Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By BigD on 11-05-09
Not a new problem. This is from the NY Times
Robert Center was speeding down Broadway, his head down over the handlebars, his body curved for minimum wind resistance. His eyes may have strayed from the path in front of him to the road beneath him — for a second, maybe longer — when suddenly and without warning, he slammed headlong into a coal cart and was killed.
Gossip of the Cyclers The Gossip of the Cyclers column from April 21, 1895.
His death, in the spring of 1895, sparked a debate about the behavior of cyclists in traffic. Some blamed Mr. Center for riding too fast, and others, including bike advocates like I. B. Potter, the local head of the League of American Wheelmen, accusing the larger, horse-drawn vehicles of dangerous behavior themselves.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By CJ on 11-05-09
Normally cyclists are not a problem. When they are on a two lane street (narrow) and it is hard to get around them they are usually courteous and do the best they can to accomodate cars and visa versa. However, when an arrogant cyclist takes up your whole side of the road, then there IS a problem and that person should be taken to task. The problem is their attitude and it certainly does not show courtesy of any sort. Cyclists need to learn the rules and remember you are a lot smaller than a car. When you put yourself at risk you also put the driver of the car at risk. If you cannot be considerate then find a back road where there are no cars. This includes ATTORNEYS!!!
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By Vud on 11-05-09
I was enlightened by the comment: “Share the Road, Not the Lane.“
It’s definetly tempting to try to *squeeze by* a Slow-Moving-
Cyclist (kinda the corollary to “Why do cyclists hate stopping at stop signs”).
From now on I’ll give them their lane and move around them when the roadway permits a full-lane-change overtake.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By kalgal on 11-05-09
Although I understand his points, if a cyclist wants to ride a route with stop signs etc, this cyclist NEEDS TO stop. And they NEED TO use arm signals. One reason I get annoyed by cyclists is because they ignore what they are supposed to do just so they can get speed. I am a very courteous driver and the cyclists need to be courteous too.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By mitch on 11-07-09
They are putting the drivers in a very unfair situation. It’s almost like a “dare you” thing. Why should I have to pull into the oncoming lane to get around them when they can easily get off to the side of the road. If a slow moving vehicle is by law suppose to pull off the road and give the following traffic the chance to go, why does this not also apply to the bicyclist? Yesterday while driving thru town I notice several little children on the bikes, and the caution they took around traffic. Their parents have trained them well. The riding adults could learn much from them.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By CJ on 11-07-09
It does apply to cyclists with the exception of the one that doesn’t care. Including attorneys! If you are an attorney out there and you ride a bicycle you know what I mean. You and others like you are beyond the law right??? And not only BEYOND, ARROGANTLY BEYOND!!!
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By CK on 11-09-09
Bill- you sound kinda ridiculous writing that you don’t use bikeways. Just sayin…
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
By the way on 11-11-09
When I become president I’ll pass a law requiring the addition of bike lanes to all roadway improvement projects. So that any road work being done anywhere has to have a bike lane of sorts in the plan. Slowly but surely there will be a safe place to ride a bike along the streets, roads, and highways. Eventually bike riders will quit complaining about cars and drivers will quit complaining about bikes.
Beacon Readers Rated This Comment:
In order to post comments you must register once with the Beacon and be logged in. Log in below or register now.
Cat-Griz: 109th Meeting Could Have Playoff Implications
A Holiday Curtain Call
Mixed Martial Arts Return to Kalispell
DOR Director Says Reappraisal Process Working
After 42 Years, Books West Closes its Doors
Comments on: Everything Motorists Want to Know About Cyclists
Let’s be civil. The Flathead Beacon encourages vigorous discussion and lively debate, but we will delete comments that attack other readers, make accusations we can’t verify, stray too far off topic, criticize local businesses (call them if you have a problem), convict someone of a crime, use profanity or are simply judged to be in bad taste. We don’t always have someone moderating comments, so we ask for your help: If you see a comment that violates these ground rules, or you simply deem it offensive, please e-mail editor [at] flatheadbeacon.com. The views expressed in the comments section do not reflect those of the Beacon.
By BigD on 11-05-09
Not a new problem. This is from the NY Times
Robert Center was speeding down Broadway, his head down over the handlebars, his body curved for minimum wind resistance. His eyes may have strayed from the path in front of him to the road beneath him — for a second, maybe longer — when suddenly and without warning, he slammed headlong into a coal cart and was killed.
Gossip of the Cyclers The Gossip of the Cyclers column from April 21, 1895.
His death, in the spring of 1895, sparked a debate about the behavior of cyclists in traffic. Some blamed Mr. Center for riding too fast, and others, including bike advocates like I. B. Potter, the local head of the League of American Wheelmen, accusing the larger, horse-drawn vehicles of dangerous behavior themselves.
By CJ on 11-05-09
Normally cyclists are not a problem. When they are on a two lane street (narrow) and it is hard to get around them they are usually courteous and do the best they can to accomodate cars and visa versa. However, when an arrogant cyclist takes up your whole side of the road, then there IS a problem and that person should be taken to task. The problem is their attitude and it certainly does not show courtesy of any sort. Cyclists need to learn the rules and remember you are a lot smaller than a car. When you put yourself at risk you also put the driver of the car at risk. If you cannot be considerate then find a back road where there are no cars. This includes ATTORNEYS!!!
By Vud on 11-05-09
I was enlightened by the comment: “Share the Road, Not the Lane.“
It’s definetly tempting to try to *squeeze by* a Slow-Moving-
Cyclist (kinda the corollary to “Why do cyclists hate stopping at stop signs”).
From now on I’ll give them their lane and move around them when the roadway permits a full-lane-change overtake.
By kalgal on 11-05-09
Although I understand his points, if a cyclist wants to ride a route with stop signs etc, this cyclist NEEDS TO stop. And they NEED TO use arm signals. One reason I get annoyed by cyclists is because they ignore what they are supposed to do just so they can get speed. I am a very courteous driver and the cyclists need to be courteous too.
By mitch on 11-07-09
They are putting the drivers in a very unfair situation. It’s almost like a “dare you” thing. Why should I have to pull into the oncoming lane to get around them when they can easily get off to the side of the road. If a slow moving vehicle is by law suppose to pull off the road and give the following traffic the chance to go, why does this not also apply to the bicyclist? Yesterday while driving thru town I notice several little children on the bikes, and the caution they took around traffic. Their parents have trained them well. The riding adults could learn much from them.
By CJ on 11-07-09
It does apply to cyclists with the exception of the one that doesn’t care. Including attorneys! If you are an attorney out there and you ride a bicycle you know what I mean. You and others like you are beyond the law right??? And not only BEYOND, ARROGANTLY BEYOND!!!
By CK on 11-09-09
Bill- you sound kinda ridiculous writing that you don’t use bikeways. Just sayin…
By the way on 11-11-09
When I become president I’ll pass a law requiring the addition of bike lanes to all roadway improvement projects. So that any road work being done anywhere has to have a bike lane of sorts in the plan. Slowly but surely there will be a safe place to ride a bike along the streets, roads, and highways. Eventually bike riders will quit complaining about cars and drivers will quit complaining about bikes.