Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Why don't car drivers respect bicyclists?

Jimellow · 04-28-2009, 06:59 AM

I'm not really familiar with what a bike lane is. I don't think I've seen one in Pennsylvania, but it certainly seems like a wonderful thing. I follow the laws of the road and am a considerate rider, and even then realize that riding can be very dangerous. I don't really understand why cyclists would ride in some of the methods described here, as it seems they're greatly increasing their odds of serious injury.

For me, the worst aspect of biking is hugging the white line, just inside the shoulder, without really having a shoulder to speak of. The options are either: 1) Swerve left and into the flow of traffic or 2) Swerve right and off the road entirely, likely being dumped off the bike as a result of terrain change.

As for my situation... It's difficult to pinpoint the reason the driver would have beeped. I was hugging the line tightly and there wasn't another car on the road. Perhaps he/she was having a bad day and didn't like bicyclists. Perhaps the driver had dealt with inconsiderate riders before and assumed I was one as well. Hell, maybe they had just been laid off and weren't too fond of any aspect of the world lately.

I was intrigued by the fact that they stopped and then drove off after I pedalled towards them. I gather that is either: A) The driver thinking better of a confrontation or B) The passenger/spouse urging, and ultimately convincing, the driver to let it go and continue on their way.

It's unfortunate that those that designed the roads and pathways in the part of the state/country I reside didn't have more foresight in regards to bicyclists and their presence on the roads, especially around recreational areas. As an example, French Creek State Park is a very popular area, and features quite a few country roads ridden often by cyclists. There are no bike paths, and the roads feature many blind turns around terrain that changes elevation often. It's a horrible combination for cyclists, as even if they do hug the white line, there is a high chance they'll still get clipped by cars hugging the line as well to avoid oncoming traffic around turns. This coupled with the fact that I know quite a few drivers enjoy taking their cars to the limits through the twisty country roads generally results in a bad situation for all parties involved.

As is the case with most things, I don't see much changing in regards to the car/cyclist relationship, whether it be in regards to the drivers themselves or the roads they ride on. Cars are ingrained in our society, and more and more are using the roads every year. Roads themselves are already established and it's unlikely more lanes are going to be added, or other adjustments made at this point.

I personally don't think cyclists enjoy being thrown onto a road and forced to share it with cars, but around here it's generally the only option available. Bike lanes sound great, but I haven't seen a single one yet.

04-28-2009, 06:59 AM	#45 (permalink)
Jimellow Junkie	I'm not really familiar with what a bike lane is. I don't think I've seen one in Pennsylvania, but it certainly seems like a wonderful thing. I follow the laws of the road and am a considerate rider, and even then realize that riding can be very dangerous. I don't really understand why cyclists would ride in some of the methods described here, as it seems they're greatly increasing their odds of serious injury. For me, the worst aspect of biking is hugging the white line, just inside the shoulder, without really having a shoulder to speak of. The options are either: 1) Swerve left and into the flow of traffic or 2) Swerve right and off the road entirely, likely being dumped off the bike as a result of terrain change. As for my situation... It's difficult to pinpoint the reason the driver would have beeped. I was hugging the line tightly and there wasn't another car on the road. Perhaps he/she was having a bad day and didn't like bicyclists. Perhaps the driver had dealt with inconsiderate riders before and assumed I was one as well. Hell, maybe they had just been laid off and weren't too fond of any aspect of the world lately. I was intrigued by the fact that they stopped and then drove off after I pedalled towards them. I gather that is either: A) The driver thinking better of a confrontation or B) The passenger/spouse urging, and ultimately convincing, the driver to let it go and continue on their way. It's unfortunate that those that designed the roads and pathways in the part of the state/country I reside didn't have more foresight in regards to bicyclists and their presence on the roads, especially around recreational areas. As an example, French Creek State Park is a very popular area, and features quite a few country roads ridden often by cyclists. There are no bike paths, and the roads feature many blind turns around terrain that changes elevation often. It's a horrible combination for cyclists, as even if they do hug the white line, there is a high chance they'll still get clipped by cars hugging the line as well to avoid oncoming traffic around turns. This coupled with the fact that I know quite a few drivers enjoy taking their cars to the limits through the twisty country roads generally results in a bad situation for all parties involved. As is the case with most things, I don't see much changing in regards to the car/cyclist relationship, whether it be in regards to the drivers themselves or the roads they ride on. Cars are ingrained in our society, and more and more are using the roads every year. Roads themselves are already established and it's unlikely more lanes are going to be added, or other adjustments made at this point. I personally don't think cyclists enjoy being thrown onto a road and forced to share it with cars, but around here it's generally the only option available. Bike lanes sound great, but I haven't seen a single one yet. __________________ Desperation is no excuse for lowering one's standards.