Jerk Motorcyclist!

[canonsue]

I am also a motorcyclist. When we ride in a group and pass a bicyclist, the leader always gives the single file signal and we pass with plenty of room.

However, in Colorado, bicyclists generally have a bad reputation for taking up the entire lane. I think that people forget that if you are riding downhill with very steep curves, you need the lane. Also when riding downhill, you are usually going the speed of traffic.

I think the biggest problem is when some bicyclists ride next to each other and will not ride single file when in traffic. That is why we have many signs that tell bicyclists to ride single file. You would think that is common sense.

I agree that there are always a few (motorcyclists and bicyclists) who are jerks.

[Heifzilla]

I was just surprised, that's all. I mean, ok, if you have to nearly run me over when I am on the shoulder when you have an entire freaking lane to ride in to avoid me you already have an issue. But to flip me off for absolutely no reason?

There's no need to apologize for fellow motorcyclists here. In general, most of them are extremely aware and polite to me *because* they have had many experiences with jerk motorists. So believe me, I don't equate all motorcyclists with this one jerk. I also didn't let it ruin my ride, there was no point.

In general, most motorcyclists and motorists in general are very cognizant of the fact that they need to move over when I am on the road. I try to be courteous to them as well. I am a slow rider, so I very rarely take the lane unless I am waiting to make a left turn or I am waiting at a light. And then, once the light has changed, I move myself over to the right as soon as I can because I know that they don't want to be stuck behind pokey, but at least they know I am there at that point because they have been sitting right behind me.

I have seen a lot of jerk bicyclists, too. They take lanes when they are pootling along at 12 mph, flip motorists off that honk at them, and refuse to get out of the way (in situations where they *can* get out of the way...I understand sometimes it is simply not possible: been there, done that). I think it's that kind of "I own the road" attitude that pisses off the motorists. But they need to learn that just as not all motorists are jerks, neither are all cyclists. Treat every situation case by case.

Anyway, I'm over it now and getting ready to do today's ride...with an even bigger Hill Cars around here struggle to get up this Hill. In the winter, you have to be super careful because at the bottom of the Hill ends at a very busy, 55 mph road. We've seen some spectacular wrecks there

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day...and don't forget those who have fallen for our country!

[OakLeaf]

Heif, taking the lane has nothing to do with what speed you're going. (To a Buick going 60 mph, there's not a whole lot of difference between a bicyclist going 12 and a bicyclist going 28, anyhow. ) It has to do with whether the lane can safely be shared with a motor vehicle, or not. If there's no room in the lane for you and a car and three feet between you, TAKE THE LANE, unless you're out on a country road with plenty of visibility (no steep hills or tight turns).

[Heifzilla]

Heif, taking the lane has nothing to do with what speed you're going. (To a Buick going 60 mph, there's not a whole lot of difference between a bicyclist going 12 and a bicyclist going 28, anyhow. ) It has to do with whether the lane can safely be shared with a motor vehicle, or not. If there's no room in the lane for you and a car and three feet between you, TAKE THE LANE, unless you're out on a country road with plenty of visibility (no steep hills or tight turns).

Out here it's country roads, mostly. Usually plenty of visibility and not many bad hills (hehe, inclines is what someone called them ) The roads are mostly straight, too, except there are some winding roads. I pretty much live in BFI. I feel pretty comfortable on the shoulder because it is so open and there's really no excuse except inattention or stupidity for people not to see me before they are near me and it wouldn't matter if I was in the lane at that point because they wouldn't see me anyway.

[OakLeaf]

I pretty much live in BFI.

Okay, ya got me... around here it's "BFE," for "Egypt." What's the "I" stand for?

[Heifzilla]

Okay, ya got me... around here it's "BFE," for "Egypt." What's the "I" stand for?

Illinois

[Pax]

Illinois

Good one Heif.

[Eden]

I think the biggest problem is when some bicyclists ride next to each other and will not ride single file when in traffic. That is why we have many signs that tell bicyclists to ride single file. You would think that is common sense.

Careful with statements like that one... as with many traffic laws it depends totally on *where* you are. We don't have a national code for this so individual jurisdictions are free to do what they think is best. In Washington state it is entirely legal to ride two abreast. That doesn't necessarily mean we don't ever think riding single file is the sensical and do it, but being two abreast is not illegal, traffic or no traffic.

[canonsue]

Careful with statements like that one... as with many traffic laws it depends totally on *where* you are. We don't have a national code for this so individual jurisdictions are free to do what they think is best. In Washington state it is entirely legal to ride two abreast. That doesn't necessarily mean we don't ever think riding single file is the sensical and do it, but being two abreast is not illegal, traffic or no traffic.

It is legal here in Colorado as well except where it impedes car traffic. So when cars are present, we are supposed to ride single file. However, for many motorists, two bicyclists riding side by side taking the entire lane seems to just aggravate them to no end. But what they do not understand is that on narrow, curvy roads, they need to be patient as the bicyclist does have a legal right to the lane. And on these types of roads the rider needs the entire lane to ride safely.

And yes, it is legal to use the entire lane on other roads as well. But it is just common courtesy to ride as far to the right as it is safe to do so to allow a car to pass safely.