Discuss what is wrong with this senerio....

[megale3]

http://www.oregonlive.com/cgi-bin/prxy/photogalleries/nph-cache.cgi/cache=3000;/olive/images/7814/a30.JPGhttp://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/121575211419850.xml&coll=7

[RaffCycles]

Interesting article Meg.

Three incidents in recent years between a cyclist and a motorist. Not too bad. Wonder how many road rage motorist-motorist incidents there were? Or how about pedestrian-motorist?

The issue seems to be that the media still portrays the bicycle as a childrens toy. Considering it just a play thing that should be used on sidewalks and bike trails rather than on public roadways. Until we can share the road with all vehicle types, we'll still have this problem.

We've all had the motorist pull along side of us (stomach wedged under the steering wheel) and yell, "Get off the road @$$hole!!" I've even been flipped off by a 10-yr old with his dad laughing away in the drivers seat.

Cyclists and motorists need to be aware of each other and obey the laws that currently exist. That means we need to stop at red lights and stop signs instead of yelling "Clear!!" and rolling through. Otherwise, we get the type of laws created with "the safety of the cyclist in mind", that limit our access to use roadways.

I live in a town where the radio DJs actually had a call in show discussing ways motorists can run cyclists off the road. I can relate to this situation on a personal level.

[megale3]

I disliked the fact that one the driver of the vehicle, although a self proclaimed enthusiast, felt it necessary to chastise another cyclist. I mean, lead by example not by forcing an opinion on someone that has a right to acknowledge that they have been communicated to even if its negative. The guy in the car wanted to play police not a good idea given the outcome. Now I am not behind the cyclist either with the use of the bike as a weapon (poor bike) since he was drunk and out of control and actuually works for the transportation dept for the city. third thing is ...My home town paper put this on the front page for the last two days and to me its terribly tabloid and inflammatory in a town that is revered as one of the worlds best for cycling. All in all A holes will find each other.

[SpinBob]

The issue seems to be that the media still portrays the bicycle as a childrens toy.How did you get that from that article? I think the paper did a good job of giving all sides a voice.

I disliked the fact that one the driver of the vehicle, although a self proclaimed enthusiast, felt it necessary to chastise another cyclist. I mean, lead by example not by forcing an opinion on someone that has a right to acknowledge that they have been communicated to even if its negative. The guy in the car wanted to play police not a good idea given the outcome. Now I am not behind the cyclist either with the use of the bike as a weapon (poor bike) since he was drunk and out of control and actuually works for the transportation dept for the city. third thing is ...My home town paper put this on the front page for the last two days and to me its terribly tabloid and inflammatory in a town that is revered as one of the worlds best for cycling. All in all A holes will find each other. I agree, both the motorist and cyclist handled the situation poorly. Obviously this is sensitive issue in the city, which is why it gets front page attention. I don't see anything inflammatory about the story I just read.

[lizardbiker]

Unfortunately in my area, there are more cyclists who are the arrogant idiots than the drivers. We get cyclists who ride 4 abreast on busy roads and flip the bird at cars behind them. the theme is SHARE THE ROAD, which applies to both sides. And the same cyclists who flip the bird at cars also act like a$$h0l3s at fellow cyclists who are actually being nice and being ambassadors of cycling.
Why can't everyone just get along? And if we can't why don't just the idiots get taken out? I really hate reading news about a decent cyclist getting hit and killed by a drunk driver vs. a stupid cyclist playing chicken with a motor vehicle.

[SpinBob]

Amen, Liz, amen.

[RaffCycles]

This story and video made our local news. Just what we need, more bad press.

[NJspin]

At first when I looked just at the picture I thought " Ah, a courier in city traffic" They are nuts but fun to watch sometimes as they zig and zag along the crowded streets of many big cities.

After reading the article I see I was way off.http://www.innercycling.com/f/images/icons/icon14.gif I do think the piece was well done and the summary really does say it all: "is there's good people and bad people on both sides of the transportation issue."

[AC]

Only have 1 take on this. A person on a bike on the road must obey the signs and signals of the road. A person in a car must always protect a pedestrian or a cyclist, regardless of the signs or signals. Most municipal laws are written this way.

It's like rock-paper-scissors. Bike hits pedestrian, biker is wrong. Car hits bike, car is wrong. Pedestrian crosses against signals, pedestrian is wrong.

When we throw alchohol into the mix, everybody's wrong.

[lizardbiker]

Only have 1 take on this. A person on a bike on the road must obey the signs and signals of the road. A person in a car must always protect a pedestrian or a cyclist, regardless of the signs or signals. Most municipal laws are written this way.

It's like rock-paper-scissors. Bike hits pedestrian, biker is wrong. Car hits bike, car is wrong. Pedestrian crosses against signals, pedestrian is wrong.

When we throw alchohol into the mix, everybody's wrong.
Do I hear another AMEN!!!

[like2bike]

AC-men!

[megale3]

I pitty those that ride by the seat of their pants. whether its running reds or even noting where the safe streets are to ride. I have 3 different ways to get to work and that is 14 miles away from my house. Whether I am taking young one to child care or just going straight to work -I have to give google maps all the credit. Drinking on a bike sounds scarry since I drink to excess :)
M<kiddin there...

[like2bike]

Yah. Ya chain smoke too, laddy. :D

[megale3]

coff coff (((snorting sound))) splat yah its what makes me fast up hills.....:D

[jsejt]

coff coff (((snorting sound))) splat yah its what makes me fast up hills.....:D

Don't ever change that smokin' baby.......

[megale3]

OK :D