Something to anoy pedestrians..

[rubbman]

Cyclist's are the only reason I would put either of these on my rig. I find cyclist's to be the most annoying and arrogant people on the road. They refuse to move over to the other side of the line, even when there's plenty of room or even a whole "emergency lane". I assume that this is because they don't want to get into debris with the 1/2" of tire they're riding on.
This may not be you or the people you ride with but I've driven professionally for 25+ years and I truly consider most cyclist's with their "I've got a right to be here" attitude with zero respect for the cars lined up doing their best to get buy safely and the cyclist riding like a five year old a serious hazard.

Sorry man, but there's a definite reason that they honk at you guys.:snacker:

I rarely ride on the streets, only when I must, but it is idiots like YOU!!! that prompt me to ride with a camera. People who honk and throw stuff at cyclist are nothing but CHICKEN SH&#T!!! However I do have the law on my side when I ride!

 

[Singtoe]

"If they wreck, it's on them"

Ok, so what about the driver that has to cope with the vision of a separated helmet (with head) spewing blood crashing in to their windshield? Or the family that desperately swerved and hit a stationary car or solid object, and now there's a screaming six year old looking at a knee with no shin attached?

Every time you do something like that you are 1/100,000th guilty of causing this type of injury assuming that major accidents happen about once in every 100,000 incidents.

When you've seen a body lying in the road and you can't even tell if it was decapitated (even in an accident you didn't even witness, much less cause) your viewpoint will likely change.

I have never thought of the collateral damage that could occur. Thanks you the insight.

Never the less. I have seen my fair share of accidents, decapitations, and what not and most them were down right stupid thugs. Society won't miss them and might have saved some innocent lives in the future. I was following a dude and we were going around tight turn and the he couldn't keep his line. He ended up in the ditch and flipped over a couple times. I stopped to see if he needed help. He was bruised up but ok. We gathering up all his bike parts and i found a chromed out Glock. I left that Taco stand.

Mind you, I have not caused an accident that lead to a fatality. Actually, I have never caused an accident that led to anything.

 

[Singtoe]

I rarely ride on the streets, only when I must, but it is idiots like YOU!!! that prompt me to ride with a camera. People who honk and throw stuff at cyclist are nothing but CHICKEN SH&#T!!! However I do have the law on my side when I ride!

There are some highways that have no bicyclist signs on them so the law is not on your side if you choose to ride on them.

Each of us can play a part in helping address dooring and other problems associated with the use of public streets by bicycles.

Show your support by taking the "No Bikes" pledge:

As a bicyclist, I pledge to stop riding my damn bike on the street.

As a motorist, I pledge to drive my car on public streets and not on dedicated bicycle tracks. I will offer rides to my cyclist friends to make it easier for them to kick the bicycle habit.

As a citizen, I pledge to educate my friends who own bicycles about the pernicious effects of bicycle riding, and I will encourage them to avoid contributing to the dooring problem by walking or using public transportation instead.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Big John

With your above statement you just showed the forum that you really...let me stop and just politely say...have no clue. I understand the actual rules of the road. I have read legislation and studied state statutes (CO included, as I train at altitude from time to time). I have talked with my legislators and am involved with the community and the process. You obviously have no clue with your statement and your sentiment towards other users that have every right to be on the road. There are lots of cyclists out there that have no clue and as a cyclist and a motorist, I too, at times, am frustrated by their actions. With that being said, and from other members have said, the train horns seems to help you guys cope with other inadequacies you must have in your life. I am sorry for your inadequacies and feel sorry for those that feel the need to compensate for their shortcomings in such a way. It really is pathetic. Before you rant, read what your state has published with your tax dollars (the same tax dollars that improve roads for those of us you consider a nuisance) and educate yourself. I would also invite you to go for a ride with me one day so you have an idea what it is like to be pushed into the gutter, have projectiles hurled at you (glass bottles, soda pop cans etc), be spat on and in general disrespected. All of this because I am on a fancy bike (worth more than my 2001 T4R Sport), dressed funny and am lean and fit? Come on Big John...don't hate! I am trying to keep your health care costs down by participating in a healthy hobby. :hatsoff:

Hmmm, you claim Big John has no clue because he is basically stereotyping bikers, so you stereotype him and others as having inadequacy issues? Great argument. There doesn't have to be an underlying emotional issue at work, sometime people are just a little bit immature at times and think a train horn is funny. I've been there, laughed at the videos, then changed my mind. We all go through that kind of thing on probably a near daily basis. Or maybe he really does have a legitimate use for a train horn, I don't know.

What I am surprised at is that for as informed as you claim to be, you are allowing yourself to have blinders towards the conduct of so many bikers on the road. Yes, they have a legal right to the road, but along with that comes legal responsibility that I myself have seen them shirk with incredible consistency. The only question I missed on my drivers' test was about bikers, I thought they had special privileges as they aren't quite a vehicle, but not quite a pedestrian either. The correct answer was they have the same rights as a vehicle. And yet I see them consistently not stopping at red lights, half not even looking or pausing before going right out into the intersection, nudging themselves up next to me while I am moving (i.e., not me coming up on them, but them coming up on me) so close that it scares me that I am going to hit them, etc. etc. etc... And all this is CO where Big John lives (I was in Boulder). I see the same thing here in Boston.

And don't bring your smug sense of self satisfaction about being fit and lean and "trying to keep our health care costs down by participating in a healthy hobby". That right there is half the reason people hate bikers, because their social interactions with them seem to frequently end with the biker stroking their own egos. Even if you don't think you are being smug, I can tell you that that is exactly how you are coming across to most of us, so for the purpose of being an effective agent of change, you should change your strategy.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I am staying out of the meat of this thread here, but will have to say that with the downturn of the economy past and present, I see many more cyclists on the road than even five years ago.

I see many more mopeds and scooters out on the roads now as well.

 

[liv2bike]

Hmmm, you claim Big John has no clue because he is basically stereotyping bikers, so you stereotype him and others as having inadequacy issues? Great argument. There doesn't have to be an underlying emotional issue at work, sometime people are just a little bit immature at times and think a train horn is funny. I've been there, laughed at the videos, then changed my mind. We all go through that kind of thing on probably a near daily basis. Or maybe he really does have a legitimate use for a train horn, I don't know.

What I am surprised at is that for as informed as you claim to be, you are allowing yourself to have blinders towards the conduct of so many bikers on the road. Yes, they have a legal right to the road, but along with that comes legal responsibility that I myself have seen them shirk with incredible consistency. The only question I missed on my drivers' test was about bikers, I thought they had special privileges as they aren't quite a vehicle, but not quite a pedestrian either. The correct answer was they have the same rights as a vehicle. And yet I see them consistently not stopping at red lights, half not even looking or pausing before going right out into the intersection, nudging themselves up next to me while I am moving (i.e., not me coming up on them, but them coming up on me) so close that it scares me that I am going to hit them, etc. etc. etc... And all this is CO where Big John lives (I was in Boulder). I see the same thing here in Boston.

And don't bring your smug sense of self satisfaction about being fit and lean and "trying to keep our health care costs down by participating in a healthy hobby". That right there is half the reason people hate bikers, because their social interactions with them seem to frequently end with the biker stroking their own egos. Even if you don't think you are being smug, I can tell you that that is exactly how you are coming across to most of us, so for the purpose of being an effective agent of change, you should change your strategy.

Since this has digressed into a motorist vs cyclist argument, it will go on and on. We all have our own points of view which is one way for people to be educated...when the arguments make sense. That is what is great about forums, people get to express themselves.

I understand your POV Nelsonmd. It is your opinion and you are entitled to it as I am to mine. I think we can agree on the fact that the train horn (which doesn't seem to be the point of this thread anymore) is pathetic. You have said so yourself (as a motorcyclist) in earlier posts, as have others. I am not wearing blinders as I did acknowledge that there are lots and lots of cyclists out on the road that ride like idiots. I know some of them. I ride with some of them and they will not change. That is their own fault and will likely get them injured (or worse) one day. Guys and girls I ride with routinely blow red lights and stop signs. It is just plain dumb. Agreed.

Am I being smug? If that is how you took it, then that is your problem. Maybe I am being smug. So what. If you feel like you have to call me out, then fine, if it makes you feel better about yourself. Doesn't bother me. I am not trying to put anyone off, yourself included and that was not my intent. Like I have said, I invite anyone out there to come for a spin with me, a few minds will probably change. As a motorcyclist you can probably relate to some of the crap we have to deal with as a result of our choice to ride on 2 wheels. One of the reasons I ride is to stay fit and healthy. It works. Look at most cyclists, runners and swimmers. They are fit. I admire someone who has the dedication and determination to stay healthy and not contribute to the obesity problem that plagues our Country.

We can go round and round on this subject. This isn't really about train horns anymore is it? People have their beliefs and will argue their beliefs. At times, emotions do play into ones argument. It is human nature. These are topics we feel very strongly about. I feel strongly about cycling and you feel strongly about motorcycling. They are our hobbies/passions and we love to do it. What I take away from this though is don't judge someone because they wear funny clothes and ride a bike with skinny tires. When people intentionally try to harm us when we are on the roads that the law affords us every right to use, remember that those people are husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters to someone. We just want motorists to respect our lives as seriously as they would want someone to respect theirs. Simple really.

 

[Big John]

Big John

With your above statement you just showed the forum that you really...let me stop and just politely say...have no clue. I understand the actual rules of the road. I have read legislation and studied state statutes (CO included, as I train at altitude from time to time). I have talked with my legislators and am involved with the community and the process. You obviously have no clue with your statement and your sentiment towards other users that have every right to be on the road. There are lots of cyclists out there that have no clue and as a cyclist and a motorist, I too, at times, am frustrated by their actions. With that being said, and from other members have said, the train horns seems to help you guys cope with other inadequacies you must have in your life. I am sorry for your inadequacies and feel sorry for those that feel the need to compensate for their shortcomings in such a way. It really is pathetic. Before you rant, read what your state has published with your tax dollars (the same tax dollars that improve roads for those of us you consider a nuisance) and educate yourself. I would also invite you to go for a ride with me one day so you have an idea what it is like to be pushed into the gutter, have projectiles hurled at you (glass bottles, soda pop cans etc), be spat on and in general disrespected. All of this because I am on a fancy bike (worth more than my 2001 T4R Sport), dressed funny and am lean and fit? Come on Big John...don't hate! I am trying to keep your health care costs down by participating in a healthy hobby. :hatsoff:

Haha… I figured you'd have a fit.
Let me start by saying that I don't personally blow an air horn at you guys. But, I truly understand why it would be done. I've logged more miles on the roads you claim to be "ours" than most two people will drive in a lifetime with ZERO accidents. Therefore I don't feel that I need to be educated by an arrogant cyclist and that I must be doing something right.

You sir have no idea what it's like to have an 80,000 pound, 75 foot long vehicle, going down a hill with traffic on your left and some arrogant cyclist on your right doing 20mph plus below the current flow of traffic that doesn't want to get his precious little tires dirty in the emergency lane. Thus creating a very hazardous condition for everyone in what would be considered a quarter mile radius due to my inability to quickly stop based solely on his "right" to be there with no regard to anyone else involved.

Don't worry, I have the same feeling for people driving cars doing stupid things like eating a bowl of cereal, putting on make up, talking on the phone, masturbating, and yes… playing the guitar. I've seen them all and much more.

Thank you for trying to educate me (more arrogance), but you will NEVER change my mind on this one. Too many close calls in my lifetime.

 

[4RUN1T]

ya cyclists are annoying

 

[bikerjosh]

Yeah, Punk is way better than Heavy Metal..oh wait wrong argument.

Ok, ex mountain, road and cyclocross racer here. I still ride a mountain bike and road bike about 2 times a week. I've had my fair share of jackholes cut me off scream stuff or honk at me while hugging the right side of the road just to mess with me. I've chased a few people down and actually caught them when they got trapped in traffic. Yes, not smart but someone driving a 4000lb+ car that decides they are going to mess with a cyclist because they feel entitled is going to get some aggression (read: car or personal damage) in return. I follow the rules of the road,

On the subject of "paying taxes for road use" oh please; I have four cars and two motorcycles, all registered and licenced for the street. They get used sporadically at best. Between those and my house I probably pay more in taxes than most of the douchebags I've had contact with in over 25 years of riding bikes.

Yes, some cyclists act like they own the road; when I see them being ****ish give them grief about it.

Now back to important stuff.... Punk is way better than Heavy Metal.:flamewar:

 

[Nelsonmd]

I am not wearing blinders as I did acknowledge that there are lots and lots of cyclists out on the road that ride like idiots. I know some of them. I ride with some of them and they will not change. That is their own fault and will likely get them injured (or worse) one day. Guys and girls I ride with routinely blow red lights and stop signs. It is just plain dumb. Agreed.

It's not just their life or culpability in an accident that's at stake. What about the poor driver that has some dumbass cyclist jump in front of their car. People end up in counselling for a lifetime because of that kind of behavior.

Am I being smug? If that is how you took it, then that is your problem. Maybe I am being smug. So what. If you feel like you have to call me out, then fine, if it makes you feel better about yourself. Doesn't bother me. I am not trying to put anyone off, yourself included and that was not my intent. Like I have said, I invite anyone out there to come for a spin with me, a few minds will probably change. As a motorcyclist you can probably relate to some of the crap we have to deal with as a result of our choice to ride on 2 wheels. One of the reasons I ride is to stay fit and healthy. It works. Look at most cyclists, runners and swimmers. They are fit. I admire someone who has the dedication and determination to stay healthy and not contribute to the obesity problem that plagues our Country.
.

Actually, it is your problem, unless you just want to flame. Right or wrong, the way you come across to those that you are speaking to is more important that how you think you are coming across to them. No one is going to listen someone that's talking down to them. It is a choice between being right and smug, or being right and affecting change. Which do you want?

And yeah, I was being snarky in my response, so I am not completely innocent of this either. So why don't we both try to do better.

What I take away from this though is don't judge someone because they wear funny clothes and ride a bike with skinny tires. When people intentionally try to harm us when we are on the roads that the law affords us every right to use, remember that those people are husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters to someone. We just want motorists to respect our lives as seriously as they would want someone to respect theirs. Simple really.

I totally agree. Anyone throwing crap out of a car should get screwed to the wall. And yes, I have been hit by stuff while jogging, so I do know how that goes. But I have also been put in a dangerous situation by cyclists hogging a lane, not riding in the bike lane, running a red, dancing around trying not to put their feet down at a light, or biking on roads that are already tricky enough for vehicles (like trail ridge road, getting stuck behind a cyclist pretty much guaranty's overheating brakes for anyone with an automatic transmission). And if you want to wear full body spandex, then fine, that's your choice, but yeah, you are going to get made fun of for it. As you will if you have a mullet outside of Kentucky, or wear a tutu outside of a dance studio. That's not disrespecting your life, I'd give my friends crap for that if they did that. Actually, I had a Mullet once, and I did get mocked for it; and I deserved it...

Don't worry, I have the same feeling for people driving cars doing stupid things like eating a bowl of cereal, putting on make up, talking on the phone, masturbating, and yes… playing the guitar. I've seen them all and much more.

Playing Guitar? That's a new one to me. Totally agree though. I get PO'd at fellow drivers way more often than at cyclists. Especially when I'm on my motorcycle.

I would like to see cyclists accommodated better in road design. Places where there is a dedicated bike lane usually are much safer to me as a driver (unless the cyclist isn't using it). Now I just want to see them waiting for red's like a vehicle, signalling properly, and respecting the vehicles around them. Regardless of rights, you have to respect vehicles. It may be legal for me to change lanes in front of a big rig, but I don't do it because he can't stop as fast as I can.

And yeah, we did totally get off the topic, but oh well, it's a forum...

 

[ironhippy]

I am a driver and I used to be an avid biker until an injury a few years ago.

When I'm driving, I hate bikers. When I'm biking, I hate drivers.

That being said, whenever I was on my bike, on a road, I would ensure that I was as far to the right as possible (if possible on the shoulder). Sure, I have a legal right to be on the road, but I also know that the legal right isn't going to help much when a car or truck hits me. I don't understand how bikers can have the attitude "I have the right to be here!!" without considering the fact that any other vehicle on the road can wipe you out. Show some respect, it's deserved.

I also disagree with bike lanes, if the ENTIRE city is designed with them in mind, then they could be great, however they are usually just tacked onto existing streets. The bike lanes create a false sense of security for the cars and bikers, the cars forget the bikers are there and the bikers assume the cars will stay out of their lanes.

I'd like streets to be created wide enough to accommodate bike lines, without the lines drawn in. That way bikers have room to bike without slowing down the flow of traffic, but forces drivers and bikers to pay attention to each other.

 

[theizzardking]

After living in amsterdam for a number of months I have seen it can work adding bike lanes to an existing city , I mean it is way older then anything we got , and as for the tax thing it's not our fault that you don't use your toys to get the value from taxes, that doesn't mean you shouldn't have to pay for another mode of transportation that uses the city roads , by your same argument a h2 should have more right to the road because it uses more fuel which means more taxes for roads, you can't just say I pay taxes for this other stuff so that means I shouldn't have to pay taxes for this is stupid....and it's pure arrogance on the whole not riding in the shoulder thing, use thicker heavier tires , sure you won't get as far but it's the same workout , you just can't brag to your spandex buddies about how you rode 200 miles , why must everything they do be so self centered and ego stroking.....I hate cyclist for the most part..