Quote Originally Posted by Melalvai View Post
I dunno, I just got to Hurst's chapter on sidewalks and nearly had a visceral reaction. I know exactly who to blame for that...

But again, as soon as he says something I am completely opposed to (like riding on sidewalks or running stop signs), he proceeds to explain how to do these sins (ride as slow as a walk, slow to an almost stop). It's like a teacher trying to be cool by making a show of not following the rules, while actually following the spirit of the law while breaking the letter of the law.
My partner and I have been having a very civil disagreement on sidewalks. And the conclusion I've come to is we're *both* right. (keep in mind that in most of the US, some form of sidewalk riding is legal... and we're in an area where it is legal)

I don't like sidewalk riding. It's dangerous for pedestrians, and it's rude to them. It's dangerous for *me* if drivers don't see me, and I've had a few issues with that on the local bike paths. Drivers never want to hurt me, but some are careless and don't look, even if there's a great big flashing sign over the intersection. I can't see how a sidewalk would be better.

He points out that you're always at more risk if you don't know how to use a particular technique. Refusing to learn something new is a good way to end up in more dangerous situations. And... he's right. The technique is useful, and has some carry-over for normal road riding. For starters, I'm better at spotting sidewalk bike ninjas... it also makes some railroad crossings easier. The aiming tricks one uses for sidewalk ruts carries over to badly maintained railroad tracks.