Cyclists on sidewalks

[KoolKat]

OK, I realize that winters here are long and gas guzzler drivers always forget about cyclists when they finally hit the road after months of winter weather. Drivers are so distracted with their gadgets they don't pay attention as much as they should. Then, suddenly cyclists are on the streets again and drivers typically don't want or don't know how to share the road.

But, we do have by-laws that clearly state:

"Bicycle" means a Vehicle operated by muscular power having wheels of more than 43 centimeters in diameter.
Any person riding a bicycle has the same rights and responsibilities as a driver of any other vehicle.
Stay off the sidewalks unless your wheel diameter is under 24 inches. Leave the sidewalks to pedestrians and young cyclists.

Yesterday, I nearly hit an adult cyclist riding on a sidewalk. He was clipping along at a fast pace, I was stopped at an intersection. Just as I was accelerating to turn, he appeared from behind a shrub along the sidewalk and nearly hit my door. So, he yells at me. I yell back about stupid he is for riding on a sidewalk and zipping across an intersection crosswalk without looking. Cyclists like that give all of us a bad name.

I'm sure you know the ones - ignore stop signs, run red lights, speed along recreation trails like they own them, zagging in between parked vehicles on streets without shoulder checking, riding two or more abreast on streets and trails hogging entire lanes, etc.

If we cyclists want to be treated with respect by motorized vehicle drivers and others who use public transportation routes, then we have to set an example. A stop sign and a red light mean the same thing for motorized and human powered vehicles - they mean STOP. If riding on a sidewalk is prohibited, then don't do it. If you are hurt or cause injuries and/or damages, then you're at fault, at least that's how it is here.

Be mindful that your less than 100 pound bicycle is no match for any motorized vehicle any day, any time. Safety first. If you don't agree with the laws, quit griping, get off your butt and do something to change them. Being a law breaker doesn't make you a hero. It makes you look ignorant.

[greenevegiebeast]

I live i n a college town, we have at least one fatality a year due to a bike acedent. we have morons riding fixed gear bikes with no breaks, neal armstrong wanabees, and just plain dumb kids.

The city and campus police crack down at least once a year. we have a train track that runs through the campus, that used to be a good place to find bike parts, the students running late to class would slide under the train draging their bike . the train would lurch, byby bike. they were lucky it was only the bike that got it.:confused:

[macka]

Kat,

I for the most part ride on the street, however I ride on the sidewalks up by intercity. I have been hit once and bounced off of the curb by a lady driving in the gutter. I have also had more then 15 near misses this year riding on the road by intercity. I now cruise the sidewalk at a much slower pace in that area, and have had 0 close calls since.

[KoolKat]

Kat,

I for the most part ride on the street, however I ride on the sidewalks up by intercity. I have been hit once and bounced off of the curb by a lady driving in the gutter. I have also had more then 15 near misses this year riding on the road by intercity. I now cruise the sidewalk at a much slower pace in that area, and have had 0 close calls since.

Yes, the Intercity area is a completely different story. I wouldn't ride a bicycle on a street there any day. You end up being target practice. This incident took place in a residential area. Low traffic level. Regardless of the area, cyclists have to be extra vigilant and aware that most vehicle drivers aren't looking out for them, if they're paying attention to the road at all. This cyclist was as reckless as most motorized drivers around here!

[xanda2260]

Here here! It's no better over the pond either Kat. The number of times I've nearly been taken out (while riding) by another cyclist who simply does not look behind them before pulling out!!!!!! In my town there are a lot of cyclists, many are very good (albeit slow), but there are some real prats who give us all a bad name, as you say!