your comment wasn't any of those things. You seemed exceptionally level-headed to me with your comment. You've got to remember, you're not talking to a rational human. Think about it, he thinks you are "right wing", ignorant, and nonsensical because you expect bicyclists riding on the motor vehicle roads to obey the rules prescribed for them. It's not worth arguing with people like that. He knows he's wrong but enjoys getting people worked up about it.

 

[Kissaragi]

Theres morons on bikes and in cars. Both sides have a lot to learn. In this case the fact she tweeted about it implies she was 100% to blame and proud of it.

British roads are just full of complete idiots on all modes of transport.

 

[MegamanX]

The proportion of motorists not following the rules is way lower than the proportion of cyclists not following the rules, from what I've personally seen while driving the last eleven years. No question. I think anyone who's not a cyclists will wholeheartedly agree with that statement.

And that last part is the key part.
You can not even bring your self to see it from the other point of view. Try living in that point of view and you will see it differently.

I know it is a minority of drivers who are the problem but that small number is a huge risk to all of us. Chances are YOu steiney fall in that small number that I have issues with. For example I have almost been clip by a car mirror more than once because the driver was trying to squeeze by with out really even attempting to go around me. Every time the lane next to them was completely clear.
I have been cut off and almost slammed into the side of a car going 20 mph alone with several others in the pace group. I had great joy when the car at the same intersection that was going to wait for use to pass gave said driver the middle finger. This one was on a supported ride (aka rest stop and police directing traffic at some of the stop lights) Now I have been honk at and given the middle finger on some group rides but I deal with it. We are on city streets where the speed limit is 30-35mph any how. Only part where limit is higher is on a feeder road but it is a feeder so different story. Vast majority follow the rules.

Some of our biggest fears is being doored. That is where some idiot getting out of a car that is park does not make sure it is clear before opening his door.

As for your stop sign problem I wish more states would do the Idaho stop rule which all in all is safer for cyclist. That is it changes stop signs for cyclist to yields but that is more because yes cyclist are much more aware of what is going on and not having us stop helps. Now on the group rides I go on. I will admit we follow the Idaho rule for the most part but if we see a car at all we error heavily on the side stopping. The only thing you will see happen is we will have the group act as one. That is group stops and then the entire group (7-8 cyclist long) go threw the interestion at one time. Big time if their are cars lined up.

Oh I support more police enforcement on cyclist providing they do the same for cars. AKA make it a tick for tack. Few cities have done that. Double the fines for cyclist breaking the laws and doubling the fines for motorist being a danger to cyclist followed by having heavy police stings targeting both.


What I have seen in your post is you hate the minor inconvenience of OMG I can not go the speed limit.

 

[steiney]

And that last part is the key part.
You can not even bring your self to see it from the other point of view. Try living in that point of view and you will see it differently.

Some of our biggest fears is being doored. That is where some idiot getting out of a car that is park does not make sure it is clear before opening his door.

What I have seen in your post is you hate the minor inconvenience of OMG I can not go the speed limit.

1. So if I become a road bicyclist, I'll suddenly stop wanting to follow laws?

2. It's not a small minority of us that are dangerous to you. It's everyone. We're in huge metal boxes and you're riding a little bit of aluminum/carbon fiber tubing on the roads that have been engineering for only the big metal boxes.

3. There are lots of good "getting doored" videos on YouTube.

 

[Kissaragi]

With the whole getting doored thing. Arnt you meant to be far enough away from the parked cars that the doors wont hit you even if they do open? You are meant to do this in a car, at least thats what my instructor taught me.

Not having a go, I was just curious.

 

[quasinormal]

Which part of my complaint was right wing, which part was ignorant, and which part was nonsensical?

Cyclists need to start following the rules, and police need to start holding them to them.

A minority vilified by the claim they don't have respect for law and order- that is the right wing part. The ignorant part was the certainty that you don't know your local laws pertaining to cyclists. The nonsensical part is a car owner complaining about the problems cyclists represent.

What does your prejudice against cyclists have to do with original topic anyway?

 

[steiney]

A minority vilified by the claim they don't have respect for law and order- that is the right wing part. The ignorant part was the certainty that you don't know your local laws pertaining to cyclists. The nonsensical part is a car owner complaining about the problems cyclists represent.

What does your prejudice against cyclists have to do with original topic anyway?

That's just pure nonsense, dude.

 

[decksnap]

A minority vilified by the claim they don't have respect for law and order- that is the right wing part. The ignorant part was the certainty that you don't know your local laws pertaining to cyclists. The nonsensical part is a car owner complaining about the problems cyclists represent.

What does your prejudice against cyclists have to do with original topic anyway?

I'm sorry you can't wrap your head around my opinions, but it does not make them any less valid. I even said it was a generalization. I love cyclists, I wish there were more that followed the rules.

 

[quasinormal]

FYI, my father is a road cyclist, exactly like the people we all loathe. I know first hand from talking to him that there are plenty of cyclists that really get off on forcing traffic to bend to their will, etc. It's your typical police officer types. They want to be in a position to force people to do things. A police is willing to risk his life to have that position, and apparently so are plenty of cyclists.

It seems to me to issues are with your father, not cyclists.

Maybe you should check your local laws regarding cyclists.

 

[redAPPLE]

three truths.

01. she made a mistake and the law should go down on her hardly.

02. there are bikers that don't have there head screwed on correctly.

03. she is hot.

 

[steiney]

three truths.

01. she made a mistake and the law should go down on her hardly.

02. there are bikers that don't have there head screwed on correctly.

03. she is hot.

Haha! All true.

It seems to me to issues are with your father, not cyclists.

Wrong. Love father, hate people riding little bicycles in middle of street.

 

[MegamanX]

Haha! All true.



Wrong. Love father, hate people riding little bicycles in middle of street.

you know they are supposed to ride in the middle of the lane. It is the safest spot for cyclist. Study after study proves riding in the middle causes drivers to make a lane change to pass the cyclist instead of them trying to squeeze by in the lane really pushing the 3ft MINIMUM safe distance.

3ft is the MINIUMUN safe passing distance for a car passing a cyclist. 6ft or more is the preferred distance and a lane change generally causes but more importantly makes sure the 3ft min happens.

 

[steiney]

you know they are supposed to ride in the middle of the lane. It is the safest spot for cyclist. Study after study proves riding in the middle causes drivers to make a lane change to pass the cyclist instead of them trying to squeeze by in the lane really pushing the 3ft MINIMUM safe distance.

3ft is the MINIUMUN safe passing distance for a car passing a cyclist. 6ft or more is the preferred distance and a lane change generally causes but more importantly makes sure the 3ft min happens.

We've already been through this. We're not debating the law. That's black and white. The point is, it's not right to allow people to ride bicycles in roads designed for motor vehicles. Either build separate paths for non-motorized traffic or tell the biking community, "Tough noogies. We failed you as a government by not providing you a road system for your little bicycles, and we're sorry. Have some lollipops, on us. Just please don't go ride your little bicycles on those roads with the motor vehicles on them."

 

[Kissaragi]

We've already been through this. We're not debating the law. That's black and white. The point is, it's not right to allow people to ride bicycles in roads designed for motor vehicles. Either build separate paths for non-motorized traffic or tell the biking community, "Tough noogies. We failed you as a government by not providing you a road system for your little bicycles, and we're sorry. Have some lollipops, on us. Just please don't go ride your little bicycles on those roads with the motor vehicles on them."

You are debating the law, the law says you can ride your bicycle on a road.

 

[MegamanX]

We've already been through this. We're not debating the law. That's black and white. The point is, it's not right to allow people to ride bicycles in roads designed for motor vehicles. Either build separate paths for non-motorized traffic or tell the biking community, "Tough noogies. We failed you as a government by not providing you a road system for your little bicycles, and we're sorry. Have some lollipops, on us. Just please don't go ride your little bicycles on those roads with the motor vehicles on them."

You complained about them in the middle of the road. I pointed out why cyclist ride in the middle of the road which is safest place for everyone involved.

As for the roads you complain about the speed issues my response will be point at slow moving vehicle.

From what I can tell is you hate minor inconvenience and are selfish.

 

[GermanyChris]

So much ignorance in this thread.

 

[quasinormal]

I live in Florida.

.In Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and the bicyclist is a driver. Bicyclists have the same rights to the roadways, and must obey the same traffic laws as the drivers of other vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night, yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.

http://floridabicycle.org/bicycle-traffic-law/

Any other cyclist haters want me to google their local laws for them?

 

[leighonigar]

Yes, what a terrible idea it would be to be able to tag, license, monitor and patrol bicyclists to make sure they follow the rules of the road just like motorists. You guys want to have the same rights to the roads as motorists, but you don't want to be required to follow the rules of those roads. This is why I don't ever feel bad when I hear another news report of one of you getting smeared against the pavement.

Cyclists are not generally required to do these things (register vehicles, etc). There are lots of reasons for this, particularly cost and practicality, but also because it is a lot more difficult for a cyclist to do something seriously damaging to other people. Very rarely a cyclist does run into a pedestrian causing death or serious injury, but hundreds of pedestrians are killed by cars in the UK each year.

I completely agree that cyclists should follow the rules, but the section of your comment that I have made bold appalled me utterly. It is a sentiment in extremely bad taste.

The proportion of motorists not following the rules is way lower than the proportion of cyclists not following the rules, from what I've personally seen while driving the last eleven years. No question. I think anyone who's not a cyclists will wholeheartedly agree with that statement.

In the UK at least a significant proportion of UK drivers speed, some use mobile phones. These things are a serious risk to the safety of others. I agree that some cyclists do break the rules, in towns where cycles are popular it is not uncommon to see cyclists move through pedestrian crossings on a red-light, for example. In general however cyclist misdemeanors are irritating, and require other road users to be alert. This contrasts with a vast amount of poor driving which is genuinely life-threatening by drivers of cars, vans and lorries.

Cyclists deserve respect as legal users of the road who are not polluting, using vast amounts of resource in the construction of their vehicles, and (when they're allowed to stay in the saddle) are improving their own health and so reducing the burden of ill health on society. They are also individuals and people, and as worthy of their slice of road space as any car, van or lorry.

I say this as a frequent driver and a somewhat infrequent cyclist. Get on your bike, have fun and gain perspective.