bhilden@druxj.UUCP (HildenbrandBE) (04/20/84)
In response to some of the disheartening comments regarding the
classic 2000lbs. of steel vs 20lbs. of chromemolly confrontation
I thought I'd add a few comments.
I think drivers get upset at cyclists for several reasons:
1) They didn't see the bicycle(i.e. weren't looking or paying
attention) and are not able to come to grips with their mistake.
They mis-direct their anger at the cyclist instead of apologizing
for the obviosly bozo maneuver they just made.
2) Face it, most cyclists are pretty fit and many drivers are not.
I think some drivers resent that I have the love or will power or
whatever that gets me off my can and on the road. My father, who
cycles 30 miles a day RT to work gets this line all the time from
his less active friends. How do they display this resentment?
3) There are just some people that feel bikes don't belong
on the road. They are either perenially 15 minutes late
or turkeys or whatever. By their reckoning, the
only vehicles that should be allowed on the road can
do 75 mph in 3rd gear, or have a gun rack and a severely
tilting camper shell on the back.
What to do about the problem? I heartilly agree with Dick
Dunn that a confrontation is to be avoided at all costs
(ever wonder why motorcycle insurance is so cheap?).
When I originated this subject on the net, I was hoping
that somebody had a solution to this problem(negative
ion generator, 8-speed rear cluster, good karma clothing)
and though I am getting somewhat discouraged, I am still
looking for any helpful suggestions.
By the way, a sure fire method to totally rile a motorist
is not to flip them off but, to smile, wave and say
"have a nice day" though this may result in the much
to be avoided confrontation.
Bruce Hildenbrand
ATT ISL Denver
ihnp4!druxj!bhildenmat@hou5d.UUCP (04/21/84)
As a non-cycling driver, I would like to say a few things.
Most cyclists are safe and courteous. Unfortunately, we always
remember those who are not.
I envy those whose physical condition, spare time, and overall
patience let them commute in this way; I have never been able to meet
these criteria.
Let's face it, roadways are build wide enough for two cars. Not for
two cars and a cyclist; wide enough for two cars. A lean, trim cyclist on
a lightweight bike with black tires is not very visible from behind when the
sun is low or when there is dense foliage shading the road.
Some cyclists are rude, riding two abreast and preventing traffic
from passing them when it would otherwise be safe. And some, enjoying their
moderately paced open-air trip, seem to become totally oblivious to motor
traffic! And cyclists have the same duties to motorists as motorists do.
This includes stopping at stop signs, not moving across the path of a
moving vehicle unless you have a reasonable chance of getting out of his
way before he has to take evasive action, and leaving openings for others
to pass through.
I'd much rather wave to you than present a finger. And I don't
want to greet you with my tires screeching. Let's all keep our acts
clean out there!
--
from Mole End
Mark Terribile
(scrape..dig) hou5d!mat
,.. .,, ,,, ..,***_*.chuqui@nsc.UUCP (Chuq Von Rospach) (04/22/84)
<hey! I can stick quotes in here, too!>
Just some random comments from a driving cyclist...
What is truly unfortunate is that many people riding bicycles are not
cyclists. From the perspective of both a serious driver (~350 miles/week)
and an one time racer and rider, the riding habits of most people on
bicycles suck. Anyone who thinks that they and their 30 pound monster can
compete with a car is insane. Anyone who thinks they can compete without
wearing a helmet is truly insane. For every properly equipped and safe
rider I see, I see 3 or 4 (mostly young) people with serious death wishes.
--
From under the bar at Callahan's: Chuq Von Rospach
{amd70,fortune,hplabs,menlo70}!nsc!chuqui (408) 733-2600 x242
Never give your heart to a stranger, unless you are sure that you are dead.