Perils of the Bike Lane
Last week on one of my weekly training rides, a six-hour trail loop from my house to the top of Ski Santa Fe and back on just about every trail and forest road in the near vicinity of town, I realized—with great regret—that fall is upon us. I usually arrive home well before sunset, but on the homestretch it was flat out dark and I'd brought no lights. In an effort to make myself visible, I rode a few feet out in traffic so cars behind me could better see my white jersey. I nearly made it home without incident, but then some guy in a pick-up blared his horn at me, pulled up at my side, and yelled, "Bikes belong in bike lanes, a**h***!" He tore off in a roar of diesel fumes before I could think of a snappy retort.
I never understand why bikes elicit so much ire: Is it really such an inconvenience to swing a bit wide and carry on? But don't get me going. In this case, too, I'll admit I was at fault for not having brought my lights—it was an honest oversight. But frankly, bike lanes aren't the idyllic havens they're made out to be. Often they're a gauntlet of gravel, detritus from auto accidents, beer cans and cups, and illegally parked cars. Once, I even almost ran over a pedestrian who decided the bike lane was a great place to sit down and relax. I wish every motorist could try driving on roads with potholes and obstacles wider than their wheels (much less people lounging) before they started screaming at bikers.
In my frustration, I found the following video, which perfectly sums things up. Cylists, be safe out there! And drivers, give us a break.
--Aaron Gulley
www.aarongulley.com
Comments
It is not illegal to ride out of the bike lane. A bicyclist has the right to ride on the road. This video sums it up great with all detritus in the bike lane. Most of the time drivers do not see the stuff you need to avoid, like broken glass from drivers throwing their beer bottles out the window of their cats. In July, I was in the bike lane and got hit by a driver who saw parking at the last second in Capitol, Ca. and made a last second turn across the bike lane. Now I ride in the road so I won't get hit again.
Flag ThisBottom line -- most Americans don't want bikes around at all. Motorists don't want them on the roads and pedestrians don't want them on the sidewalks. Bikes are considered to be something that kids ride until they can get a driver's license. Live in the USA and want to ride a bike? Get a thick skin or move to Europe.
Flag ThisI'd be careful making the assumption that bike traffic laws make sense. I'm pretty sure in my area of Northern Virginia it actually IS illegal to ride out of the bike lane if one is available. Make sure to check the local laws when you ride in new places. Most of the time you can find a cycling club in the area with a summary of pertinent laws on its website.
Flag ThisSorry, but I had to file this under "D'uh". No matter what accommodation is made and no matter what the laws and codes say, a cyclist versus a vehicle is a losing proposition for the cyclist. There are obstacles on single-track, unpaved roads, paved roads, bike lanes and bike paths. Expect it. Have fun, but ... let's be careful out there.
Flag ThisSorry, but I had to file this under "D'uh". No matter what accommodation is made and no matter what the laws and codes say, a cyclist versus a vehicle is a losing proposition for the cyclist. There are obstacles on single-track, unpaved roads, paved roads, bike lanes and bike paths. Expect it. Have fun, but ... let's be careful out there.
Flag ThisIt would have been nice to see the cyclist wearing a helmet in your video. I would have more respect and sympathy with his plight. But thank you for the future liver (and hopefully: kidneys). It is disappointing the treacheries of riding a bike on the road. Have you ever noticed that the bigger the car, the bigger the driver and the more likely they will try to run your ass over?
Flag ThisIt would have been nice to see the cyclist wearing a helmet in your video. I would have more respect and sympathy with his plight. But thank you for the future liver (and hopefully: kidneys). It is disappointing the treacheries of riding a bike on the road. Have you ever noticed that the bigger the car, the bigger the driver and the more likely they will try to run your ass over?
Flag ThisIt would have been nice to see the cyclist wearing a helmet in your video. I would have more respect and sympathy with his plight. But thank you for the future liver (and hopefully: kidneys). It is disappointing the treacheries of riding a bike on the road. Have you ever noticed that the bigger the car, the bigger the driver and the more likely they will try to run your ass over?
Flag ThisIt would have been nice to see the cyclist wearing a helmet in your video. I would have more respect and sympathy with his plight. But thank you for the future liver (and hopefully: kidneys). It is disappointing the treacheries of riding a bike on the road. Have you ever noticed that the bigger the car, the bigger the driver and the more likely they will try to run your ass over?
Flag ThisIn this case, too, Louis DanielI'll admit I was at fault for not having brought my lights—it was an honest oversight. But frankly,louis vuitton Menilmontant bike lanes aren't the idyllic havens they're made out to be.louis vuitton Menilmontant
Flag ThisIn this case, too, Louis DanielI'll admit I was at fault for not having brought my lights—it was an honest oversight. But frankly,louis vuitton Menilmontant bike lanes aren't the idyllic havens they're made out to be.louis vuitton Menilmontant
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