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A_Jive_Soul_Bro's Blog

by A_Jive_Soul_Bro from Hales Cornors

Last Post 90 days, 5 hours Ago


Bicycles on the road
Oct 3, 2008 | 11:23 AM
Category: News
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I recently viewed an investigative story by Bryan Polcyn in regards to "bicycle rights" on the road and how many drivers are not "careful enough" when driving beside them. It was an informative story and cited actual statutes providing support that bicyclists do have a "right" to be on the road. At least according to state law.

 

Despite the laws and statutes, I question the obstruction which these bicyclists are causing. I think many of these people are not using common sense. I often see them driving in the middle of the lane and forcing traffic to slow on a highway which allows drivers to drive 50+ mph. Then drivers try to drive around them, and are in turn taking their lives in their hands by increasing the chance of going head-on with a car heading in the opposite direction. And I'll tell you right now, that if it comes down to me going head-on with a car or running over the bicyclist, I'm doing the latter.

 

With all of the parks and bike trails available, I don't see the need for a bicyclist to be out on the street with cars. I think bicyclists should be arrested for obstructing traffic.

 

-ajsb

8 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 8
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desertwindrider read my blog view my photos
Oct 3, 2008 | 11:44 AM

Neither bicyclists nor vehicle drivers have common sense. Neither is watching out for the other and that is why we have so many accidents. Yes, bicyclists have the right to use the roadways the same as anyone who drives a vehicle; however, insisting on your rights is a good way to get hurt or killed.

The simple facts are: Bicycles move slower than other vehicles. If you are riding a bicycle, watch out for yourself because no one else is going to; stay out of the way. It is much more difficult to see a bicyclist than any other vehicle - so if you rid a bicycle, keep this in mind. Use reflective tape or clothing on yourself and your bike.

If you drive a vehicle, be prepared for the unexpected. It is NOT nice to run over a bicycle. In many cases, you may be cited for inattentive driving at the least. Use your brain - and your eyes. Get off the cell phone. Pay attention to the road and pay attention to the other drivers - whatever they happen to be driving.
ColbyDog read my blog view my photos
Oct 3, 2008 | 5:22 PM

hold on jive soul.. how hard is it for you to lift your foot from gas to break? As gas and economic conditions force more and more people onto bicycles, you better get used to your driving privilege.

true some people abuse their bicycling privileges ... but how many crazy drivers are out there? how many drivers are unaware of how hazardous they are towards bikes...

can't we just get along?
duarschloch read my blog
Oct 4, 2008 | 11:57 AM

I used to bike Hwy 59, and I had about 6 inches on either side of the white line. It was a white-knuckle ride to say the least. Anything outside the white line saftey zone and yer road pizza. Maybe DOT should think about adding another foot of blacktop outside the white line. At least it would improve a byciclists chance of making it to their destination alive.
I never cared about the cars because I KNEW they didn't care about me (the byciclist), I watched out for myself, and if that meant going in the ditch, well so be it.
Bryan_Polcyn read my blog view my photos
Oct 4, 2008 | 2:15 PM

Thanks for the post, Jive.

My story did focus on the cyclists' right to be on the road, primarily because the rider we profiled (FOX 6 Photojournalist Jeff Frings) has been making that very point with local police for the past 2 years. His "mission" to educate police - and other drivers - of that right is newsworthy enough. But his use of video cameras to make the point is virtually unprecedented.

That said, there is a strong argument to be made for cyclists' responsibility to follow the traffic laws if they want the respect of other drivers. The same book of statutes that gives cyclists a right to be on the road, also requires them to follow traffic signs and signals.

I've heard over and over again from drivers who say they're infuriated by bikers who blow through stop signs and red lights... only to later insist they be treated like cars.

There are good points from both sides here. The bottom line is, drivers and riders need to learn to get along before more people die.
aaro-nf read my blog view my photos
Oct 5, 2008 | 8:51 PM

great job on the posting of this blog and thanks for the informative post.
Katbird read my blog view my photos
Oct 6, 2008 | 10:00 AM

I just wish the cyclists would not use small county highways. They can be hilly and not very wide. Making it hard to see a cyclist when going up the hill and they are on the other side in the driving lane. There are so many nice side roads and bike paths. Why endanger yourself? You know we have many elderly drivers, drunk drivers and people who just don't pay attention. Think of your safety and don't rely on all drivers to be courteous. That's just taking your life into your own hands.
vb71 read my blog
Oct 7, 2008 | 9:23 AM

I don't mind people that ride their bikes and I understand that if there is not a bike trail then fine cyclist and people in vehicles need to watch out for each other. What I get upset about is where I drive you can see the bike trail from your car, I drive next to the bike trail but yet I have the cyclist when I pass them flip me off because I am passing them at a fair distant from them but yet when I yell "use the bike path" they get upset. My thing is if there is a bike path close enough use it!!!!!
F0x6Fan read my blog view my photos
Oct 13, 2008 | 7:52 PM

You might as well get used to seeing a black man in the highest office in the land because...Obama will be our next President. Mark my words. I'm Psychic. lol....it's inevitable...and on Nov 5th........i will call in sick from work & run shouting-and-partying in the streets ALL NIGHT LONG!

"Release your FEARS Luke."
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A_Jive_Soul_Bro

I am a secular athiest, residing in Milwaukee hoping to see more diversity within this city. I am frusterated with our country's domestic and foreign policies and ashamed to be an American. I enjoy blogging because it gives me a chance to voice for those who are poor and less fortunate than the supposed affluent in this city.

Member Since: 1/28/2007


 

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