Comments on: Bikes Vs. Cars in the News: Your Thoughts? http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/ Bike Your Drive! Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:39:52 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 By: Brent P http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-20673 Brent P Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:48:11 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-20673 Tony.. No lefts huh Tony...Thanks...Ill just get there somehow by only making rights..How bout we push for no right turns from cars because you'd have to cross our bike lane to do so.. Why dont we belong there?? Because were slower than you? There is nothing so important that you cannot slow down for 5 extra seconds.. Dangerous? For who...only us..Yes your insurance will go up but we will probally be dead.. Again..Just slow down just a hair and pay attention.. "The recent verdict to prosecute the doctor who casued bike riders to slam into his car has posed an issue that byciclist now can do what they want on a road" The bikers were doing the speed limit..The good doctor however broke the speed limit, passed them and then slammed on the brakes in front of them.. Will says: August 12, 2008 at 1:13 pmAs far as my commute goes, I would have to agree with everyone about incidents being over-hyped. The real problem, at least as I see it, is that motorists have no idea how to deal with cyclists on the road. They forget, frequently I might add, that we have the same rights (and responsibilities) as cars. Bicycles are regarded as a nuisance because motorists aren’t prepared or patient enough to handle their presence on that ever disputed, albeit shared and coveted, entity that is the road. If motorists were better acquainted with bicycles/cyclists, they might be willing to make a few more concessions on the road and not try to “slip by” when there is little or no shoulder on a narrow road, or demand that they be its sole occupant. Point being: “Unseasoned” bicycle commuters create a danger on the road, but it is the job of both the motorist and the cyclist to be vigilant and make the necessary concessions/take the appropriate precautions to avoid calamity. Personally, I feel that motorists’ unwillingness to adapt to changing conditions on the road is more to blame than unskilled cyclists. I also think that they have some extra responsibility considering their preferred mode of transportation is capable of causing the most damage to an individual. AMEN !!! And TOOK says: we need to behave ourselves, ride responsibly and respectfully and obey traffic laws ourselves, if we expect the world’s drivers to treat us right. Anonther BIG AMEN !!! Tony..

No lefts huh Tony…Thanks…Ill just get there somehow by only making rights..How bout we push for no right turns from cars because you’d have to cross our bike lane to do so..

Why dont we belong there??

Because were slower than you? There is nothing so important that you cannot slow down for 5 extra seconds..

Dangerous? For who…only us..Yes your insurance will go up but we will probally be dead.. Again..Just slow down just a hair and pay attention..

“The recent verdict to prosecute the doctor who casued bike riders to slam into his car has posed an issue that byciclist now can do what they want on a road”

The bikers were doing the speed limit..The good doctor however broke the speed limit, passed them and then slammed on the brakes in front of them..

Will says:
August 12, 2008 at 1:13 pmAs far as my commute goes, I would have to agree with everyone about incidents being over-hyped.

The real problem, at least as I see it, is that motorists have no idea how to deal with cyclists on the road. They forget, frequently I might add, that we have the same rights (and responsibilities) as cars. Bicycles are regarded as a nuisance because motorists aren’t prepared or patient enough to handle their presence on that ever disputed, albeit shared and coveted, entity that is the road. If motorists were better acquainted with bicycles/cyclists, they might be willing to make a few more concessions on the road and not try to “slip by” when there is little or no shoulder on a narrow road, or demand that they be its sole occupant.

Point being: “Unseasoned” bicycle commuters create a danger on the road, but it is the job of both the motorist and the cyclist to be vigilant and make the necessary concessions/take the appropriate precautions to avoid calamity. Personally, I feel that motorists’ unwillingness to adapt to changing conditions on the road is more to blame than unskilled cyclists. I also think that they have some extra responsibility considering their preferred mode of transportation is capable of causing the most damage to an individual.
AMEN !!!

And TOOK says: we need to behave ourselves, ride responsibly and respectfully and obey traffic laws ourselves, if we expect the world’s drivers to treat us right.

Anonther BIG AMEN !!!

]]> By: tonyh http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-20671 tonyh Fri, 15 Jan 2010 05:08:07 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-20671 "BANC" "Bikes are not CARS" They belong in my opinion in the bike lane when there is one. I dont mind sharing the road with a bike, but I do think they need to obey the laws of the road when they choose to ride in a lane that automobiles utilize. That means when there is a "Red light", they should stop. They dont belong in a left turn lane. And shouldnt they travel the speed limit? Why should a vdriver get a ticket for going under a certain speed limit and a bike does not? If the speed limit is 45 mph. Why can bikes lawfully travel less. The recent verdict to prosecute the doctor who casued bike riders to slam into his car has posed an issue that byciclist now can do what they want on a road. It's bad enough with motorcycles that cut in and out and travel between cars way above the speed of traffic. I say the bikes should remain in the bike lane unless none exist. They should not be allowed to ride in a lane of traffic unless they can travel the minimum speed limit. "BANC" "Bikes are not CARS" “BANC”
“Bikes are not CARS”
They belong in my opinion in the bike lane when there is one. I dont mind sharing the road with a bike, but I do think they need to obey the laws of the road when they choose to ride in a lane that automobiles utilize. That means when there is a “Red light”, they should stop. They dont belong in a left turn lane. And shouldnt they travel the speed limit? Why should a vdriver get a ticket for going under a certain speed limit and a bike does not? If the speed limit is 45 mph. Why can bikes lawfully travel less. The recent verdict to prosecute the doctor who casued bike riders to slam into his car has posed an issue that byciclist now can do what they want on a road. It’s bad enough with motorcycles that cut in and out and travel between cars way above the speed of traffic. I say the bikes should remain in the bike lane unless none exist. They should not be allowed to ride in a lane of traffic unless they can travel the minimum speed limit. “BANC” “Bikes are not CARS”

]]> By: Jack http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-15220 Jack Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:23:42 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-15220 It does not do to get into an Argument with A Motor Vehicle, remember they are over 1 1/2 Tonnes or more if a Truck and some of them might have Anger management Problems. I hate it when a Car is behind me Revving the Engine trying to get past me,it makes me very nervous . They do not have to sound the Horn ,the mere Physical Presence of them being there agitates me. I just pull in and with a big Wave of my Hand I tell them to pass. If they persist in Driving in a Dangerous manner they will Crash eventually, so keep your Cool they are not worth a confrontation . We have Nutters like that in Europe as well, it is best to let them drive on dont get involved in Arguments with them . As you do not know who you are dealing with and can attack you with their Car. Dublin Ireland. It does not do to get into an Argument with A Motor Vehicle, remember they are over 1 1/2 Tonnes or more if a Truck and some of them might have Anger management Problems. I hate it when a Car is behind me Revving the Engine trying to get past me,it makes me very nervous . They do not have to sound the Horn ,the mere Physical Presence of them being there agitates me. I just pull in and with a big Wave of my Hand I tell them to pass. If they persist in Driving in a Dangerous manner they will Crash eventually, so keep your Cool they are not worth a confrontation . We have Nutters like that in Europe as well, it is best to let them drive on dont get involved in Arguments with them . As you do not know who you are dealing with and can attack you with their Car. Dublin Ireland.

]]> By: Tim http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-14894 Tim Sat, 16 Aug 2008 03:50:34 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-14894 I've noticed a lot more bikes on the road this year in Austin, although I have not been aware firsthand of any increased tension. However, my coworker heard an interview with Austin's police chief where there was a call-in segment. Apparently there were a lot of drivers calling in to complain about unsafe bikers breaking laws: running stop signs, lights, cruising sidewalks, etc. I’ve noticed a lot more bikes on the road this year in Austin, although I have not been aware firsthand of any increased tension. However, my coworker heard an interview with Austin’s police chief where there was a call-in segment. Apparently there were a lot of drivers calling in to complain about unsafe bikers breaking laws: running stop signs, lights, cruising sidewalks, etc.

]]> By: Kristen http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-14875 Kristen Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:21:56 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-14875 Here in Ypsilanti MI, we are definitly experiencing an uprising of bicycles on the road. As the first author mentioned, we do have those folks who are riding because of the economy-many of whom do not know bicycle laws and safety rules. Therefore some of the uprise in new bicyclists are those who are riding on the wrong side of the road, w/o helmets, etc. etc. But on the other hand there are so many folks who are doing it oh-so-right. The News is what it is- (I should say MOST of the news!) picking up on anything to do with conflict and fear. But overall I am VERY happy with the large amount of bicycles on the road and trails right now. It warms my commuting heart. :) And, luckily, there are many of us in our Bike Ypsi group, as well as neighboring County and Ann Arbor groups who are out there doing education, talking about safe cycling, and-yes-having the critical mass discussion on many google groups and blogs. Ride on! Here in Ypsilanti MI, we are definitly experiencing an uprising of bicycles on the road. As the first author mentioned, we do have those folks who are riding because of the economy-many of whom do not know bicycle laws and safety rules. Therefore some of the uprise in new bicyclists are those who are riding on the wrong side of the road, w/o helmets, etc. etc. But on the other hand there are so many folks who are doing it oh-so-right.
The News is what it is- (I should say MOST of the news!) picking up on anything to do with conflict and fear. But overall I am VERY happy with the large amount of bicycles on the road and trails right now. It warms my commuting heart. :)
And, luckily, there are many of us in our Bike Ypsi group, as well as neighboring County and Ann Arbor groups who are out there doing education, talking about safe cycling, and-yes-having the critical mass discussion on many google groups and blogs.
Ride on!

]]> By: Tooks http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-14834 Tooks Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:35:47 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-14834 I've definitely experienced both varieties here in Rochester, NY: been cussed at, honked at, and otherwise abused for riding on the road (riding courteously, I think), but also I have had people be as patient and reasonable as I would hope. (Check out my recent post at www.tooooks.blogspot.com for one anecdote.) I think that, media aside, we cyclists have to be our own ambassadors and rise above the fray. Good press helps, of course, but we need to behave ourselves, ride responsibly and respectfully and obey traffic laws ourselves, if we expect the world's drivers to treat us right. I’ve definitely experienced both varieties here in Rochester, NY: been cussed at, honked at, and otherwise abused for riding on the road (riding courteously, I think), but also I have had people be as patient and reasonable as I would hope. (Check out my recent post at http://www.tooooks.blogspot.com for one anecdote.) I think that, media aside, we cyclists have to be our own ambassadors and rise above the fray. Good press helps, of course, but we need to behave ourselves, ride responsibly and respectfully and obey traffic laws ourselves, if we expect the world’s drivers to treat us right.

]]> By: Will http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-14812 Will Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:13:18 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-14812 As far as my commute goes, I would have to agree with everyone about incidents being over-hyped. The real problem, at least as I see it, is that motorists have no idea how to deal with cyclists on the road. They forget, frequently I might add, that we have the same rights (and responsibilities) as cars. Bicycles are regarded as a nuisance because motorists aren't prepared or patient enough to handle their presence on that ever disputed, albeit shared and coveted, entity that is the road. If motorists were better acquainted with bicycles/cyclists, they might be willing to make a few more concessions on the road and not try to "slip by" when there is little or no shoulder on a narrow road, or demand that they be its sole occupant. Point being: "Unseasoned" bicycle commuters create a danger on the road, but it is the job of both the motorist and the cyclist to be vigilant and make the necessary concessions/take the appropriate precautions to avoid calamity. Personally, I feel that motorists' unwillingness to adapt to changing conditions on the road is more to blame than unskilled cyclists. I also think that they have some extra responsibility considering their preferred mode of transportation is capable of causing the most damage to an individual. As far as my commute goes, I would have to agree with everyone about incidents being over-hyped.

The real problem, at least as I see it, is that motorists have no idea how to deal with cyclists on the road. They forget, frequently I might add, that we have the same rights (and responsibilities) as cars. Bicycles are regarded as a nuisance because motorists aren’t prepared or patient enough to handle their presence on that ever disputed, albeit shared and coveted, entity that is the road. If motorists were better acquainted with bicycles/cyclists, they might be willing to make a few more concessions on the road and not try to “slip by” when there is little or no shoulder on a narrow road, or demand that they be its sole occupant.

Point being: “Unseasoned” bicycle commuters create a danger on the road, but it is the job of both the motorist and the cyclist to be vigilant and make the necessary concessions/take the appropriate precautions to avoid calamity. Personally, I feel that motorists’ unwillingness to adapt to changing conditions on the road is more to blame than unskilled cyclists. I also think that they have some extra responsibility considering their preferred mode of transportation is capable of causing the most damage to an individual.

]]> By: Ghost Rider http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-14811 Ghost Rider Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:21:35 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-14811 I'm pleased to hear that my suspicions are pretty justified...boy, the media sure loves their "scare stories", don' t they? Thanks, everyone, for responding to these questions. Bike room, eh? Man, I wish more companies had amenities like that...it might encourage even more folks to get out there on a bicycle if they knew they had a safe place to store their bikes during business hours! I’m pleased to hear that my suspicions are pretty justified…boy, the media sure loves their “scare stories”, don’ t they?

Thanks, everyone, for responding to these questions.

Bike room, eh? Man, I wish more companies had amenities like that…it might encourage even more folks to get out there on a bicycle if they knew they had a safe place to store their bikes during business hours!

]]> By: john the bicyclist http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-14810 john the bicyclist Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:49:45 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-14810 The media is full of s***. Things are the same out there. Only difference, a few more cyclists than usual. The media is full of s***. Things are the same out there. Only difference, a few more cyclists than usual.

]]> By: Jay http://www.bikecommuters.com/2008/08/12/bikes-vs-cars-in-the-news-your-thoughts/#comment-14809 Jay Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:37:53 +0000 http://www.bikecommuters.com/?p=1232#comment-14809 My own experience leads me to agree with everyone above who thinks incidents are being over-reported and hyped up in the media. I've been riding to/from work, 6.5 miles each way, into downtown Chicago for the past 8 years. Honestly the only difference I've noticed this season is that the bike room in the building where I work is a lot fuller on a daily basis than it ever has been before. That's the only indication I've seen that more people are riding (at least to the building where I work); bike traffic I encounter along my rides doesn't seem any different than what I've ever seen before. I've also had no more "incidents" with auto traffic than I ever have, either. My own experience leads me to agree with everyone above who thinks incidents are being over-reported and hyped up in the media.

I’ve been riding to/from work, 6.5 miles each way, into downtown Chicago for the past 8 years. Honestly the only difference I’ve noticed this season is that the bike room in the building where I work is a lot fuller on a daily basis than it ever has been before. That’s the only indication I’ve seen that more people are riding (at least to the building where I work); bike traffic I encounter along my rides doesn’t seem any different than what I’ve ever seen before.

I’ve also had no more “incidents” with auto traffic than I ever have, either.

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