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| *Vultures Knob>>>Cycling |
Why do so many cyclists cycle on the pavement? |
As a keen cyclist (and 15 year old who won't be able to drive for two years!) why do so many cyclists take to the pavement? Often there are cycle lanes or there is always the road? Although sometimes drivers have honked at me for NOT cycling on the pavement! It's almost you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't! What is everyone's opinion on this? Look, the bottom line is: BICYCLES ARE VEHICLES!!! We have to obey the same laws as motor vehicles so stay on the street. However, the rule is to stay as far to the right as safely possible. If there are ostacles (ie. potholes, parked cars, debris, etc.) safely move to your left. The problem is that many inexperienced riders (which is the majority of riders) are intimidated by motor vehicles. This is understandable to a point, but 9 out of every 10 accidents occur in front of you - not behind you. This means that you have a better chance of a door opening in front of you or you being cutoff than someone overtaking you from behind, Being aggressive at times and knowing when to be aggressive will get you to your destination safely. Don't play around and swerve on roads unless you noticed that pothole at the last minute. Motorists dislike it when other cars do it and the despise cyclist for doing it. You have the right to ride on the road with cars. In fact, it's usually the law. Ride responsibly. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. If there is no sidewalk and there are pedestrians in front of you, shout "Cyclist on your left!!" before approaching to let the pedestrians know that you are coming. They usually will cooperate with you if you cooperate with them from my experience. Why listen to me? Well, because I've been riding since I was 9 and I road raced from the age of 14 to 22. I learned most of this while training on paved roads. Now at 34, I'm a serious cyclist but I don't race. Riding on streets for all of these years has taught me how to ride with cars and pedestrians alike. Show respect and you'll usually get respect in return. However, never let your guard down, and know when to be aggressive. You seem pretty mature for your age, so to put it bluntly; use good judgement. I hope this helps wow for 15 your hair is very grey!!!! lol just wanted to inject a little humour into this Friday night buy yeah i see what your saying! I don't know how many times Ive been walking down the street and nearly been taken out by a passing cyclist!!! yeah i used to get greef from people on the pavement and also road drivers when i used to cycle. i used my middle finger alot to solve the problem it not safe on road Ignore the drivers - total ignorance and yes you are right in cycling on the road - the pavement is for pedestrians only. But as a driver myself, I do hate it when cyclists decide to ride side by side, taking up the whole road! Because no-one enforces the law. I suggest that all pedestrians should carry a short iron bar to stick through the front spokes of any cyclist on the footpath. The result is quite spectacular. I agree w/ cutie LOL But read the rules of the road in the manual for driving you can get at any local dmv (motor vehicle office, drivers license office) for free. Most states require you to stay off the side walk, and obey the rules of the road, as a few drivers do, sometimes, hopefully an to the ol guy, I got Mr Remington for pisces of dog do like you |
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