"this entire lane belongs to you"... not in every state. in my state, cyclists are to keep as far to the right as is safe. not saying you need to be on the shoulder, but you shouldn't be taking up the entire lane. You're also required to display reflective triangles if traveling much slower than the speed limit. Antagonizing people in 3000 pound steel death machines just isn't a good idea.
@jmurockstar, let me know what state you are in. If you are in the USA, there may be one or two states in which cyclists have unwarranted restrictions. Motor vehicles may be required to display reflective triangles, but it is not a law applicable to bicycles. Few motorists have problems with safe cycling practices. Fewer are antagonized by my riding habits. At least you recognize that some idiots are operating beyond their limits by driving 3000 pounds around for one body.
@Bmr4life, you have a strong misconception about road use. I do not drive way [too] slow, I operate at my best possible speed. Your ill will upon me is meaningless.
@mattyboy2611, studies have shown that safe riding practices allow the motorists more reaction time, reducing driver stress and improving safety on the roadway. Many people contend that drivers will be angry, but the reality is the opposite.
That's good of you to strike up a conversation with him and educate him a bit, i think it goes a long way towards disseminating useful information amongst cyclists.
@Gromitdog1, I tried, but have seen the rider numerous times since this video. He still rides on the line and often veers into crosswalks, out of a consistent line of travel, then veers back onto the line on the other side of the intersection.
I won't ride in the gutter any longer and a few of my earlier videos are when I was an edge-rider and the close calls were far too frequent. As other skilled riders will attest, it is truly safer to be operating as a proper road user.
Where I live, riding in the middle of the lane is dangerous. Motorists will cut you off or harass you alot. I ride in the Right-Third of the lane most of the time. I see few instances where I need to actually take the entire lane...such as very narrow roads. Most roads around here are wide enough to use the Right Third instead of the middle. Let people pass you..dont hold them up. Its just rude. Ride safe!
Rude is meaningless when dealing with safety. Striking a person on a bike is rude too, as is passing unsafely close. On four lane roads, people can pass by changing lanes. It's the polite thing to do.
Using the right third of a sub-standard width lane will allow motorists to attempt to overtake you without changing lanes. Your actions put you in danger.
Motorists "harass" me much less when I operate in this manner.
Understand that your not going to get every single driver to move over..as most driver's are ignorant and dont know what to do when they see a bicycle in the middle of the road, as they dont know the bicycle laws. Ride in the middle of the lanes as much as you want..just remember you need to let cars by you..as they have places they need to be, just like yourself.
There's the myth that's been perpetuated far too long. When I travel on two-lane and multi-lane, sub-standard width lanes, operators of other vehicles do see me. Just as with any other slower vehicle on the road, they change lanes and safely pass, most of the time. Riding too close to the edge of a sub-standard lane invites driver to attempt unsafe passing by not changing lanes.
By performing a lane change and a safe pass, those drivers get where they need to go, just like myself.
A big difference in controlling a sub-standard lane is that the driver does not need to become stressed out by performing a dangerous pass without changing lanes, because I've made that choice for him, and I don't have to worry as much about a poorly skilled driver passing dangerously close to me.
I am not an inconsiderate cyclist. On two-lane roads where traffic is so heavy that it collects behind me, I will find a turn-out, let traffic by, and resume my travels. It's rare in my area, however.
How wide are the lanes in your area anyways cause it looks like you can move to the Right a bit more. Question, does Florida Law allow you to use the entire lane legally? I know if lanes are real narrow then you should control them, but I feel as if Im delaying other motorists whenever I control narrow lanes, like my street, which is less than 10 feet wide. Its kind of a lose-win situation here..you either delay people or let them by without holding them up. Good or bad choice?
Most of the lanes in the areas in which I ride are under 14 feet in width. I do not feel that I am "delaying" other road users, because I am a road user myself. Those road users who have priority over my use of the road are easily identifiable, by flashing lights and sirens and I happily move over for them.
My safety is more important than a 30 second or less delay for another road user. It is unfortunate that many people on bikes have developed what is considered inferiority cycling, in that they believe that other road users are more important than their own safety.
Its just that where I live riding in the center of lanes is not the smartest thing to do, as driver's here simply do not understand why I use the middle of the road. All they say is get to the right side or get on the sidewalk. Obviously people down there are more used to bicycles, thus they react diffrently.
an interesting perspective. I have been stopped by a cop to tell me that drivers are calling the police dept to say there's a yellow bike in the road. The officer said he knew it was not a violation but wanted me to know. Fine, I don't mind at all. It would be smarter for the PD to tell the callers that no law is being broken.
Drivers may be telling me to get off the road or get on the sidewalk, but it does not change my operation. Smarter drivers are now changing lanes well in advance.
I use the Right side of the road, at all times, unless im making a Right or Left turn, approaching an intersection or unless the roadway is just too narrow to ride to the side to let cars by safely. Sure your gonna get passed closely sometimes but what do you expect from 4,000 pounds of steel..its gonna happen. I ride to the Right, most people get by without no problems. I was stopped last month for riding in the center of the road, you can see it in my video impeding traffic.
the above comment was created by user Cybeq, and was accidentally deleted when I didn't hit Reply correctly.
You've been lucky if you've not had dangerously close passes. If you feel "safer" to the right, you'd be amazed how much safer it is in the lane. Research vehicular cycling, effective cycling, cycling smarts, and you'll learn even more.
Unfortunately, he is correct when he says: "cars don't believe that". I know bicycles are legally able to claim the whole lane but I ride just like he does and I even do the jug-handle turn. It's not because I lack the skills to move into the left turn lane, it's because I don't want to put my bike in front of a giant moving hunk of metal. I know what you say is true but it just feels safer to me when I ride as far to the right as I can. So far, I've never been honked at, yelled at, or hit.
I'm sure the velomobile helps, but my wife and I also ride a Screamer in the same manner, as well as my solo Gold Rush Replica. There are a number of Orlando vehicular cyclists who ride safely on conventional upright bicycles.
Prior to learning safe cycling practices, I would get a horn honk or two or more every ride. Controlling the lane affords me one or two honks a week and some are friendly.
I agree that intoxicated operators are a grave danger, to every road user. I would be in greater danger from such a driver at the edge of the lane, as I would be out of his tunnel-vision view. In my younger years, I recall being drunk and having no peripheral vision at all. Being illuminated and in view are my only defenses, along with riding early in the morning and not late in the evening when they are more likely on the roads.
I started comuting three years ago, and I used to ride as close to the shoulder or right side as I could. Close calls with parked cars, opening car doors, and cars trying to squeeze by me where daily. This year, I listened to some more experienced riders then me, that said to "claim your lane", and ride in the center of the lane. In almost 600 miles this year, I have only had maybe 5 close calls. I feel SO much safer now!
I've been told that's a jug-handle turn, although considering his style of riding, it could be called a jughead turn! Seriously, though, it's often called a pedestrian left turn. It's used when a rider lacks the skill or ability to perform a vehicular left turn by signaling, changing lanes and entering the left turn lane.
Good words though I bet he won't bide by them. I've been taking the very narrow (30 mph) lanes here abouts, especially the one where I was run off the road (in a no passing zone) by a tractor trailer. He passed with his cab but moved towards me with the trailer.
You give the motorists an inch and the S.O.B's will take a mile with no regard for other road users.
"this entire lane belongs to you"... not in every state. in my state, cyclists are to keep as far to the right as is safe. not saying you need to be on the shoulder, but you shouldn't be taking up the entire lane. You're also required to display reflective triangles if traveling much slower than the speed limit. Antagonizing people in 3000 pound steel death machines just isn't a good idea.
jmurockstar 2 months ago
@jmurockstar, let me know what state you are in. If you are in the USA, there may be one or two states in which cyclists have unwarranted restrictions. Motor vehicles may be required to display reflective triangles, but it is not a law applicable to bicycles. Few motorists have problems with safe cycling practices. Fewer are antagonized by my riding habits. At least you recognize that some idiots are operating beyond their limits by driving 3000 pounds around for one body.
freddotu 2 months ago
Someone needs to ram you off the road. You drive way to slow.
Bmr4life 2 months ago in playlist More videos from freddotu
@Bmr4life, you have a strong misconception about road use. I do not drive way [too] slow, I operate at my best possible speed. Your ill will upon me is meaningless.
freddotu 2 months ago
get of the damn street!
BadWithNames123 4 months ago in playlist More videos from freddotu
@BadWithNames123, you clearly do not realize that your advice is of no value at all.
freddotu 4 months ago
mate people like you piss of more people than u think look how slow u r going that right there is a driving hazard
mattyboy2611 9 months ago
@mattyboy2611, studies have shown that safe riding practices allow the motorists more reaction time, reducing driver stress and improving safety on the roadway. Many people contend that drivers will be angry, but the reality is the opposite.
freddotu 9 months ago
totally right
Abdelhak92izi 1 year ago
That's good of you to strike up a conversation with him and educate him a bit, i think it goes a long way towards disseminating useful information amongst cyclists.
Gromitdog1 1 year ago
@Gromitdog1, I tried, but have seen the rider numerous times since this video. He still rides on the line and often veers into crosswalks, out of a consistent line of travel, then veers back onto the line on the other side of the intersection.
freddotu 1 year ago
"It's a lot safer"...?
The content of your video clips proves otherwise.
JBofBrisbane 2 years ago
I won't ride in the gutter any longer and a few of my earlier videos are when I was an edge-rider and the close calls were far too frequent. As other skilled riders will attest, it is truly safer to be operating as a proper road user.
freddotu 2 years ago
Where I live, riding in the middle of the lane is dangerous. Motorists will cut you off or harass you alot. I ride in the Right-Third of the lane most of the time. I see few instances where I need to actually take the entire lane...such as very narrow roads. Most roads around here are wide enough to use the Right Third instead of the middle. Let people pass you..dont hold them up. Its just rude. Ride safe!
CycleMan2200 2 years ago
Rude is meaningless when dealing with safety. Striking a person on a bike is rude too, as is passing unsafely close. On four lane roads, people can pass by changing lanes. It's the polite thing to do.
Using the right third of a sub-standard width lane will allow motorists to attempt to overtake you without changing lanes. Your actions put you in danger.
Motorists "harass" me much less when I operate in this manner.
freddotu 2 years ago
Understand that your not going to get every single driver to move over..as most driver's are ignorant and dont know what to do when they see a bicycle in the middle of the road, as they dont know the bicycle laws. Ride in the middle of the lanes as much as you want..just remember you need to let cars by you..as they have places they need to be, just like yourself.
CycleMan2200 2 years ago
There's the myth that's been perpetuated far too long. When I travel on two-lane and multi-lane, sub-standard width lanes, operators of other vehicles do see me. Just as with any other slower vehicle on the road, they change lanes and safely pass, most of the time. Riding too close to the edge of a sub-standard lane invites driver to attempt unsafe passing by not changing lanes.
By performing a lane change and a safe pass, those drivers get where they need to go, just like myself.
freddotu 2 years ago
A big difference in controlling a sub-standard lane is that the driver does not need to become stressed out by performing a dangerous pass without changing lanes, because I've made that choice for him, and I don't have to worry as much about a poorly skilled driver passing dangerously close to me.
I am not an inconsiderate cyclist. On two-lane roads where traffic is so heavy that it collects behind me, I will find a turn-out, let traffic by, and resume my travels. It's rare in my area, however.
freddotu 2 years ago
How wide are the lanes in your area anyways cause it looks like you can move to the Right a bit more. Question, does Florida Law allow you to use the entire lane legally? I know if lanes are real narrow then you should control them, but I feel as if Im delaying other motorists whenever I control narrow lanes, like my street, which is less than 10 feet wide. Its kind of a lose-win situation here..you either delay people or let them by without holding them up. Good or bad choice?
CycleMan2200 2 years ago
Most of the lanes in the areas in which I ride are under 14 feet in width. I do not feel that I am "delaying" other road users, because I am a road user myself. Those road users who have priority over my use of the road are easily identifiable, by flashing lights and sirens and I happily move over for them.
freddotu 2 years ago
My safety is more important than a 30 second or less delay for another road user. It is unfortunate that many people on bikes have developed what is considered inferiority cycling, in that they believe that other road users are more important than their own safety.
freddotu 2 years ago
Its just that where I live riding in the center of lanes is not the smartest thing to do, as driver's here simply do not understand why I use the middle of the road. All they say is get to the right side or get on the sidewalk. Obviously people down there are more used to bicycles, thus they react diffrently.
CycleMan2200 2 years ago
an interesting perspective. I have been stopped by a cop to tell me that drivers are calling the police dept to say there's a yellow bike in the road. The officer said he knew it was not a violation but wanted me to know. Fine, I don't mind at all. It would be smarter for the PD to tell the callers that no law is being broken.
Drivers may be telling me to get off the road or get on the sidewalk, but it does not change my operation. Smarter drivers are now changing lanes well in advance.
freddotu 2 years ago
I use the Right side of the road, at all times, unless im making a Right or Left turn, approaching an intersection or unless the roadway is just too narrow to ride to the side to let cars by safely. Sure your gonna get passed closely sometimes but what do you expect from 4,000 pounds of steel..its gonna happen. I ride to the Right, most people get by without no problems. I was stopped last month for riding in the center of the road, you can see it in my video impeding traffic.
CycleMan2200 2 years ago
@freddotu
I always say: Drive slow and safe and come to your destination or drive reckless and fast just to get there a few minutes earlier ending in a wreck.
Korbs21 2 years ago
the above comment was created by user Cybeq, and was accidentally deleted when I didn't hit Reply correctly.
You've been lucky if you've not had dangerously close passes. If you feel "safer" to the right, you'd be amazed how much safer it is in the lane. Research vehicular cycling, effective cycling, cycling smarts, and you'll learn even more.
freddotu 2 years ago
Unfortunately, he is correct when he says: "cars don't believe that". I know bicycles are legally able to claim the whole lane but I ride just like he does and I even do the jug-handle turn. It's not because I lack the skills to move into the left turn lane, it's because I don't want to put my bike in front of a giant moving hunk of metal. I know what you say is true but it just feels safer to me when I ride as far to the right as I can. So far, I've never been honked at, yelled at, or hit.
freddotu 2 years ago
you can ride the way you do because you have a highly visible, loud colored, and big velomobile even if you don't have a lawyer attached to it.
adrianrubi 2 years ago
I'm sure the velomobile helps, but my wife and I also ride a Screamer in the same manner, as well as my solo Gold Rush Replica. There are a number of Orlando vehicular cyclists who ride safely on conventional upright bicycles.
Prior to learning safe cycling practices, I would get a horn honk or two or more every ride. Controlling the lane affords me one or two honks a week and some are friendly.
freddotu 2 years ago
ok. you still will have to check your rear view mirror all the time coz you still will have drunk drivers.
adrianrubi 2 years ago
I agree that intoxicated operators are a grave danger, to every road user. I would be in greater danger from such a driver at the edge of the lane, as I would be out of his tunnel-vision view. In my younger years, I recall being drunk and having no peripheral vision at all. Being illuminated and in view are my only defenses, along with riding early in the morning and not late in the evening when they are more likely on the roads.
freddotu 2 years ago
more videos can be found at v i m e o d o t com
look for velomobile
freddotu 2 years ago
thanks for the positive comments.
In support of your experience:
Vehicular cycling techniques have not been tried and found difficult. They have been presumed difficult and not tried.
-- P.M. Summer...
freddotu 2 years ago
Keep up the good work freddotu. And your WAW is sweet! I would love to have one some day.
99e39540is 2 years ago
I started comuting three years ago, and I used to ride as close to the shoulder or right side as I could. Close calls with parked cars, opening car doors, and cars trying to squeeze by me where daily. This year, I listened to some more experienced riders then me, that said to "claim your lane", and ride in the center of the lane. In almost 600 miles this year, I have only had maybe 5 close calls. I feel SO much safer now!
99e39540is 2 years ago
What the hell did he do at the end?
daguy1234 2 years ago
I've been told that's a jug-handle turn, although considering his style of riding, it could be called a jughead turn! Seriously, though, it's often called a pedestrian left turn. It's used when a rider lacks the skill or ability to perform a vehicular left turn by signaling, changing lanes and entering the left turn lane.
freddotu 2 years ago
AKA "hook turn".
zoomosis 2 years ago
He thinks it's a bike lane.
pmichaelsummer 2 years ago
Good words though I bet he won't bide by them. I've been taking the very narrow (30 mph) lanes here abouts, especially the one where I was run off the road (in a no passing zone) by a tractor trailer. He passed with his cab but moved towards me with the trailer.
You give the motorists an inch and the S.O.B's will take a mile with no regard for other road users.
Still waiting for my Quest......
MewFushisDad 2 years ago