We knew the rules of the road and quite frankly respected them. The alternative was getting hit by a ticked off driver.
These two jackasses decided they not only owned the road, when they turned right onto Bi State Blvd. the shoulder becomes extremely wide and wouldn't you know it, rather than moving over one of them rode the white line of the road and completely stopped traffic until the vehicles coming in the opposite direction cleared so we could safely pass them.
As many of you know, I ride motorcycles and we regularly ride in the same lane while riding in groups. There's plenty of room, just like there is on that road for bicyclists.
Fortunately I'm one of those drivers that's not in a hurry to get anywhere. However, not everyone is like me.
32 comments:
Ride there tire.
I was on the road when SU had their bike weekend. I was stopped at a traffic light waiting for the red light to change. I had numerous bike riders pass me and go through the red light. This is BS and no one ever stops them for the violation.
What they are doing is illegal. They are to ride single file at the right shoulder. Motorcycles and bicycles are prohibited from riding two abreast or "side by side." I think we learned that in third grade. The problem is nobody seems to have any respect and common courtesy anymore. It is all about me, me, me.
Learn the use of homophones.
Big deal. It's not like you stupid eastern shore hicks that have any place to get to in a hurry.
They need to pay a registration fee just like motor vehicles need to. And while we're at it, insurance as well. Many bicyclists have been at fault in collisions but have no insurance.
Just wait until it is safe to pass and give them a good dose of diesel smoke.
Md. Code, Transportation § 21-1205 allows cyclists to ride two abreast if the traffic flow is not impeded. The photo shows traffic is stopped at the signal and is not being impeded by the cyclists. Riding two abreast is legal in these circumstances.
10:42
How do you know the number of vehicles behind the photographer?
10:42, you need to read the entire Post.
I went on to say they turned onto Bi State Blvd. where the side shoulder is just about as wide as a regular driving lane.
They were both riding "side by side" while one of them was riding the white line of the driving lane and would not move over, even though there was plenty of room.
I guess what bothers me the most is the idea that I rode some 30 years ago on a regular basis and we would never be so rude. Today's attitudes are, WE OWN THE ROAD and THAT can get someone killed.
I published this not to necessarily attack these bicyclists but to reach out to ALL of them and ask that they please follow the rules of the road before, (God Forbid) someone gets hurt.
And I thought Sarah Bynum-King owned all the roads in Delmar....hmmmm.
10:42 a.m. - Listen DH, If you are going to quote the law, cite the entire law, not just enough to make your point. Read...2010 Maryland Code
TRANSPORTATION
TITLE 21 - VEHICLE LAWS - RULES OF THE ROAD
Subtitle 12 - Operation of Bicycles and Play Vehicles
Section 21-1205 - Riding on roadways or on highway.
§ 21-1205. Riding on roadways or on highway.
(a) Riding to right side of roadway.- Each person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter at a speed less than the speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing on a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and safe, except when:
(1) Making or attempting to make a left turn;
(2) Operating on a one-way street;
(3) Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle;
(4) Avoiding pedestrians or road hazards;
(5) The right lane is a right turn only lane; or
(6) Operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motor scooter and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(b) Riding two abreast.- Each person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter on a roadway may ride two abreast only if the flow of traffic is unimpeded.
(c) Passing.- Each person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter on a roadway shall exercise due care when passing a vehicle.
(d) Walking bicycles on right side of highway.- Each person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter on a roadway may walk the bicycle or motor scooter on the right side of a highway if there is no sidewalk.
I never have any problems with bicycle riders.
As I get close to them I simply blow the horn of my car.
Only a few of them have wrecked their bikes as a result. Most of them jump crazily and look around then move over for me.
I think they appreciate my horn blowing as a warning that my car is bigger then their bike and may damage their property if they don't get out of my way.
Try it some time. I assure you they get over right away every time.
For motorcycles, Riding Two Abreast/Side by Side in Single Lane: Permitted.
Those bikes in Joe's picture can be stopped side by side at the light. Most would do that to talk. No problem. What Joe was trying to say was AFTER they turned right, they should have moved over and went single file, UNLESS the shoulder is wide enough to safely ride side by side and not impede traffic flow.
It really is not that difficult to understand or IMPLEMENT. ( bikers ).
A little common sense could go a long way. And if cyclists like those in this picture and others like them, do not think that someone would INTENTIONALLY hit them for riding in such a manner, they are in for a world of hurt one day.
And if they do not care about their own health enough to ride sensibly, neither will others approaching from the rear. You will get what you are asking for sooner or later.
As I get close to them I simply blow the horn of my car.
Only a few of them have wrecked their bikes as a result. Most of them jump crazily and look around then move over for me.
I think they appreciate my horn blowing as a warning that my car is bigger then their bike and may damage their property if they don't get out of my way.
Try it some time. I assure you they get over right away every time.
October 6, 2014 at 1:22 PM
It would be better if you tap your horn some distance behind them as you are approaching. They won't jump into the lane of travel or fall down.
Unless of course, that is your intent.
The exact reason I carry old 7 layer burritos from taco bell in my truck. They don't come out, and ruin their girl tights.
As this picture indicates, the cyclists are approaching a red light in traffic, just as a vehicle would/should do. They appear to be occupying the entire lane because a full size Chevy pickup cannot safely pass within the confines of that single traffic lane. A cyclist requires about a 4 foot 'wobble lane' to ride safely. Motorists are required to allow 3 feet of space between them when passing. That is SEVEN feet of the lane. That doesn't even leave room for a Prius. In this case, it appears reasonable and prudent that they 'took the lane.' As John Forrester stated in his definitive text, "Cyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles."
(continued...) As for their behavior at the turn, the shoulder on that particular portion of roadway is often littered with glass, gravel, and other road hazards that are deposited there over time. The aforementioned 'wobble lane' begins at the left-most edge of nearest hazards.
I even took the time to look up the law on motorcycles riding side by side.
Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane
Yes. § 21-1303 - Operating on laned roadways Motorcycles not to be driven more than two abreast.- Motorcycles may not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.
Unfortunately, we are not permitted to split lanes like motorcycles are allowed to do in California. ( Even though I have been know to do it when faced with two road hogs riding side by side and not allowing anyone to pass )
Anonymous Anonymous said...
(continued...) As for their behavior at the turn, the shoulder on that particular portion of roadway is often littered with glass, gravel, and other road hazards that are deposited there over time. The aforementioned 'wobble lane' begins at the left-most edge of nearest hazards.
October 6, 2014 at 1:55 PM
Without bringing out a sliding ruler or calculator, I think most REASONABLE people understand the gist of Joe's statements. Those that do not, might just get run over.
In any case, Unknown..., you would not be relieved of your duty to pass safely, lest ye be charged with manslaughter by vehicle.
The cyclists love it when you roll coal!
Anonymous Anonymous said...
In any case, Unknown..., you would not be relieved of your duty to pass safely, lest ye be charged with manslaughter by vehicle.
October 6, 2014 at 2:13 PM
Oh absolutely. I figured everyone knew that would be a given. But I have yet to see any law that would stop anyone from doing whatever it is that they would choose to do. And I doubt anyone would stop and identify themselves if they were to run over a cyclist intentionally.
But yeah, not saying it would be right, just that it could happen. So why would anyone who cared about themselves do things to encourage someone to hit them?
Can't speak for individuals riding but the local bicycle teams do ride in single file on the right edge and still people blow the horn and come close as they can.There is a 3 feet law for bicycles.
There is a 3 feet law for bicycles.
October 6, 2014 at 6:13 PM
I try to give them as much room as I can safely do. I didn't know, or have forgotten about any 3 foot rule. ( old age I guess )
But there are some roads bicycles should not even be on because of small or no shoulders. Like Snow Hill Rd. for instance. You take your life in your hand riding a bicycle on that narrow road.
Why don't you call the police?
The ultimate goal is to make sure everyone is happy and safe on the public road ways ...this does nothing to help anyone , helmets were on and they were riding in the correct direction of traffic which most of your beginners don't do 1.) the picture was taken way before the white line incident so either the author was un aware of the two abreast situation which was a legal maneuver or was taking a photo and waiting for something to pick about ... 2.) it's hard to throw stones in glass houses , you are operating an electronic device ( taking a picture with phone or camera) while operating a motorized vehicle, just another cyclist vs motorist rant ... Both sides just have to do the right thing ...
you are operating an electronic device ( taking a picture with phone or camera) while operating a motorized vehicle, just another cyclist vs motorist rant ... Both sides just have to do the right thing ...
October 6, 2014 at 9:30 PM
How do you know he doesn't have a dash cam? Also, it seems to me YOU are trying to find something to pick apart as most of the points you mentioned have already been discussed and you attempt to interject a new one about the taking of the picture.
Have a nice night.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Why don't you call the police?
October 6, 2014 at 8:24 PM
What should he call them?
Here, they don't use bike paths, they use sidewalks(can't bllam them) & the ones on the street go the wrong way, in the lanes against the traffic. They have bike lanes on both sides. I thot bikes were subject to the same rules of the road as cars.
I thot bikes were subject to the same rules of the road as cars.
October 7, 2014 at 8:21 AM
They are. But just as some vehicle drivers do not know the rules of the road, that same can be said about cyclists. And pedestrians. And cops. And farmin.
My sense is that cars running into other cars have caused the world more delays, grief, injuries, and deaths than bikes hugging the white line.
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