Archive for Sunday, July 6, 2008
Motorists, cyclists share responsibility
Randy Breeden, a 17-year bicyclist who racks up about 7,000 miles a year, has had many close calls on the road. He outlines some safety measures motorists should follow when approaching bicyclists.
July 6, 2008
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Motorists, cyclists share responsibility
The recent death of sheriff's lieutenant David Dillon was a traffic reminder for bicyclists and motorists to share the road. As weather warms and gas prices rise, drivers should expect to see more cyclists. Enlarge video
Members of the Lawrence Bicycle Club head east in formation on North 1400 Road during their weekly ride on Wednesday. With higher gas prices and warmer weather, motorists should expect to see more cyclists on the road, and both groups need to follow the rules of the road to ensure safety.
Bicycle Safety
For Randy Breeden, bicycling isn’t always a relaxing spin. Drivers have cursed him, buzzed by him and honked at him.
Breeden, a 17-year bicyclist who racks up about 7,000 miles a year, has had many close calls. Some have been so close that they have raised the hairs on his arms.
“It is just like your life is being threatened,” Breeden said. “A motor vehicle has so much power over you, and you are out there on your bike with no protection.”
Last week, Douglas County Sheriff’s Lt. David Dillon was killed when a motorist struck him while he was bicycling along North 1400 Road, just west of Eudora. While many in the cycling community were shocked by Dillon’s tragic death, it also served as a reminder to both motorists and cyclists to share the road and be more cautious.
Last year, vehicle accidents resulted in two bicyclists’ deaths in Kansas and 280 injuries. In 2006, the state reported six deaths, which contributed to the 773 such deaths nationwide.
With more traffic on country roads, bigger vehicles and drivers with more aggression, Breeden, who is an officer in the Lawrence Bicycle Club, said the sport of cycling “isn’t getting any safer.”
The two modes of transportation could be coming into contact with increasing frequency, said Becky Pepper, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for the Kansas Department of Transportation.
“I think it is important for bicyclists to remember that, when they are riding, to follow the rules of road and for motorists to remember that there could be an increase of cyclists on the road with warmer weather and gas prices increasing,” she said.
Sharing the road
The conflict between drivers and cyclists is a long-standing one. The first car accident was reported to have occurred when a driver hit a bicyclist in 1896. Letters to the Lawrence Journal-World from one side of the road or the other are proof enough that animosity sometimes exists.
Drivers complain that cyclists don’t follow the rules and take up too much space. Bicyclists say they have as much right to the road as anyone and drivers pass far too closely.
In 2006, Pete Anderson wrote a letter to the editor after he witnessed one bicyclist repeatedly blow through stop signs while riding down Louisiana Street. Two years later, he continues to see cyclists who break the law. He also is frustrated when he follows bicyclists who are bunched up on country roads.
“What worries me, you got a deep ditch on both sides of the road. And, if you try to get around someone, you either stay on their side or meet oncoming traffic,” Anderson said.
What’s on the books
By state law, bicyclists have the same rights to roads as motorists do. With the exception of interstate highways, they can be on any state or local roadway.
They also have to follow the same laws such as coming to a complete stop at stop signs and signaling if they are going to turn. If they don’t, they can be ticketed.
State statute says that cyclists should stay as “near to the right of the road as practicable.” That language gives cyclists the leeway to keep a safe distance from the curb so they can still maneuver around debris, potholes and opening car doors, Pepper said. Often that means riding about two feet away from the curb.
Every state in the country allows bicyclists to ride two abreast. And Eric Struckhoff, chairman of the Lawrence-Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee, said there is good reason to do so.
Riding two across makes bicyclists more visible to drivers and allows them to communicate without taking their eyes off the road.
“It’s a safety issue as well as a social issue,” Struckhoff said.
The city of Lawrence has an ordinance regulating bicyclists to single-file riding, and some patches of road are designated as such.
As for vehicle drivers, the Kansas Driving Handbook says that motorists should pass at least four feet to the left of bicyclists.
That means most of the time, drivers should make sure the opposite lane is clear so they have the room they need, Breeden said.
“Let off the gas. Just that split second isn’t going to make you any later,” he said. “Wait until it is safe to pass. Don’t get mad, just take a deep breath. We are not going to impede motorists hardly at all.”
6 July 2008 at 4:51 a.m.
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offtotheright (Anonymous) says…
Roads are built for vehicles!
6 July 2008 at 6:27 a.m.
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Xwards (Anonymous) says…
….and bikes are vehicles too!
6 July 2008 at 6:38 a.m.
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labmonkey (Anonymous) says…
If there is a wide shoulder, cyclists out of common sense should ride on it….not block traffic. It's not like the laws of physics are on their side (300 lbs @ 10-20 mph vs. 4000 lbs at any speed). If there is no shoulder, cyclists should perhaps consider a different route. With roads like the one between Lawrence and Eudora, an accident is bound to happen and guess who loses everytime in a cycle/car accident.
6 July 2008 at 6:39 a.m.
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BigPrune (Anonymous) says…
Not to be a killjoy, but why don't these people ride the SLT bike path? It cost millions to build and was specifically built for bike riders.
6 July 2008 at 6:42 a.m.
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Xwards (Anonymous) says…
Labmonkey….what route from Lawrence to Eudora would you suggest?
6 July 2008 at 6:49 a.m.
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thatsmyname (Anonymous) says…
Cyclists do not always ride the SLT bike path because it does not go where they want to go.
When I road ride i choose the route with the least amount of traffic but that does not mean that I won't have to deal with some.
Common courtesy and understanding between both parties is all I ask for. If I display responsibility in my riding I hope it will be returned.
6 July 2008 at 6:53 a.m.
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Informed (Anonymous) says…
BigPrune, the path you are referring to is not a “bike path”. It is a multi-use recreational path. That means it is for many purposes: walkers, dog walkers, roller bladers, baby strollers, biking, etc. It's also not very long. Starting at the movie theaters and taking it all the way to the end, near the Lecompton interchange is a bit less than 10 miles. Out and back, that comes out to less than 20 miles. Many of us ride much longer than that when we're out there.
6 July 2008 at 7:23 a.m.
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Bowhunter99 (Anonymous) says…
Any bike that goes on a highway/public road should be required to have a license plate and be inspected like any other vehicle.
There should be some special driver license for people that wish to ride long distances and on a regular basis…. I've seen 'veterans' riding around and then your 'Hey, it's nice out.. let's ride to lone star lake on my mountain bike' morons that are huffing/puffing/zig-zagging and clearly have no understanding of the rules they must be following.
6 July 2008 at 7:35 a.m.
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peach_plum_pear (Anonymous) says…
Roads are built for getting from one place to another safely!
I use my bike for transportation in town, and I can tell you that I've had many an impatient driver give me a scare by passing within six inches of me on Kentucky or Tennessee streets. I try to ride on the sidewalk if I can, but oftentimes people park their cars or set their trash cans out directly on the sidewalk. I love it when I can use bike lanes, such as the one 19th.
Please, drivers and cyclists, put safety first. I know that getting stuck behind and bike can frustrate drivers in a hurry, but all i am is someone trying to get where i need to go in an affordable, clean and timely manner. I'm not trying to slow you down or otherwise inconvenience anyone. Everyone please be a little more patient and alert.
6 July 2008 at 7:48 a.m.
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skinny (Anonymous) says…
I have seen bicyclist ride down the middle of the right traffic lane of Clinton Parkway when right next to them is a 8 foot wide bicycle path the city of Lawrence spent 1.8 million on.
Go figure!
The next time the city wants to spend that much monry on a bike path I will vote no!
6 July 2008 at 7:58 a.m.
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Lonestar1 (Anonymous) says…
Team Spandex has as much respect for the average “nice day” bicycler as they do for cars. You block THEIR path and RIGHT to the road.
I recall one day when I was accosted by a pack of rabid cyclists, while I was out riding my horse. They yelled that I had no right to be out riding, in MY neighborhood! Team Spandex are the intruders into my world!
I some times wonder if the attitude of the serious cyclists, doing what ever they want on the road, is fostered by the bike club. I don't know what they are trying to prove, but when they ride in a pack, they are much less willing to “share the road” than they are when it's only two or three bikes at a time. And not nearly as friendly.
If there are no other cars on the road, I am still expected to STOP at the stop sign, not just blow on through. I can see just as well as a bicycle, but you can bet the Sheriff would remind me of that stop sign, even if nothing else was on the road.
I think it may be time for the authorities to issue a few citations, equally to bikes and cars, that richly need to be reminded of the “rules of the road”.
6 July 2008 at 8:21 a.m.
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b3 (Anonymous) says…
Roads are designed for cars not all of the lance want-a-bes around here. Stay off the roads loser bike riders.
6 July 2008 at 9:04 a.m.
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texburgh (Anonymous) says…
To the anti-bike folks posting here - your paved roads were developed not for cars but for bicycles. The Good Roads Movement which led to paving was created by bicyclists who formed the League of American Wheelmen (now the League of American Bicyclists) in the late 1800's. Auto riders owe a debt of gratitude to bicyclists. You'd be driving only on dirt if not for bicycles.
Here's a bit of the history:
The Good Roads Movement was founded in May 1880, when bicycle enthusiasts, riding clubs and manufacturers met in Newport, Rhode Island to form the League of American Wheelmen to support the burgeoning use of bicycles and to protect their interests from legislative discrimination. The League quickly went national and in 1891 began publishing Good Roads Magazine. In three years circulation reached a million. Early movement advocates enlisted the help of journalists, farmers, politicians and engineers in the project of improving the nation's roadways, but the movement took off when it was adopted by bicyclists.
Groups across the country held road conventions and public demonstrations, published material on the benefits of good roads and endeavoured to influence legislators on local, state and national levels. Good road advocates involved themselves in local politics. Support for candidates often became crucial factors in elections. Not only advocating road improvements for bicyclists, the League pressed the idea to farmers and rural communities, publishing literature such as the famous pamphlet, “The Gospel of Good Roads.”
6 July 2008 at 9:14 a.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
“I have seen bicyclist ride down the middle of the right traffic lane of Clinton Parkway when right next to them is a 8 foot wide bicycle path the city of Lawrence spent 1.8 million on.”
Given the poor condition of those paths, all the pedestrians walking their dogs, curb cuts at intersections (which cars turn into in front of cyclists) and the numerous broken bottles thrown there by motorists, it's understandable that cyclists avoid that bit of ghettoization.
6 July 2008 at 9:36 a.m.
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HighScore (Anonymous) says…
“it is understandable that cyclists avoid that bit of ghettoization”
I run those paths along Clinton Parkway everyday. There is nothing “ghetto” about those 8' wide sidewalks. Those sidewalks and the SLT paths are some of the best maintained sections of paved walkway in Lawrence. I noticed some firework remnents in a couple sections on the SLT paths yesterday, but I doubt you will see them after this weekend.
6 July 2008 at 9:36 a.m.
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madmike (Anonymous) says…
I live less that three miles from my office, and would like to ride by bike, but I have seen how “Team Spandex” has annoyed drivers in my neighborhood, so it would be dangerous for me to get on the roads here. I take my bike, via my truck, to bicycle paths instead.
6 July 2008 at 9:39 a.m.
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hilary (Anonymous) says…
Guys, just read the article. Bikers as well as motorists need to become more aware of one another. Bikers need lights at night. It's illegal not to have them when riding at night, so get them, already! Motorists, bikers ride on the street, and not just for a leisure activity. Just what the video states, more and more of us are riding our bikes for transportation in the city, now, and don't expect us to ride on the sidewalks.
Bikers need to signal, actually STOP at a STOP sign, or light. Drivers need not honk, or pass just inches away from a cyclist.
Stop arguing, and start following the rules, and avoiding tragic accidents.
6 July 2008 at 9:41 a.m.
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Informed (Anonymous) says…
Hey, skinny, when you're driving on Clinton Parkway, have you happened to notice the “share the road” signs?They are out there.
When I ride on Clinton Parkway, I, too, use between 1/3 and 1/2 of the lane for a couple of reasons:
1> The adjacent multi-purpose recreational path is in generally poor condition from Kasold all the way west to Clinton Lake (both sides of the path), as mentioned by bozo.
2> The abundance of pedestrians, curb cuts, and glass, again as mentioned by bozo.
3> When I use 1/3 — 1/2 of the right hand lane, it 'encourages' motorized vehicles to pass me by taking the entire left hand lane, thereby giving me the 3 feet of clearance required by state law (ours and most others).
4> It's safer!!
Unfortunately, most of us in America have that sense of entitlement that “it's all about me and my wants or needs”, and we are in such a hurry that we are unwilling to be inconvenienced for the 5-10 extra seconds it would take to slow down and wait for an appropriate time to safely pass a cyclist.
Share the road. ~~ Not just a good idea; it's the law.
6 July 2008 at 9:42 a.m.
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HighScore (Anonymous) says…
“Team Spandex”, that just cracks me up. I think it is funny to see all these Armstrong wanna-be's in full spandex gear. The worst are those 250+ pounders that insist on wearing a full spandex outfit.
Are you really going to go that much faster if you look like some alien space traveler? I am sure that these outfits deflect the wind and make you slightly more aerodynamic, but seriously, how many of you are breaking records or are in a serious competition that requires you shed a few seconds off your route? You people look rediculous.
6 July 2008 at 9:42 a.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
“Every state in the country allows bicyclists to ride two abreast. And Eric Struckhoff, chairman of the Lawrence-Douglas County Bicycle Advisory Committee, said there is good reason to do so.”
A City of Lawrence ordinance requires single file riding. so everywhere BUT Lawrence feel free to ride two abreast. As for those “roads designated as such” they are meant to use bicyclist bodies as moving traffic calming devices. Merrill painted those there not for bicycle safety but to slow motorist down. Is it any surprise the majority of my close calls have happened in the patches “designated as such” with drivers in a hurry who were not calmed by a panted line and were more worried about crossing the centerline and hitting oncoming traffic than hitting some guy on a bicycle?
6 July 2008 at 9:43 a.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
“Those sidewalks and the SLT paths are some of the best maintained sections of paved walkway in Lawrence.”
Perhaps the condition of the paths has improved in the last few years since I was last out there. I quit riding out there because they had deteriorated so badly in many spots, especially west of Wakarusa.
I have found the SLT path better than the Clinton Parkway path, largely because it's separated somewhat from the highway— further from bottles being thrown, and you're less likely to be cut off by turning cars.
6 July 2008 at 9:48 a.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
I've never really gone much for spandex, highscore, but it's used mostly because it's appropriate for the activity. Loose shorts can cause chafing, especially on rides of more than 10 miles or so. Little running shorts can look kind of silly, too, but would you recommend to a distance runner that they wear blue jeans?
6 July 2008 at 9:53 a.m.
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yankeelady (Anonymous) says…
As a long time resident of rural Douglas county I am well aware of the problems with the bikes. I don't think anyone who lives in the county, especially on the flatter roads realized they were living on a bike path.The feeling that we get is that we have no right to be on the road when the bike club is out. On weekends during nice weather there are times when it is almost impossible to get past all the bikes. they ride 5-6 abreast and take up an entire lane. If visibility is limited, inevitably someone further back in the line of cars gets impatient and tries to pass several cars and about 20 bikes.
The most frightening thing I have seen recently was the couple on a low slung bicycle for 2. They were seated very low to the ground . The problem was I approached from behind, around a curve next to a field of corn. Thankfully there was no oncoming traffic or I would have had no where to go and no time to stop. And yes, I go slowly in those areas this time of year, between the bikes and the wildlife it can be tricky.
I almost hated to see this article, it always seems after a discussion of the problems, the spandex types get even more militant.
6 July 2008 at 9:56 a.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
“If visibility is limited, inevitably someone further back in the line of cars gets impatient and tries to pass several cars and about 20 bikes. ”
In which case, the bikers are a cause of annoyance, and the car driver would be the cause of any accident.
6 July 2008 at 10 a.m.
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Baille (Anonymous) says…
The sad part is that Team Spandex is going to end up paying for Team Back Fat's medical bills for those Golden Years filled with heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke-induced dementia. Yuck it up, High Score.
I would think you might want to consider a deal instead where Team Spandex would agree not to make fun of your muffin tops, back fat, and dunlap if you agreed not to call their functional riding attire “rediculous.”
6 July 2008 at 10:06 a.m.
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Dan Alexander (Dan Alexander) says…
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
6 July 2008 at 10:15 a.m.
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Baille (Anonymous) says…
Good question, Dan. I don't know who he is, but you might check with lawrence.com to see if Lawrence has a Small Phalli support group meeting. Might be able to pick up a lead there.
6 July 2008 at 10:31 a.m.
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kuwxlady (Anonymous) says…
All cyclists need to obey traffic laws, that's a no brainer. I ride my bike whenever I can, and I signal, and get to the right as much as I can, stop at traffic stops. In Wisconsin, a lot of roads have a bike lane which is awesome! I've only seen one of these in Lawrence, and no where else in the whole state. And to the gas-guzzers that are complaining, not ALL cyclists don't obey the traffic laws! It bugs me too when I see someone on their bike and they don't obey the laws. But with gas prices the way they are, we're going to start seeing more and more people riding their bikes, so get used to it! Just get over and deal with it. Oh yeah, it's good exercise too…ain't no shame in that! Keep riding cyclists, but don't forget the rules of the road!!!!!
6 July 2008 at 10:49 a.m.
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madmike (Anonymous) says…
Dan, I'll give you my address, if you think you want to abuse yourself. Just make sure that your will is up to date. You are the typical, Aramini bike suit, bug helmet wearing pain in the butt that drives his BMW or Subaru, like he drives his bike…Like a bat out of hell. Arrogant, self-centered, “it's all about me” type!
6 July 2008 at 11 a.m.
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labmonkey (Anonymous) says…
Lets see….some cyclists on this thread want to avoid the bike trails because of slower pedestrians and dog-walkers while slowing traffic on the road….sounds a bit hypocritical to me.
Informed-
You are breaking the law by taking up 1/2 a lane by not staying as far right as safely possible and you will probably get hit someday. Remember, the laws of physics are against you.
Baille-
Just because I choose to not cycle on the road to avoid getting hit by something 20x's my mass, doesn't mean I don't run on a track or workout in the gym to stay in shape. We will probably be paying for the likes of you when you get hit by a car and have to be in rehabilitation for two years.
DanAlexander-
Way to talk tough on a LJworld thread, Putz.
6 July 2008 at 11:26 a.m.
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b3 (Anonymous) says…
Thats mighty tough talk Dan, coming from a person who wears spandex, thanks for the good laugh. Remember to ride safely and stick to the bike trails, whinney.
6 July 2008 at 11:32 a.m.
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commuter (Anonymous) says…
I haven't heard anything from Merrill yet. Merrill states that development doesn't pay for itself and wants impact fees. Do cyclists have to pay to register the bikes? Why not? Maybe they can help to pay for the bike lanes that cyclists want.
I try to share the road with cyclists but I have seen too many of them cycle worse than motorists. I stopped at 4th & Michigan and a cyclist was coming- he was about a tenth of a block away from the intersection and the intersection is a 4 way stop- and decided he owned the road and went straight through the 4 way stop. I had started to move forward but stopped and he yelled and cursed at me like he owned the road. Maybe I shouldn't have stopped and let Mr. spandex hit my car and get injured?
If he would have hit my car, would he have to pay for the damages? With what? Is the Bicycle insurance?
6 July 2008 at 11:41 a.m.
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kuwxlady (Anonymous) says…
Hey Commuter!
You bring up a good point! I believe in WI, you have to have a license plate on your bike. I remember when I moved back to KS I was surprised I didn't have to. I could be wrong. But I actually agree with you. Why not extend this to cyclists?? It makes sense to me! Motorcycles do, so why not bikes? I'd be more than happy to register and get a plate! And also to get insurance! People need to learn to work with the systems here so everyone can be safe, drivers and cyclists both!
6 July 2008 at 12:24 p.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
What is the point of registering bicycles? Just to make it a hassle to ride a bike? Bikes put zero wear and tear on the roads, and relatively incapable of causing much damage otherwise, so requiring a tag would be a pointless exercise that does nothing but add a layer of bureaucracy for no good purpose.
6 July 2008 at 12:37 p.m.
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1Patriot (Anonymous) says…
I’m all for bicycles to be required to have license plates and insurance. Think about, if you are in an accident involving someone on a bicycle, who’s insurance is going to pay? Is a bicycle considered an uninsured vehicle? Also I think we should have a minimum age for riding on the road. All bicyclist should be required to take a defensive riding class so they are made aware of the rules of the road and all the traffic laws they are required to be following.
I was driving home from work one day last week when a bicyclist went right through a stop sign that I was stopped at, and this is not the first time this has happened. I could see them riding up behind me, as they pulled up on the right side of my vehicle I was wondering if they were going to stop, they did not. There was a parked car on the side of the street and there could not have been 3 feet between my vehicle and the parked car. The bicyclist went between me and the parked car and through the stop sign like they owned the road. When it was “my turn” to proceed through the intersection I did, and when I came upon the same bicyclist a block or two later I had to come to almost a complete stop behind them before I went around them.
At the next stop sign I deliberately pulled as far to the right as I could hoping the bicyclist coming up behind me would stop “behind me” as required by law. I was way to hopeful as they passed me on the left and blew through the stop sign! As he passed me he yelled at me for hogging the road!
I especially love it on the weekends in downtown Lawrence. I don’t know how any of the business can afford to operate on a weekend. I took my family shopping downtown a weekend or so ago and could not find a parking spot anywhere. We parked in the parking garage behind the bank. I was very surprised when every store we went to was almost empty, I was assuming from all the parked cars the stores would be packed with shoppers. I finally asked the sales clerk where all the people were and she replied those were the “bikers.” People drive to downtown park their “cars” on Mass street, unload their bikes and ride around town! Nice! All the ecology mined people are spending gas to get them to a place where they can ride around and be “green” for a few hours!
6 July 2008 at 12:38 p.m.
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Gina Bailey-Carbaugh (Gina Bailey-Carbaugh) says…
All the close encounters that I have had with cyclists have been the cyclist's fault. There are many cyclist who follow the rules of the road, but I see many more who do not. The most common one I have seen is to ride the bike in a crosswalk against traffic. The cars with the right of way have to stop and wait for the moron to get out of the crosswalk. Crosswalks are for pedestrians, not cyclists. Cyclists have to follow the same rules as motor vehicles. They are not pedestrians and do not belong on sidewalks.
6 July 2008 at 12:41 p.m.
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fourkitties (Anonymous) says…
There was this time I was going to Z's coffee shop to write a paper. I am a biker too so I looked around making sure there weren't any. (it was about 9pm in may about 2 years ago) I was absolutely sure there weren't any pedestrians or bikers in my lane or oncoming and pulled into a parking spot. As I was pulling up my computer and papers to go in this screaming young lady comes up to my window knocks ferociously at it and says “you almost hit me.. you didn't see me!” I looked at her kind of cockeyed trying to figure out where in the world she would have come from…She was wearing a very dark jacket with black pants and a dark big purse. She kept screaming and ranting and raving that I'd almost hit her. I was so confused at where she had come from. Then I started to question in my mind why she was wearing such dark clothing at 9pm and expected me to see her. Even after I'd made sure no one was there. I just yelled back at her as loud as she was yelling and told her “your right, I didn't see you! Where did you come from?” Till this day I'm still confused as to where she came from… I have a theory that she was going south on New Hampshire ran the stop sign just as I was parking and thought for some reason she was in the right of way even though I was there 15 seconds before she even went through the stop sign. Every time I am on a county road and there is room I go to the other side of the road and pass. I give them 10 feet. Comfortable room. In town I'll do the same if its safe and I have no problems slowing down for other traffic to pass so that I can pass the biker. I am totally biker friendly. I don't know what was stuck up that bikers butt that yelled at me but I think her sitting on the seat made it much worse.
6 July 2008 at 12:41 p.m.
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Joe Hyde (Joe Hyde) says…
Anyone wanting to take up the sport/activity of long distance bike touring would do well to join the Lawrence Bike Club. From the members I've met over the years, the LBC is composed of mostly laid-back riders even though these same relaxed types will set out on some serious long-range trips. Biking Across Kansas being just one example.
LBC is definitely into using all the safety practices that allow a group of cyclists to travel our roads and highways without hogging the roadway. “Cluster riding” is something they just won't do unless they are rolling on a stretch of roadway that offers a long, clear view behind. Almost everybody has rear-view mirrors on their helmets; they look out for one another's safety.
What I'm saying is that LBC members will ride side-by-side to socialize, which all cyclists enjoy doing…but they instantly switch to the safer, single-file configuration anytime approaching traffic or road conditions call for using a safer group formation.
It seems around here the worst offenders for hogging the road are the KU racing team and the Topeka Bike Club. I've encountered these groups while driving through countryside with very steep hills (where you can't see what's on the other side of the hill?). Pop over the top and there they are, bunched up from fog line to centerline, sometimes even spreading across the centerline.
I'm constantly afraid that some day there'll be a multiple “Bowling For Dollars” type collision happen in Douglas County, where a vehicle pops over a hill, there's no time to react, and the driver plows into 20 cyclists who didn't have enough common sense to keep themselves on that right shoulder in single file when riding through countryside with sharp hills and tight curves.
6 July 2008 at 12:44 p.m.
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1Patriot (Anonymous) says…
The reason or point of why I would like to see bicyclists be required to have license plates is so that when they are caught breaking the law there will be a paper trail back to the owner of the bicycle as there is a paper trail back to the owner of an auto when they are caught breaking the law.
6 July 2008 at 12:47 p.m.
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powershopper (Anonymous) says…
Being a former cyclist myself I feel comfortable saying that most riders, particularly roadies, are some of the most arrogant, conceded a**holes to ever walk the earth. They typically do not abide by the laws, and double up on two lane country highways (mainly to be obnoxious). While laws may state that they have the same rights to roads as vehicles they should also know where they stand in the food-chain, at least as it relates to the road.
6 July 2008 at 1:02 p.m.
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Reality_Check (Anonymous) says…
Two problems:1.) Cyclists don't stick to the back roads/streets and instead ride on streets like Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mass., when there are less-traveled parallel streets one block away. 2.) Saying bikes should always ride in the shoulder area means you don't ride a bike, because those areas are full of rocks, sand, and glass…this is especially true in the spring before they get cleaned out.
6 July 2008 at 1:23 p.m.
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peach_plum_pear (Anonymous) says…
I bike on Tennessee because I LIVE on Tennessee. Cyclists have just as much right to use main roads in town as drivers.
skinny says “I have seen bicyclist ride down the middle of the right traffic lane of Clinton Parkway when right next to them is a 8 foot wide bicycle path the city of Lawrence spent 1.8 million on. ”
The problem with this attitude is that it ignores the people that rely on their bikes for transportation - of which there are plenty of in this town. When we need to make left turn on a multi-lane street, it necessitates riding in the middle of the lane for at least half a block.
6 July 2008 at 1:25 p.m.
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rosemw (Anonymous) says…
Bicylists need to obey the laws as well as motorists. I have seen several ride through the red lights, or even pull right out in front of you while entering the intersection… some don't even look when crossing the intersection.
6 July 2008 at 1:46 p.m.
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Baille (Anonymous) says…
Bikes on the road follow the same traffic laws - with a few exceptions as a mv. Bikes on the sidewalk follow the same traffic laws as pedestrians. If there is a bike path for the exclusive use of bikes (meaning a bike lane on the roadway in Lawrence) the the cyclist must ride in that path and follow mv traffic laws.
Of course, cars have to follow these rules, too. That means stopping AT the stop line or sign - not ten feet in front of it blocking the intersection; yielding to pedestrian walk signals (like for instance at the southbound Kansas river bridge); and not parking your mv across sidewalks.
Frankly, I hate seeing cyclists riding badly. They give a bad name to all of us who like to ride and give fodder to the uninformed neanderthals whose opinions are well-represented above. But I also hate having to drive with stupid motorists - rolling through stop signs, hurrying to beat a yellow they can clearly stop for, stopping in intersections, driving below the speed limit in the left lane, and on and on and on.
But I don't see what good any of this is doing. I mean if the goal here is to piss and moan about dumb, inconsiderate people or to share horror stories about dumb bikers and stupid drivers, we are doing very well. (Who has ever heard of an Armani bike suit? Why does labmonkey think that posts clearly addressed to someone else are somehow about her? Why don't people learn the difference between a multi-use path and a bike lane before posting? ) On the other hand, if the goal is to discuss ways in which to make sharing the road safer and more pleasant for everyone, we are doing a horrible job.
6 July 2008 at 1:56 p.m.
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Marion Lynn (Marion Lynn) says…
The headline of this article is misleading to a staggering degree.
Bicyclists do *NOT* share responsiblity or the road.
Because they are pedalling madly away and “feel” themselves to be “green” and “good” and “environmentally freindly”, believe they *OWN* the road and most of them act like it.
Fifty per cent of vehice/bicycle accidents are caused the the cyclists and they all operate under the myths that they are “bulletproof”; accident immune and that any of them who are injured or killed as the result of their own irresponsibility and neglect were actually injured or killed by the driver of the vehicle.
A cottage legal industry has grown up wich perpetuates this myth and if you doubt me, just google “bicycle injury lawyer”!
Bicyclists should be licenced, insured and required to take a test at the time of licencing, just like auto and truck drivers.
Bicycles should be equipped with rear view mirrors, headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals.
Not impossible, as a small genrator can run off the wheels just like we did when I was a kid except that with the improvements in batteries, bicycles can now be fitted with a lightweight battery and a solid-state voltage regulator to ensure proper battery charge.
Helmet use should be mandated, at least for children under 18 if it is not already so.
Reflective markers should be required on clothing for night riders.
These are common-sense safety requirements but I'm certain that the Oh!; So Green! cyclists will begin howling in only monents!
6 July 2008 at 1:58 p.m.
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Sigmund (Anonymous) says…
1Patriot (Anonymous) says… “I’m all for bicycles to be required to have license plates and insurance. Think about, if you are in an accident involving someone on a bicycle, who’s insurance is going to pay? Is a bicycle considered an uninsured vehicle? Also I think we should have a minimum age for riding on the road. All bicyclist should be required to take a defensive riding class so they are made aware of the rules of the road and all the traffic laws they are required to be following.”
All great points! No riding on the main streets unless you are 16 years or older, completed classes on defensive riding, pass a test on the rules of the road, registration and proof of liability insurance. If bicyclist wast equal access to the roads then they need to be equally responsible. Otherwise stick to the sidewalks, bike trails, and residential streets.
6 July 2008 at 2:01 p.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
It must be horrible to be physically incapable of riding a bike, Marion, and being so angry about that that you have to lash out in such a juvenile way.
6 July 2008 at 2:18 p.m.
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yankeelady (Anonymous) says…
Most of the county roads no longer qualify as “back roads.”
Especially the nice smooth paved roads out towards Lonestar Lake and southeast from town towards Vinland. The posted speed limits are 55 and they carry a surprising amount of traffic. Mostly on the weekends when the bike clubs are out. And since it is hard to tell which club the large packs belong to, they are all considered the same. I too have seen a few courteous bicyclers, very few, and never the large packs. Blocking an entire lane when you can only go 20 mph is not sharing the road.
6 July 2008 at 2:33 p.m.
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Marion Lynn (Marion Lynn) says…
Well, Bozo, thank you for your biosolids spin!
I am rather fond of riding my Schwinn Black Phantom, which has a factory weight of 76 lbs but with the addition of of the five-speed conversion, the front brake, the rear brakes the dual accessory headlights, probably is up ato around 85 lbs now.
I have learned a new thing today and that thing is that making good solid safety suggestions for bicyclists constitutes “lashing out in (such) a juvenile way”!
Score one for The Bozo!
Yet another contribution to the “diversity” of Lawrence!
6 July 2008 at 2:36 p.m.
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1Patriot (Anonymous) says…
Bicycle Safety
In Kansas, bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists. Please ride safely, be courteous to other roadway users, and abide by all Kansas traffic laws. Always ride a well-maintained bicycle and know your riding limitations. You should be able to ride comfortably with minimal strain at least half of the total distance planned to be covered each day of your tour.
Helmets: Bicyclists are strongly encouraged to wear American National Standards Institute (ANSI) , or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), or Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell) approved helmets at all times.
Paved Shoulders: Bicyclists are strongly encouraged to ride on paved shoulders which are equal to or greater than three feet in width whenever they are available.
Ride to the Right, With Traffic: Ride with normal traffic flow and ride to the right side of the roadway. If lane width allows, stay within two feet from the curb or roadway edge which will allow you maneuvering space to avoid debris or potholes. Lane markings are for your safety and benefit.
Be Predictable: Do not surprise a motorist, pedestrian or other bicyclist. Hold your line. Act predictably and avoid sudden movements. Do not show off by stunting or weaving in traffic.
Group Riding: Ride in single file on the right side of the roadway. Avoid overlapping wheels.
Use Arm Signals: Signaling intentions is essential to let motorists and riding companions know what you are about to do.
Pedestrians: Remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way.
Be Easily Seen: Wear brightly colored clothing and have reflectors on your bicycle. When riding after dusk, the bicycle must be equipped with a white light visible at least 500 feet ahead and have a reflector visible at least 500 feet to the rear. A flag is useful in increasing your visibility on rural roads.
Child Carriers: Carriers must offer the child protection from rear wheel spokes and a strap to secure the child.
Railroad Tracks: Stop within 15 feet of railroad crossings. Cross railroad tracks at right angles. Trains always have the right-of-way.
Other Important Safety Tips: Be extra careful at intersections, listen for overtaking vehicles, brake carefully in wet weather or on slippery surfaces, load your bicycle correctly, drink and eat properly, and be careful of dogs and other animals.
ride defensively:
maintain a safety first attitude. in a crash, whether your fault or not your fault you lose. use all your abilities to protect yourself.
6 July 2008 at 2:37 p.m.
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just_another_bozo_on_this_bus (Anonymous) says…
So I guess you've met all the demands you made in your above post, right, Marion?
6 July 2008 at 2:55 p.m.
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Bowhunter99 (Anonymous) says…
cyclists should be required to pass a course, get a special license and register their bikes just like any other mean of transportation.
6 July 2008 at 3:30 p.m.
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lawrenceguy (Anonymous) says…
I'm going to refrain (mostly) from debating all the non issues here like bike licenses, banning bikes, the tax issue, who owns the roads, the ecology of cycling, the social benefits/costs of cycling etc. My message to all the apparent bike haters is to consider the request to just slow down and legally pass a cyclist or group of cyclists when you encounter them. If you think about it the encounter won't last more than 10-15 seconds of your life and you won't have to waste so much time writing on this forum.
I've read several comments in the forum recently about an example of a cyclist doing something illegal like running a stop sign on their bikes and therefore bikes should be banned from the roads or whatever.
What about the motorists, should they be banned because they drive poorly? I recently I saw a person in a car driving 60 miles per hour down Iowa Street. Then 2 motorcyclists doing wheelies at high speed on 23rd street both with no helmets and one with a passenger. Recently a driver with apparent road rage drove up onto the bike path at West 27th and K10 and almost ran over me on my bike (on the path) stopping at the last second when he finally turned his head to look where he was going. Then I was riding my bike on the bike path last week and a driver pulled out in front of me when I had the green light hitting and nearly running me over and damaging my bike. Yesterday I was driving a car on Clinton Parkway and a motorist was travelling 15 MPH below the speed limit! Then he signaled left and turned right at the intersection! Jeeze!
So do I conclude that cars should be removed from the roads? No cars are great I use them all the time and I just think motorists should follow the posted traffic laws and pay better attention when they drive.
I ride on the bike path and I ride on the roads. Sometimes I want to ride 10 miles and sometimes I want to ride 50. Sometimes the bike path has walkers and children and dogs so I might ride down the big hills on the Clinton Parkway instead of the path giving them the path. After all there are 2 lanes each way on that stretch of road, and usually light traffic so motorists and me have plenty of space on the roadway.
Those paths were not built exclusively for the use of cyclists and cyclists are not required to use them exclusively.
Continued next post…
6 July 2008 at 3:31 p.m.
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lawrenceguy (Anonymous) says…
I'm one of the people riding out to Lone Star every Saturday morning with a rather large group. Sometimes the cyclists in the group ride don't ride 2 abreast and I agree that is a problem. In my opinion if they (we ) were ticketed for it a few times the practice would cease. So actually I agree partially with many of the “anti bike” people posting in this forum, but I disagree with the licensing bikes, or banning bikes or whatever.
As an avid cyclist I don't appreciate the reference to me as “Armstrong wannabes” and other derogatory comments. I am just a regular guy who rides and races bikes. I don't want to be Lance Armstrong I just want to enjoy the outdoors, get in shape and compete just like the softball players, golfers, swimmers and runners. I just happen to do it on the streets and highways. Oh, and cycling is not subsidized by the city, state or school districts like football, baseball, basketball and soccer. Nothing against those sports, just want to point out cycling certainly doesn’t cost the taxpayers as much as those other sports.
Hey madmike, name calling and the like is no substitute for understanding and actually dealing with the issues at hand. You are another great example of how the public discourse in this country has devolved from discussion, understanding and compromise to rancor and divisiveness.
And the issues at hand to me are 1) cycling is a popular and legal activity but many motorists don’t like cyclists or cycling 2) it happens to be dangerous 3) Its more dangerous because cyclists are at the mercy of inattentiv