Bad PR

The below is from a friend and non-cyclist who read “The Law!” section on this web site:

It says that all of the rules apply, so how come the cyclists (except for the school kids who do follow the rules) riding on Sappington at East Adams seem to think that the STOP sign doesn’t apply to them? It’s a 4-way with 4 lanes, left turns, joggers and sometimes school kids walking across. I have been surprised more than a few times by some adult cyclist or 2 and 3 at a time, just barreling through without hesitation. I know that I am old, senile and slow to react, but that’s just plain dumb folks.

This is in Glendale. One evening after I almost killed one, I called the local cops to ask about how they enforce the rules. They told me that any accident would be my fault, even if the bike ran into the side of my car because they couldn’t stop fast enough. This doesn’t make sense to me. Doesn’t a rider have some responsibility for his own personal safety? Oh yeah, riding a dusk, in all black with no light or anything reflective didn’t make sense to me either.

Your friend, the ole fogey.

The following is from a friend who is an avid cyclist and is a comment on the above:

Hi Ron,

Even if local laws apply, does it not still regard bicycles as vehicles on the road?
If that is the case, bicyclists that disregard road rules are actually breaking the
law just as if they were driving in their car. If you blow through a stop sign,
then you should get a ticket! That sort of behavior tarnishes ALL bicyclists.
You can put my message on your site as coming from an avid cyclist.

Those sort of idiots should have their bikes taken away from them ::fuming::

The following is from a friend who is a long time roadie:

Ron, (feel free to post this on your site) I agree with your friend, sometimes. I sometimes blow through a stop sigh. When I do however it is when there are no cars at the intersection. Don't confuse this with a car approaching the intersection. I may have cars approaching me from behind and can see that I can stay out of the way better if I get past the intersection before several cars get to the intersection. By the time anyone comes up to pass me, I'm well past the intersection, hopefully in an open area of road. I see this as doing what keeps me the safest on the road. Every intersection has to be apprised individually! Only an experienced road cyclist would understand this. I know, I'm going to get flack from a lot of 'experienced' cyclist out there. All I can say is that I have been riding on the roads for about 35 years now and have never been hit at an intersection.

As to riding at dusk with dark clothes and no light; genetic cleansing. As to it being the drivers fault in ALL cases, that's not right ether. I don't read that in the Laws section, and I think it would be a court case. If a cyclist ran into the side of my car, I would have to sue for damages.

Has anyone noticed that you can't get insurance for riding your bike like you can get for a motorcycle or a car? Why not? I would not be against requiring road cyclist to carry insurance for just such an accident. It would also cover damage to the bike caused by a motorist who does not stop.

Bob

The following is from a friend and avid cyclist who is concerned about the repercussions of Bad PR

Ron,

I rode yesterday and at a rest-stop in Marine, IL I had a conversation with a farmer. He actually approached me and very respectfully spoke of his, and other area farmers, concerns with large cycling groups "from St. Louis" who take over the roads. Their concerns are that the cyclist, riding 2 & 3 abreast, refuse to share the road when the farmers are behind them, on narrow roads, driving combines. The farmers are forced to drive into the ditches - and often must stop till the riders are gone. If/when the farmers honk - it is met with a rude gesture from the riders. The farmer said, "we're farmers, we have to get our crop out - all we want to do is our job...we feed you". He and others have written letters of complaints to their version of MO DOT (I forgot the name). He was so kind, and I explained that most of us weren't like that and we are embarrassed by their behavior. The culprits are usually the "elite" who consider themselves above the law - and I would pass the word.

Ron, this is the reason some of our favorite rides (BFC*) were scratched - we area no longer welcome in some areas, as you well know. How sad.

Pat

* Bicycle Fun Club

The below commentator is a frequent cyclist but is dismayed by the actions of some riders

Hi Ron, Better late than never...we met several weeks ago at the Polo Run pool, and engaged in a discussion relating to an "elite" type (at least they think they are) of cyclist that believes they are truly "car-like", and proceed with an arrogance that the world should adjust to their whims. I am a biker, and have biked 150-175 times a year for the last 20 years primarily through Forest Park and the surrounding areas. I bike for fitness, stress management, and to achieve a "biker's high". I'm the type of biker that will hit the sidewalk during peak traffic and or narrow stretches to benefit the masses during their commute. I realize there are (and want) certain "rights" for cyclists, however, the arrogant cyclists frequently take too much liberty, and the result is turning off/enraging too many supportive/open-minded people (like myself). My concern is two-fold...a 2008 version of "road rage" is here, and the public's perception of cycling is sinking. On a recent trip down Wydown...a group was 3 a-breast with cars following, a lone biker was positioned 5 yards from curb...preventing cars from turning right on red.. The sight of a lone biker riding straight down the middle of Clayton Road is appalling!!! Kudos to the "elite' cyclists that enjoy their sport, yet understand the world around them, and thanks to the driver's that respect the sport. We need to educate bikers and non-bikers that there are rules of the road, enforce them, and most importantly respect each others perspective. Biking is such a wonderful activity...let's keep it safe, without restricting others! Thanks for the opportunity to vent, congratulations and thanks for your time/efforts to improve the situation. Sincerely, Jim