These are the bike trails I like. The problem is finding something to lean the bike against !
Bicycle Rant
- Thread starter llowry61
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Bill Bates
Member
Let me put it to you this way. You know what the difference is if you're in car driving 3mph and you bump a child and you bump a child while your riding your bike at 3mph. If you're in a car only one of you gets a ride in an ambulance.
Bumping into cars is the number one reason for bikes not to be on the road.
IronSkillet
Member
Was this a discussion when the horse & buggy owned the road and automobiles started to arrive? Changes happen adapt and overcome.
Roads are for vehicles (which includes bicycles). Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Most places I've lived it is illegal to ride a bike on a sidewalk.
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Unfortunately too many are very militant about asserting their rights while ignoring their responsibilities.
Myself, I try to obey the traffic signals, although if there is a stop sign on an uphill I usually go through if there are no cars. Getting started again is difficult. I try not impede the progress of cars, but that decision is based on being safe for me, not when it is convenient for them.
Example: on narrow roads that are not wide enough to safely accommodate both a bike and a car, I will ride far enough into the lane that in order to pass, the car must cross the centerline in order to pass.
I've learned that if you ride close to the edge, that is an invitation for drivers to pass too closely, and they will. Force them to change lanes to pass, they will. And I have room to maneuver if they don't.
The edge of the road/bike lane also accumulates debris - rocks, cans, broken glass, etc. Not fun to ride a bike through.
I'm not a fan of bike lanes - that is where the trash (thrown there by drivers) accumulates. As this thread illustrates, it creates the misconception that bicycles belong no where else except in the bike lane.
Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Unfortunately too many are very militant about asserting their rights while ignoring their responsibilities.
Myself, I try to obey the traffic signals, although if there is a stop sign on an uphill I usually go through if there are no cars. Getting started again is difficult. I try not impede the progress of cars, but that decision is based on being safe for me, not when it is convenient for them.
Example: on narrow roads that are not wide enough to safely accommodate both a bike and a car, I will ride far enough into the lane that in order to pass, the car must cross the centerline in order to pass.
I've learned that if you ride close to the edge, that is an invitation for drivers to pass too closely, and they will. Force them to change lanes to pass, they will. And I have room to maneuver if they don't.
The edge of the road/bike lane also accumulates debris - rocks, cans, broken glass, etc. Not fun to ride a bike through.
I'm not a fan of bike lanes - that is where the trash (thrown there by drivers) accumulates. As this thread illustrates, it creates the misconception that bicycles belong no where else except in the bike lane.
My take on all this.
Back in the day, I'd ride my bike to work at least twice a week. I'd start out right before dawn and enjoyed seeing the sun come up, the mists lifting and the birds singing.
My route was mostly on paved rail-trails with some short sections on public roads.
I did have to cross and follow one short section on a main road and I'd cross at the light then walk my bike on the gravel shoulder to stay well clear of traffic.
I have ridden on public streets but only in town and I do stay well over so traffic can get past me. There have been instances on downhills where I've had to slow down for traffic.
Yeah paths can get congested with foot traffic but I personally like to see people out enjoying a nice day.
My wife has a "ding" bell on her bike and usually all it takes is her ding or me saying, "on your left" to get past the majority of people.
We'll slow down and greet them as we pass.
There are cyclists out there with bad attitudes that get angry at people interfering with their "training" that give cyclists a bad name.
Back in the day, I'd ride my bike to work at least twice a week. I'd start out right before dawn and enjoyed seeing the sun come up, the mists lifting and the birds singing.
My route was mostly on paved rail-trails with some short sections on public roads.
I did have to cross and follow one short section on a main road and I'd cross at the light then walk my bike on the gravel shoulder to stay well clear of traffic.
I have ridden on public streets but only in town and I do stay well over so traffic can get past me. There have been instances on downhills where I've had to slow down for traffic.
Yeah paths can get congested with foot traffic but I personally like to see people out enjoying a nice day.
My wife has a "ding" bell on her bike and usually all it takes is her ding or me saying, "on your left" to get past the majority of people.
We'll slow down and greet them as we pass.
There are cyclists out there with bad attitudes that get angry at people interfering with their "training" that give cyclists a bad name.
Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
If I may lighten this up with a cultural observation:
Most of this tension and mutual grumpiness between drivers and cyclists in the US derives from the fact that, in contrast to many countries, biking in the US is a voluntary activity limited largely to a) children and b) recreation.
Elsewhere, including where I grew up, it’s basic transportation. My dad, who toward the end of his career was a manager in charge of 70 people, thought nothing of hopping on his bike in suit and tie and pedaling leisurely to work on nice days.
I found this video from Holland. Germany is pretty much the same. Everybody lives in the saddle. Nobody looks like your typical American spandex cowboy.
[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpi01x_DgDY[/ame]
Most of this tension and mutual grumpiness between drivers and cyclists in the US derives from the fact that, in contrast to many countries, biking in the US is a voluntary activity limited largely to a) children and b) recreation.
Elsewhere, including where I grew up, it’s basic transportation. My dad, who toward the end of his career was a manager in charge of 70 people, thought nothing of hopping on his bike in suit and tie and pedaling leisurely to work on nice days.
I found this video from Holland. Germany is pretty much the same. Everybody lives in the saddle. Nobody looks like your typical American spandex cowboy.
[ame]https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jpi01x_DgDY[/ame]
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Old Arkansawyer
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Well folks my bicycle is a 15 year old, 18 speed sort of mountain/road bike
hybrid.
I live out in the boonies on a rock strewn county road that sometimes
narrows to one lane. So, I don't ride the bike as much as I should. The
wife and I do take them when we vacation in the old bus conversion, just
throw them in the middle luggage bay and have transportation when we
get located. I have ridden up to 7 miles one way to replenish our supplies. At home the county roads are better suited for mules than
bicycles and you don't have to get off and push a mule up a steep hill.
As far as I know my county has Zero miles of bike paths. And as far
as being taxed for them and not using them is the same as having no
children and still paying for schools. They are there if you want to use
them, your choice.
hybrid.
I live out in the boonies on a rock strewn county road that sometimes
narrows to one lane. So, I don't ride the bike as much as I should. The
wife and I do take them when we vacation in the old bus conversion, just
throw them in the middle luggage bay and have transportation when we
get located. I have ridden up to 7 miles one way to replenish our supplies. At home the county roads are better suited for mules than
bicycles and you don't have to get off and push a mule up a steep hill.
As far as I know my county has Zero miles of bike paths. And as far
as being taxed for them and not using them is the same as having no
children and still paying for schools. They are there if you want to use
them, your choice.
Step N. Mud
Member
Looking hard a an Ebike, but not for city streets and more for trails.
I had the opportunity to be in the P.I. 1960,'61 as dad was Air Force and I as a military brat. Here's what the norm was back then with jeepnees, bicycles and water buffalo's.
I had the opportunity to be in the P.I. 1960,'61 as dad was Air Force and I as a military brat. Here's what the norm was back then with jeepnees, bicycles and water buffalo's.
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IronSkillet
Member
Great video thanks for sharing it. Was interesting to see how many singles are in use, lots of power hubs to.
BLACKHAWKNJ
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People driving farm vehicles, tractor trailers, they are performing a vital public service, no ?
I have been bicycling to work for 30 years, just turned 70, most days I can pass for 50 , often feel like I'm around 30.
In recent years I have been a tweed rider, English 3-speeds-"English racers" in my youth. More comfortable and satisfactory around town, and they help take me back to a somewhat safer and saner time. Currently riding a 1960 Phillips, when someone kidded me about riding an antique I pointed out it's 10 years younger than I am, can be repaired with a minimum of specialized tools-a cotter pin press, you can get by without one, but it makes the job a lot easier. Overhauled the headset with an adjustable wrench, new grease and new bearings. How many other 60 year of pieces of machinery can say that ? And finding one, especially in good shape, is like finding a 5 Screw, a pre '64, a vintage Colt...among my treasures is a 1966 Dunelt 3-speed with coaster brake. MINT ! That's like finding a 1966 S&W NIB.
The roads are like a public access
range, whether on public land or a gun shop/range, they are there for everybody, they are best enjoyed when people behave in a courteous and considerate manner.
I have been bicycling to work for 30 years, just turned 70, most days I can pass for 50 , often feel like I'm around 30.
In recent years I have been a tweed rider, English 3-speeds-"English racers" in my youth. More comfortable and satisfactory around town, and they help take me back to a somewhat safer and saner time. Currently riding a 1960 Phillips, when someone kidded me about riding an antique I pointed out it's 10 years younger than I am, can be repaired with a minimum of specialized tools-a cotter pin press, you can get by without one, but it makes the job a lot easier. Overhauled the headset with an adjustable wrench, new grease and new bearings. How many other 60 year of pieces of machinery can say that ? And finding one, especially in good shape, is like finding a 5 Screw, a pre '64, a vintage Colt...among my treasures is a 1966 Dunelt 3-speed with coaster brake. MINT ! That's like finding a 1966 S&W NIB.
The roads are like a public access
range, whether on public land or a gun shop/range, they are there for everybody, they are best enjoyed when people behave in a courteous and considerate manner.
A buddy of mine had a short rant about bicyclists that seems appropriate. He said...
"Want me to share the road? Share the expense and responsibility. Register, insure and pay taxes on your bike to maintain the roads - just like I do with my car. Follow ALL of the rules of the road that cars have to follow. When bicyclists share the expense and responsibility for the road, then I'll happily share the road."
"Want me to share the road? Share the expense and responsibility. Register, insure and pay taxes on your bike to maintain the roads - just like I do with my car. Follow ALL of the rules of the road that cars have to follow. When bicyclists share the expense and responsibility for the road, then I'll happily share the road."
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Maybe where you live. Around here about 2 out of 3 adults you see on bikes aren't riding for fun. They've lost their license to drive. And most of them aren't in the top tax brackets either.
Wow, so much hate for something that may actually get you in shape.
I ride my bicycle on the greenways, areas set aside for riders, walkers, joggers, skateboarders, etc.
I will not deal with all the rude, distracted cagers.
It may do well for people to get out and ride considering Americans are bursting at the waistlines of their pants.
I ride my bicycle on the greenways, areas set aside for riders, walkers, joggers, skateboarders, etc.
I will not deal with all the rude, distracted cagers.
It may do well for people to get out and ride considering Americans are bursting at the waistlines of their pants.
Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Just curious: Where does this gentleman get the notion that sharing the road with bicyclists is his CHOICE?
bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
Our DIL just sent us photos of our youngest grands on their new first bikes. Now all 20 of us in my family are bicyclists (21 if you count the doll in the carrier).
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk
I’ve read that in terms of energy expended for distance travelled, a bicycle is the most efficient means of transportation on the planet.
I rode a bike across the Brooklyn Bridge to midtown Manhattan to work every day in the the early 70’s. Would stop off for college at night at the New School in the Village on the way back. Later, in the late 80’s rode a bike in Tokyo on weekends for entertainment.
My wife’s sense of balance is precarious, though, so we gave it up 30 years ago. Now we walk a lot. I miss biking, though. One can go ever so much further than one can by walking.
I rode a bike across the Brooklyn Bridge to midtown Manhattan to work every day in the the early 70’s. Would stop off for college at night at the New School in the Village on the way back. Later, in the late 80’s rode a bike in Tokyo on weekends for entertainment.
My wife’s sense of balance is precarious, though, so we gave it up 30 years ago. Now we walk a lot. I miss biking, though. One can go ever so much further than one can by walking.
Puller
Member
Some say the big push for tax payer funded bike lanes in larger American cities is a part of Agenda 21.
The trails in my county are not maintained thru taxpayer $$. Totally by local sponsors and donors. Federal grants for some of the construction
I didn't know I don't have to pay taxes! WooHoo!
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