I have mixed feelings. I used to ride a lot but I think of pedal bikes in the same category as pedestrians. Cars pay insurance and such to drive on the roads. When I see a bike cut across traffic and jump to the left turn lane in front of cars, I think that person should have pushed the walk button signal and used the crosswalk rather than create road rage. Some friends of mine are downtown bike couriers and they are insane the way they move around, though downtown a bike is faster than a car to get around.

there are so many idiot drivers out there and the bikers take their lives in their hands so a little safety needs to be considered. most are smart and drive fair, but just driving on a roadside say in rush hour where there is no room for error because they can and traffic can't get by, or thy might get caught by a mirror (I remember taking a mirror off my cube van going down 12th Ave because the lane was so small and trees along the edge) is not too safe. myself, I would have ridden a block over on a safer street or used the 5 foot wide sidewalk. pick your route with bike lanes, not the tight streets where cars can't get by because some idiot will be on the cel, flicking a butt out the window, spilling coffee, making a sandwich etc and it'll be game over.

to those that ride safe, I have have no problems sharing the road. to those that think they are above the laws and such, get off the roads because I don't want to be the one to hit them. I do mobile auto detailing and my car is packed front to back with gear. if you can't see me, I can't see you when I turn a corner

i dont really like them on tight roads where they are being a road hazard,i am a mountain biker so i ride on dirt only,just like my emaxx:lol:

Interesting, there was a news feature a week or so ago about cyclists in the UK and how alot of them in cities especially dont obey the rules of the road. One big thing that was brought up was how people cycle along the edge of the road (like you are ment to when there is no cycle lane), but make the error of pulling up along side large vehicles; one poor woman pulled up next to a cement mixer lorry at some lights, and then it turned left at the same time as she did.... she got pulled under its wheels and it drove over hed head... splat Im affraid to say. Tragic as that is, it does highlight the danger of cycling in cities, and how easy to overlook cyclists it is.

Personally I used to cycle alot when I was young, but nower days I walk everywhere, though I would like a Quadbike = better than a bike, cheaper than a car.

Personally, in my area, they even pull out in front of the cops and get nothing. My personal belief is that those over 16 should have a license and tag w/insurance. If they want to ride on the road, they should have to contribute to its upkeep. I deal as best as i can, but i think some are looking for a lawsuit so they don't have to work, or at least get a small payoff. I was stopped at a red light, a guy run into my rear bumper and flew into my bed (yes like a movie stunt) I was in the right and the guy sounded like he had a few, told me i was to go buy him a new bike right then and there. So i started to call the police to let them see what happened, he said forget itrode off with his wobbly wheel and bruised ego.

I think if they had to pay for the right to be on the road and were held accountable, they would be more respectful

not in America. There are rarely provisions for bikes and drivers are idiots. Like people have already stated, instead of paying attention to the road people are making phone calls, text messaging, eating, applying make up, etc. etc. People don't see me in my bright yellow wheelchair, I can't imagine going on the roads with a little bike. That being said, I respect bikers rights, and think people need to watch out more and share the road!

Here in SoCal, I see cyclists all the time riding way out from the curb making it impossible for cars to pass. This causes a huge bottleneck as cars try to change lanes and get around him. The cyclist just keeps riding ignoring the train of cars behind him trying to get around.

I read about that. It is definitely a dangerous situation. This is one of the reasons when I pull up to a set of lights I always stop past the white line. This means that the cars pulled up beside me know that I am there. Also if a truck is beside you it means you can get started and be well through the intersection by the time the truck catches you again. You have to be really careful though as if the light changes as you approach the intersection you can get into trouble. I will normally hang back and sit in the line of traffic unless there is a slip lane or I know for sure that the lights will not go green.

Something I notice which annoys some motorists is when you pass them on the left (or right in the US). At least in our road rules it is perfectly legal to do and considering cars pass us on the right all the time I don't really see much of a difference.

Thats because the cyclist is obeying the LAW. Same road laws apply to cyclists that apply to motorists. If a motorist is going slow you still have the same option. Go around him. There is a speed limit on how fast you can travel on a road not how slow you can travel. I am sorry if our commuting speed is not up to your speed. Thats why we leave earlier to get to work.:whistle:

Here there must be safe room to overtake the cyclist meaning you must give them as much room as you would to pass a car. They also say that you have to give them enough space that if they swerve to mis something on the road you don't hit them.

The same laws apply here. The problem is most motorists don't follow the laws or even remember them. Yet we renew their drivers License!?!

I'm a cyclist somewhat, but I rarely ever ride on the road (mountain bike). I think there are far too many idiot drivers out there that aren't paying attention for me to ride safely, I really don't want to be hit by somebody and lose the function of any of my body parts, concussion, etc. due to somebody else's stupidity. :whip: I really can't believe how people think that they can text/read/apply makeup/etc. while driving on a busy street; peripheral vision isn't enough to drive with! I feel uncomfortable just eating or talking on the phone sometimes, since I'm not driving at 100%, how you can text or read is beyond me.
I also think some cyclists are just disrespectful as well, they should recognize when they do or don't have the right of way, and I've seen a few that just act like ***holes. :diablo:

Scariest thing (also the most stupid) I saw was while we were driving. We were on a very narrow 2 lane road with a lot of cars and cyclist travelling in both directions. The road was only a very short stretch between two intersections. The road was far to narrow to overtake the cyclists yet the idiot drivers were still trying too. So basically there were cyclists on both sides of the road with cars driving down the middle of the road head on at each other. We were just sitting behind waiting and watching in horror but somehow there was no accident just a lot of horn blowing.

The other scary thing is that when they hit a cyclist they don't stop. Out of the three accidents my friends have been in with cars, twice the car has driven off. One of them left my mate lying in the middle of the road unconscious and he then spent a week in hospital. The other friend was hit and he had to crawl off the road as no one stopped, his bike was still on the road and people were just driving around him and his bike. Someone did eventually stop and I think called an ambulance.

Also the statistics in some countries say that close to half of all cycling accidents involving motorists, the motorist does not stop.

Wow, that's horrible. :no:
I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I hit ANYONE and didn't stop!

Ahhh.....not so. The instant soot pipe I have sticking out the back of mine does wonders for the healthy minded individual trying to suck in his last breath of fresh air!!! :lol:
Huge black clouds of smoke are a bikers worst dream.....and yes, I only do it when the cyclist is rude or ignorant.