YOU ARE AN IDIOT FRED. Bicycles are not allowed on freeways. Plain and simple. It takes an idiot to go on roads where the road speed is so high anyway. Whether or not you're riding legally you're riding like an ass. Smarten up. Get yourself an exercise bike and ride in your garage.
@blakestar166, bicycles are not allowed on the interstate highway system in my area. Bicycles have the right to use the roadways everywhere else. In some states, bicyclists are permitted on the interstate highway system.
You don't have a clue. Go find one and play with yourself.
i see someone with too much time on there hands i agree with the bmw guy, he is not a private eye! people only see there side of the story. that little bike/car is unsafe on high speed roads! thx
@magoo1902, this "someone" does not have too much time on their hands, nor does he have too much time on his hands. Because this is the USA, you are welcome to agree with the BMW driver, although he is incorrect. The vehicle I operate is not unsafe on these roads, however that BMW driver is an unsafe driver. It is not a vehicle which determines safety, it is the operator. Place blame on him, not me.
Ok, I agree that the BMW driver was not a model for how we should drive on the road. You, however, are clearly trying to provoke confrontation with the driver and I think that is equally disturbing.
@5jh5, you will note that I did not approach the driver, he approached me. I stopped to photograph his vehicle and registration plate. The rest was up to him.
All I'm gonna say about this after reading your video description and going back a few pages of comments is that you should find a better mode of transportation.
From what I gather is that you are using the law to your advantage. Just because there may or may not be laws concerning minimum speed, or just because 1000s of drivers are able to avoid you, or because you took a safety course does not excuse you from being a hazard on the road.
Because of you, I bet laws will change re. slowmobiles.
@canuckaholic91, you don't recognize that it's not just legal, it's safer for me and easier for the other road users. As long as you don't recognize that fact, proven by many cyclists using these practices, there's no sense in discussing this topic.
I am not a hazard and it is not dangerous and it's unlikely the laws will change, as courts have ruled many times regarding this, in favor of the cyclist.
@freddotu Disagree. It's not safer for you. Regardless of the courses you took, if you were to go 25mph in a car or 25mph in the bike, you'd be safer in the car. If you look at your "another right turn loser", it's also NOT easier for other road users. The truck that passes you on the left was going at speed and HAS to slow down to change over to the left lane. Common sense says that any change of speed from traffic increases the likelihood of accidents. There's no "fact" to recognize here.
@canuckaholic91, The speed change is MUCH greater for more motorists when the cyclist is hugging the edge of the road than it is when the cyclist is properly placed in the lane. By your logic, a greater speed change is more dangerous. Therefore, a gutter-bunny, curb-hugging, striping riding cyclist is in greater danger and creates more trouble. This is my experience as well. If you have not taken the course, or learned the safer method, you would think as you do.
@freddotu regardless of a cyclist at the edge of the road or being in the middle, you are still going at 25mph and the motorists behind you are required to slow down and move to the other lane.
now i'm not sure about where you live, but over here in canada, if there's a cyclist (traditional bicycle) on a lane, regardless of which part it is of the lane, driver's are required to change lanes to pass, which most drivers do.
also my province requires us to know bike safety to drive a car.
@canuckaholic91, there are a few folks from the northern part of north america active in the cycling forums and they also speak of drivers who are safe and courteous and change lanes as is safe. There is nothing wrong with slowing down to change lanes. US law for drivers does not give them rights to unlimited speed, nor unsafe speed. Many drivers, however, learn quickly to change lanes when they see me, well in advance of any need to brake.
The BMW is definitely not practicing safe driving, terrible!! Your vehicle is very neat and a nice alternative to gas powered vehicular transportation, BUT I am sorry I just can not get over how ridiculously dangerous this is on fast roads!
@rockinrobben1, it is a common misconception that one must be traveling at the same speed as other traffic. After four years of riding this velomobile, I have very few incidents of this nature. If you wish to operate safely on roadways in the USA, you can take a Cycling Savvy course or a LAB bike safety course and learn how much safer and how much more enjoyable that cycling can be.
I. No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
II. The minimum speed limit on Interstate and Defense Highways, with at lest 4 lanes, is 40 MPH.
III. A person, driving at less than the normal speed of traffic, shall drive in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadwa
@trailbossbullitt, yes, that's how it works for Motor Vehicles. My velomobile is human powered and the courts have ruled "best speed" is all that is required. Since you can find these statutes, look at 316.2065 (5)(a)(3) and note the segment regarding sub-standard width lanes, which in FL is defined by the DOT as a minimum of 14 feet wide. These roadways are mostly 10-12 feet wide, so the exception applies almost everywhere.
I completely agree with the guy. Say the posted speed limit is 50 you in this stupid tree hugging machine may be doing 20. You are puting your life and other people's lives at risk by being out there. I have lived in FL and with all the old people down there you are really asking to get killed. You want to be on the road, obey all posted signs, it's 50 do the posted speed limit or get off the road. Have you seen minimum speed limit signs before, I sure have because going to slow is just as
@trailbossbullitt, the only location in the USA in which there are minimum speed signs is on interstate highways. As noted before, thousands of other road users have no problem operating safely with my velomobile. Your excuse is not a valid one for clearly-stupid driving behavior. I don't understand why people feel it necessary to defend crappy driving skills.
@trailbossbullitt I stopped reading this comment as soon as I saw the term "stupid tree hugging machine". Those words don't exactly befit a person of intelligence.
that is awesome, i have a few questions. is it mandatory that you use a bicycle travel lane if there is one (in florida)? is that thing maneuverable? Have you ever had somebody not see you and merge into you from the side? Anyone on the road or on the side of the road, needs to be well aware of the risk they take. taking what that guy said and ignoring it is like ignoring 99% of all florida vehicle operators. hell, i get a few people sideswiping me on my bike, but i have a engine and a horn
@Rudywtf, FL does have a MBL law, but it's loaded with exceptions. Few roads in my area have marked bike lanes, and I don't ride in them.
No one has changed lanes into me, but I keep a weather eye out for that at all times. Having a greater difference of speed makes it less likely that someone does not see me. It's an unusual looking vehicle which is to my advantage. If I had a motorcycle, I'd build a shell like this around it. 100+ mpg!
@usagora, I've taken a cycling safety course and also an instructor certification course. Some things are lawful and also very much the right way of doing things. You can reject the instruction I've received, but that doesn't make you any smarter than I. I have no stock-in-trade for dealing with those with closed minds.
@usagora, thousands of capable drivers change lanes safely and continue on their way unimpeded. Unskilled, inconsiderate and/or dangerous drivers get disturbed and nothing will ever change that. I use my vehicle to commute, to "get work done" as you put it, with a minimal impact on the environment. I don't have to justify my use of the roadways, as is my right.
@usagora, bicycles serve a far more useful purpose in transportation than motor vehicles burning polluting petroleum products to move thousands of pounds, often with a single occupant.
@chrisstefanetti1, when any driver blows a horn, I try to wave as wildly as I can, with my full arm. If it's cold and the visor is down, the wave is waived.
@WEREWOLF2K8, it sounds as though the drivers in your area are a bit more dangerous. If the guy in the bmw was a psycho, I would have the plate number at least. I suppose I think that most people are generally good, although the rammer fellow might be exceptional. One video here in my collection is of a driver who intentionally re-entered my lane to perform a close pass. He's the worst yet, but a rarity.
@WEREWOLF2K8, most of the drivers are decent, so it would not be much of a task. I wanted only to get the registration plate number to add to the video. The driver confronting me was a bonus, allowing him to display his recognition of dangerous driving.
@WEREWOLF2K8, the statute numbers are different, obviously, but FL statutes read almost the same as many other states, including California. Note the valid portion as a reply to another one of your comments.
In this state, a sub-standard width lane is a lane that is less than 14 feet wide, per the FL Dept of Transportation. Most of the roadways on which I ride are less than 14 feet wide. There is one segment of roadway that is 16 feet wide with parking and traffic can pass me safely in the lane. All other roadways are not.
This is the exact section that law enforcement officers choose to ignore. Most cyclists allow themselves to be put in danger by riding on the very edge. I do not.
@S1ZZL3, it's a velomobile, a fully enclosed, all-weather human powered vehicle, propelled by pedals and a chain and conventional bicycle gearing. The specific model is WAW but if you search only for velomobile, thousands of hits will be returned.
@KinGzeDK, no trolling involved. When the "ocean" of drivers is as large as it is, the ease of finding inconsiderate and unskilled drivers is quite high. Every ride I make is recorded, but not all are posted, because almost all the drivers are capable of ordinary road use.
If I was driving and you got in front of me I would totally drive over you,that's sure.Then I would put the reverse and go again over you,first gear again and a fucking awesome burnout on your yellow shit.You know that your little yellow toy and yourself haven't got any reason to be on the road.I mean people have jobs to do and running like crazies all day.What are you doing to them?You are a pain in their asses.The wrong thing isn't that they pass from right,it is that they don't pass over you.
@tjqhtjqh, in spite of your unwarranted profanity, I'll let your comment reside here for a short while. I'm not sure why you think someone like you has any greater right to the use of the roadway than I do. The roads have two or more lanes in each direction and intelligent drivers are able to change lanes safely. Your empty threats are simply that, empty of meaning. If your threats were not empty, you would be imprisoned, as you are a danger to society.
@freddotu Of course it was a humorous post of myself,I am not a serial killer and as a driver I am trying to respect cyclists and pedestrians as much as i can.But when i ride my bicycle I feel that I must let the cars pass as I am riding for my fun while they have business to do.So many times I stop at the side of the road (even on a small one way road) to help them pass me.You can't go with that vehicle in fast roads and want the others to respect you the same time you don't respect them.
@tjqhtjqh, many people do not understand how safe cycling works. The very first return from a Google search for "helping motorists with lane positioning" results in a link that shows how well this works. Prior to my training, I would receive a dozen horn honks in a day. Now I receive perhaps one a month. Other road users are able to operate quite well and in many cases, better when they can see the situation more clearly. Some, like in this video, are hopeless.
@SaintDapiea, I wasn't doing anything other than taking photographs, so I had little to worry about. I did, after all, have his license plate number but the cops won't do anything about idiot drivers anyway. He didn't seem to want to call the cops, even though I suggested it.
@DR3AM3R91, I'm operating a velomobile, an all-weather enclosed human powered vehicle. I operate as a cyclist, so it's not so much out of the norm other than appearance. Too many cyclist have been cowered by poor education regarding safe cycling and believe they should be struggling on the edge of the roadway. Since auto drivers are more poorly educated than cyclists, there is a great deal of misconception all around.
Riding this slow thing on the road is no different to, say, wearing a Jewish yamaka in a Palestine restaurant. You have every right as a law-abiding citizen to do it, but the simple fact is it's going to piss people off. It creates tension and unease. I think these videos only demonstrate his lack of care and his determination to force people to slow down to his speed. Which to me is pretty selfish. Stay off the road, for your the safety of yourself and the vast majority of road users. Please.
@TheSmacca, your comments illustrate a number of misconceptions that many people carry with them about roadway speeds. Thousands of drivers are able to make safe lane changes without "getting pissed off" and continue on their way. That's all it takes. Unsafe lane changes, passing on the right, all these things happen to other drivers as well, because there's an idiot driver who won't change his ways.
@freddotu But if a slow car driver posted YouTube videos of other car drivers yelling abuse and honking their horns at him, I'd be inclined to get on here and tell that guy to get off the road too! Regardless of what you think, if a lane change is caused by something that's preventable, it pisses people off. Roadworks, break downs, accidents, slow drivers. On what planet are most people more than happy to merge into a single lane on a busy road?
@TheSmacca, your misconceptions continue. Since I've taken the safe cycling courses, I've found the exact opposite of what you describe. The horn honking has virtually disappeared. Some of my clients will honk and wave as do many people I don't know. Take a look on the commute orlando d o t c o m web site for "Helping Motorists with Lane Positioning" and you'll see how well it works.
Lane changes are unavoidable. I have to change lanes to pass a stopped bus, construction and slow drivers, too.
Because an approaching driver with sufficient skill can see clearly that a lane change is necessary, he can prepare with plenty of time to do so safely. Cyclists who operate on the edge give an unsafe indication that the lane can be occupied by both vehicles which is not true on sub-standard width lanes (<14 ft) which then requires the driver to brake unexpectedly, causing the driver to be unhappy. That does not happen with my riding, other than with unskilled or inconsiderate drivers.
@freddotu The fact you're a pleasant driver, and observe pleasant drivers, isn't evidence that most people in general are happy to change lanes. I'm certainly not alone when I say a lane change on a busy road that could've been preventable fuels (unneccessary) road rage. I'm not the sort of person who would flip you the bird or honk my horn, but that doesn't say I'm not annoyed at having to change my route to suit you. Buses, construction work, merged lanes aren't avoidable. Slow drivers are.
@TheSmacca, I'm astonished at the commenters who purport to represent the entire motoring public, yet neglect to consider that as a road user, I am not provided the same representation. You don't change your route to suit me, you change your route to accomplish your objectives on the roadway. Bicyclists are human beings not worthy of the same consideration as bus drivers and construction workers? That's sad.
It's obvious you are just out to annoy people, but be "well within my right" as an American. Whatever, dude. I hate people like you. "OMG I'M IN PUBLIC I CAN DO WHATEVER." Piss off idiot. Good luck riding that thing when my 1 ton crewcab comes down your lane.
@SUX2BU64, you suggest that you see the "obvious" but I think you are completely oblivious. Since you hate people like me, you must carry a tremendous burden throughout your life. Civilized behavior is uncommon in many pickup truck drivers, as they must have to compensate for other shortcomings. You're blocked, by the way.
"Its disgusting that someone can ride in the middle of the road like that", more like its disgussting that we in the west have to send our people to fight oil wars so tossers can drive around in stupid cars. People should be supporting freddotu for not causing people to have to fight in oil wars, and leaving some oil for future generations. Brainless petrol sniffing morons, they are.
Sorry but as a bicycler, this just seems stupid even to me. I wouldn't want to be out on that road just because of the difference in speed and no bike lane. Sorry, but the laws of physics are not going to favor you in a collision with even with your average small sedan. Vehicles have restrictions where you can be ticketed for going a certain amount below the speed limit (15 below here in Texas if I remember). It seems silly that cars have to abide by this and not this thing you're on.
@OhHeyThereGuy, many cyclists who have not taken a cycling safety course do not understand why this works. I am not in violation of any FL law and courts have ruled similarly in other states, including Texas. Visit
w w w (d o t) c o m m u t e o r l a n d o (d o t) c o m and look for the article "Helping motorists with lane positioning" if you want to see how it works.
It works and it's not stupid. It's easier for motorists and safer for cyclists to operate in this manner.
What is it with motorists that think that it is impinging on their rights because they have to change lanes to pass. I dont understand this, it is extremely selfish!
@KrunchyJD, it's amazing to me too, especially since drivers change lanes every time they drive. Another peculiar aspect is that so many others are willing to defend stupid, dangerous and inconsiderate drivers.
@Cab0cl0, another interesting perspective. The videos I post are of exceptional driver behavior and represents rare circumstances, usually because a driver is unskilled, inconsiderate or simply dangerous. I ride about 6000 miles a year and most of the drivers have zero problems with my use of the roadway. Do you enjoy trolling in comments as a hobby or something?
@freddotu As I see it, you are quite a troll ourself, driving a ridiculous vehicle that occupies a whole lane while unable to develop a speed compatible other vehicles on the road, and them whine and bitch when people are mean to you.
I bet you get a lot of lulz torturing other people on the road and getting satisfaction when people curse and rage at you. Never mind, I can see you do 2:00.
@Cab0cl0, you don't have any idea of the entire picture and you are likely never to recognize it either. Who are you to judge my choice of transportation? People are not mean to me. This video represents an inconsiderate dangerous driver that you don't seem to be able to recognize as such. You don't recognize that these types of drivers are rare on the roadway and feel it necessary to defend them. Go elsewhere to harass someone else.
@Cab0cl0 If you consider riding a bicycle on the roads a form of "torture" for drivers then you have lived an extraordinarily sheltered life. If you really think that having the impression that someone in front of you has delayed you for maybe a whole thirty seconds amounts to real suffering, you might want to venture out into the world a bit more. Just for the record, cyclists do not, in the aggregate, slow down automotive traffic.
@locutas1024, thanks for the supportive comments. When I leave my neighborhood, sometimes I have to take a two-lane road, about a mile in length. If there is another road user "stuck" behind me who is incapable of passing, I've figured that is when he is delayed 30 seconds. Average delay for most road users approaches ten seconds. As you suggest, cyclists do not slow other traffic. I have had to slow as much or more for motor vehicle traffic, but it's part of normal riding.
You know, I do believe you should be allowed and respected to practice your rights as written out by the law. I do. But you go about it with a fundamentalism, not missing a chance to piss other people off by hindering them... I don't like it.
@twsx, that's a very peculiar interpretation. I was traveling on the road. The driver performed a dangerous passing in the right turn only lane. Dangerous and illegal, but that's not the point here. How do you see that I hindered the driver? Hundreds of other drivers performed safe passes in the proper lane, unhindered by my travels. Do you really think that I'd care that you don't like it?
@freddotu I wasn't talking about this particular video. This is one of the more harmless ones. I'm more talking about videos where you're seen traveling in the middle of the middle lane. But hey, your last sentence truely shows what you're about, There is no help for you my friend. You'll continue to incite hatred for no reason. I just hope you won't cross the path of some road raging jackass that'll run you over. Have a nice sunday.
@twsx, if I'm traveling in the middle of the middle lane, it means I'm preparing for a turn, or the right lane becomes a right turn only lane or ceases to exist completely.
My videos incite hatred from people who have nothing better to do than attack me. My replies are at the same level as the original post.
Hundreds of drivers are able to operate on the same roadways with zero problems. Hundreds of people are able to view these videos with zero problems.
hey buddy do you know what all your videos have in common give up you braking the law by going under the min speed limit and blaming other people for going around you or braking the law when you yourself are the problem and know on will see this because it looks like you delete all other comments other than yours
@JSLIM721, You know what your comment has in common with so many of the others posted here? You are just as wrong as they are. FL has no minimum speed limit. I am not breaking the law and you're also correct when you say no one will see this, but those people who might need to see it aren't smart enough to understand it anyway.
I have the FL bike laws memorized and all the motor vehicle laws that apply. I can see you don't.
Wow Fred I'm amazed people actually think slow traffic isn't allowed. I guess road maintenance and agricultural vehicles aren't allowed on the road either then in their mind. Weird.
"If you've got the wheel infront of you, learn how to use it." Is what i tell people that have comments about slow traffic.
Passing on the right is legal in my state. Although we usually don't have right turn only lanes.
Driving, or riding, so slow as to impede the flow of traffic is illegal. On top of that, its a hazard for you. Other drivers, not expecting to encounter such a slow moving vehicle, will have to maneuver around you, endangering them and others as well.
@juarezrt, thank you for another post regarding your incorrect interpretation of what is legal and what is not. Also, your interpretation of what is a hazard to me is incorrect. Hundreds of drivers are able to pass me safely, many of them well in advance. Drivers make lane changes every day and there is no danger. I'm constantly amazed that so many people will defend dangerous drivers in this manner. Perhaps those defenders are equally unskilled and dangerous.
Sir, I can' t speak for your state, but in mine, there are MINIMUM speed limits. That means, you have to be moving at a certain rate of speed in order for you to use the road. Otherwise, you will have to get out of the way.
You don't see the countless people passing and honking at you every time you use your vehicle? Does that not give you a clue that you are moving too slow for the roadway you are using?
I'm not defending dangerous drivers at all. Not sure what you mean by that.
@juarezrt, in the United States, the only roads with minimum speed limits are the interstate highways and other limited access roadways. Perhaps your state is in another country. Countless drivers do pass me, but I rarely get a honk from drivers unless it's a greeting.
In all of the US, the vehicle approaching from behind MUST yield right-of-way to the vehicle ahead, regardless of speed. The vehicle ahead does not "have to get out of the way." Bicycles are vehicles.
"a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway"
A minimum speed limit isn't even required. You MUST move out of the way if you are moving slower than other traffic. The laws in your state may be different.
1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
(5)(a)Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride in the lane marked for bicycle use or, if no lane is marked for bicycle use, as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
3.When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or substandard-width lane, that makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
The above comes from FL 316.2065, specifically section 5(a)(3). A sub-standard width lane is that which is less than 14 feet wide, per the Florida DOT and many other state's DOTs. Almost all of the lanes on which I ride are narrower than 14 feet and most of them are multi-lane roads.
You say I must move out of the way. There is nothing in the quote you provided that states that and all rules of the road are based on the lead vehicle having the right of way. You don't have a clue.
@juarezrt, there is no law requiring me to ride in the bike lane if circumstances represent a safety concern. When I am in a sub-standard width lane, it is a bicycle lane, but not a bicycle only lane. It is unsafe to allow a motor vehicle operator to overtake me within the lane. Lane position enables other road users to recognize the need to change lanes to overtake.
Like I said before, your state may have different laws. In Texas, unless you are in a dedicated bike lane, and we do have those, you are required to move as far right as possible if moving slower than other traffic. There is no provision for substandard width lanes, as their seems to be in Florida. It seems you are in the right to use the whole lane on certain roads in FL, but not in TX.
I still feel that you are putting yourself and motorists in an unsafe situation.
Sec. 551.103. OPERATION ON ROADWAY. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless:
(1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction;
(2) the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway;
(3) a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway; or
(4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is:
(A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or
(B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side.
(b) A person operating a bicycle on a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway.
There's more that does not apply to this discussion.
What part of less than 14 feet wide do you not understand in your own traffic laws? Practicable means able to be practiced SAFELY, it does not mean POSSIBLE.
Look at c y c l i n g s a v v y (d o t) c o m for "Helping motorists with lane positioning" for the reason it's safer.
Look at the same segment of educational material to see why it is truly helpful for motorists and makes riding a bicycle in the lane safer for everyone. If you do not examine the material, you have no foundation on which to base your beliefs. That's fine, but with no foundation, you are merely a nuisance.
Texas allows this type of operation, even if you think otherwise and I'm sure many uninformed uniformed law enforcement officers would believe that, as many here in FL have.
@juarezrt What do the police do when there is a traffic jam. Come over and give everyone a ticket? How do people stop at red lights when there is a minummum speed limit? What you say makes zero sense.
@tankadin5k, it's funny, ignorant cops use a similar scenario and they aren't any more correct than you are. If a truck/bus/taxi swerves, it's clear that they are incapable of properly controlling their vehicle. Other drivers on the road change lanes, they do not swerve. Go troll elsewhere. You are Blocked, blockhead.
@freddotu in my country its illigal to drive so slow in such busy road, and you are arrogant troll fool because you just cant understand that you are causing danger to other drivers... "I can also tag you as an unskilled and incompetent driver" how can you tell him that he is unskilled? driving slow dsnt make you skilled driver so dont judge others, i bet that you cant control car in high speeds, and dangerous situations
@twajumat2, I'm fortunate that I live in a country with more sensible traffic laws for ALL road users. I can assure you that if tankandin5k believes what he posts then he isn't skilled enough to recognize that his impressions are erroneous. You suggest that I not judge others, but those others sure seem to have no problem judging me. If even one of these ignorant posters had taken any cycling safety classes, they would not be ignorant, nor posting such ignorant comments such as yours.
@tankadin5k Any truck, bus or taxi driver who has so little control of their vehicle that they kill a child swerving to miss another road user should at minimum never drive professionally again.In any case, the time has long since come for a culture of safety rather than self-indulgence in the motoring world. If road users operating safely and legally do not immediately jump to get out of the way of your dinosaur burner, that does not make them arrogant.
@tankadin5k, yes, there are a lot of drivers out there who are slow in the head. There are many people who also do not understand about safe cycling practices and are equally slow in the head because they refuse to learn. You need more luck than I.
I drive a MACK and if I come up behind you and you're in the way driving UNSAFELY SLOW...Splat! No more debating! Stay out of the road fool! Or learn the hard way...up to you.
@tankadin5k, yeah good for you. My 21000 miles was all done with pedal power. Keep on burning that fossil fuel until it's all gone, or costs twenty bucks a gallon.
fair enough, we gotta share the road, but its true, when cars are moving that fast, you shouldnt be on those sorts of roads, for your own safety if nothing else.
Suchs that people are such dicks out there, but lets face it, if you are going the speed limit, people get pissed at you lool
@iriddell1, the foundation on which your comments are based is inaccurate. The speed of traffic is not the issue here. The method by which I operate provides the safest way to travel. Only inconsiderate, unskilled and dangerous drivers have a problem with my riding. Thousands of other drivers are able to make a safe lane change. It isn't difficult to put on a turn signal and change lanes, hundreds of people do it every day.
@freddotu hundreds of millions of people do everyday. but when changing lanes from behind a car in the middle lane to the far right lane, as you check your blind spot and move over, you are not expecting a bicycle traveling half your speed to be there. that could cause a whole bunch of problems and maybe even an accident. I would say that 90% of drivers are completely incompetent and do not appreciate the machine they are operating. that being said I just dont want to see a biker get hurt
@iriddell1, what you describe is an illusion or at best, a common misconception. The only way to know how effective safe cycling techniques are is to take a course and experience it directly. There is a tremendously improved level of safety and a very great improvement in riding enjoyment. Web site commuteorlando (d o t) com is filled with useful guidelines and demo videos as well. Look for the link to the cycling savvy site there, too.
@freddotu (ps-i love this debate, thank you :D i am not trolling haha)
i would disagree that it is an illusion. what would be the difference between me in my car traveling 30km/h vs you traveling 30km/h on the same stretch of road? i guess the illusion is the expectation of the familiar; with all vehicle traveling the same speed, you are lulled into a smooth flow, not expecting the sudden decent on a slower vehicle. it is that sudden change in routine that is the danger, you know?
@iriddell1, the illusion or misconception is the description of the other drivers actions. After nearly ten thousand miles of riding in this manner, sixteen thousand km, I can state with confidence that such activities do not happen as you describe. Law enforcement have used the same concept in their discussions with me, and it's no more valid, because it doesn't happen.
@freddotu ok its really simple; traffic is going 80km/h. i am tailing a car, then i change lanes at 80km/h. as i move over and check my blind spots, there is a chance i might not see you on your bike doing 35-40km/h. THAT IS DANGEROUS. I am legally changing lanes, and due to your size and that fact that I dont expects something to be on the road moving that slowly, you are potentially causing a risk. You have to understand that PEOPLE DONT EXPECT YOU TO BE THERE, MOVING SO SLOW. plan and simple!
@iriddell1, you don't understand that what you are describing does not happen. If you are driving in the manner you describe, you have more problems than not seeing a velomobile. You do not ride in the same manner as I, and you have not the experience that I have, nor the training.
Imagining a danger that does not exist is all well and good, but it does not exist.
@freddotu excusing me?! the danger obviously exists!! its like changing lanes into where there is a parked car!!
Fine; you are allowed to be on the roads, but YOU are an obstacle when others are moving much faster than you. Accept it, that is what happens! im not telling you to not ride your bike, im telling you that it is a possible danger to you and others to be moving 40km/h in a 80km/h zone.
Ill prove this if you like by doing exactly that with my car and filming it...
@iriddell1, what you're telling me is that you can go out on your roads and operate in an unsafe manner, by your own words, not properly clearing the lane before you enter it. Blind spots do not exist for properly skilled drivers. You are not a skilled or trained cyclist and have no foundation on which to base your claims.
@iriddell1, sure you can end the discussion. I can also tag you as an unskilled and incompetent driver, especially if you would be unable to manage seeing a velomobile on a roadway traveling at less than the speed of prevailing traffic. Buses, postal vehicles and pedestrians on the roadway must really throw you for a loss.
@doug5790, your purported law of common sense apparently does not take into account that many drivers will not give safe passing clearance to cyclists. A cyclists' law of common sense allows that a ten second delay is a problem only for unskilled, inconsiderate or dangerous drivers. Common sense is an illusion when it comes to motor vehicle operation.
Ambulance shows up at a terrible accident; a BMW has its whole side ripped off. The EMTs approach the driver lying in the road moaning "My Beamer, my Beamer..." One EMT says to the other "I don't believe this guy. Doesn't he realize he's lost his left arm? Driver looks down at the stump and starts screaming "No, NO NO, my Rolex my Rolex..."
@doug5790, you're pretty funny too. You don't know anything about the laws as they pertain to bicycles and motor vehicles and road usage. It's amusing to me that so many people will defend dangerous, inconsiderate and unskilled drivers.
@doug5790 What, he disconnected their brake lines? Welded their throttles open? Cars that can't pass safely or legally should slow down. And as many people have pointed out, in many, perhaps most, North American jurisdictions, no minimum speed exists.
um im not to sure what the law is in your state and not trying to be a dick but were i live to my understanding in order to ride in a motor lane you have to move with the pase of traffic or you have to be in the cycling lane if there is not a cycling lane you must ride in the shoulder but under no circumstance can you hold up traffic but correct me if im wrong
@TheZachCrooks, there is no cycling lane on this roadway. The laws in FL are similar to other states and allow a cyclist the full use of a sub-standard width lane. A sub-standard width lane is less than 14 feet wide. I am permitted to ride on the shoulder, but I am not required to do so. Riding on the shoulder is dangerous and only unskilled cyclists would ride there. I am not holding up traffic. I am traffic. Other road users can change lanes and do so.
Thanks for that info Fred. I'll find that program and take advantage of the info it provides. Keep those cameras rolling. I am surprised that both of you guys stayed as cool as you did. I think your photographs and video give you a lot of power. You are not invading anyone's privacy as long as you are in a public parking lot or on a public road.
Such arrogance. I never cease to be amazed at the self centered nature of people when they get behind a wheel. I don't know if there is any correlation to certain brands or not but one often perceives that. It is a good thing you carry video cameras on your Velomobile to document the absurdity that goes on. I will be honest, I am on your side, but I would be afraid to ride in the auto lanes. I agree that it is probably safer but the real danger is the nut holding the wheel.
@rbrown3rd, there is a cycling education program called Cycling Savvy that goes a long way to teach riders some very good methods to deal with traffic, increasing the safety factor by quite a large amount. The second word contains two "V" and not one "W". The riders on the edge of the road should fear more than they do, but they just don't know it.
That is exactly how American drivers treated my father's Smart car; like crap. Freakin' douche bags in their Beamers and Hummers. I hate those kind of drivers; thinking they're all that.
friend of mine drives a bmw. i wont even drive with him. when hes not swerving in and out of traffic cutting people off not using a signal to get the red light hes texting or on the phone.
my whole thing ill never understand though is cyclists that do drive on the road. i know its legal and you have the right and all but i mean even in my pick up truck i have tailgaters and get cut off everyday i couldnt imagine being on a bike and dealing with the crap you guys deal with :)
@fattpieceofcrap, it's legal, yes, but more important, it's far safer than hugging the curb or being a gutter bunny. Traffic approaching from behind is more able to recognize that a lane change is required, rather than hoping there's room to pass safely and find out at the last second that there is not. Check out commute orlando (d o t) com and look for helping-motorists-with-lane-positioning. Great video clips showing how it works.
@freddotu very good points. i rarely ride my bike to work. its like 5 miles and my problem is i hate riding home cause im so tired from work. anyways out here everyone still rides on the sidewalk i dont know if its legal or not, there are a few bike baths right along the door zones (im sure you know all about those) but stay the heck off those. id just be so worried about being hit from behind from one of these tards
@fattpieceofcrap, being struck from behind while riding a bicycle is one of the rarest forms of crashes. Taking a solid lane position reduces that possibility even more, due to increased visibility to the approaching drivers.
Door zone bike lanes have to be the worst "invention" ever. Bike lanes are a very poor "solution" to increasing cycling, while training and education of both cyclists and drivers would be far more effective.
@freddotu agreed. i wonder if they even talk about cyclists in drivers ed. i dont ever remember hearing anything about it except yeilding to peds. so maybe thats the problem. especially with older people who remember back in the day whenthey all rode on the sidewalk
@freddotu I agree with most things you say feddotu, I even agree on the bike lanes issue, when it comes to "door lane" bike lanes. However from what I have seen Dutch style fully seperated bike lanes are the safest thing around. The Dutch cycle a lot, and most dont even wear helmets. They also have bike lanes that it would be impossible for a driver to hit you in.. :)
@KrunchyJD, the Dutch culture is so much different than that in the USA, specifically in regards to the training and skill that drivers are required to have. Cyclists are also better trained than those in the USA. Recent studies have shown that the bike lanes you describe are not collision free and are still more dangerous than riding on the roadway.
@freddotu You cant argue with the fact that on a per KM basis, and on a per cyclist basis The Netherlands and Denmark, are the safest places in the world to ride a bike. I agree with you in terms of the crappy bike lanes in the USA, and here in Australia. I dont in terms of the fully seperated ones they have in Holland. They even often have their own traffic lights at intersections. Check out DavidHembrow's youtube videos or Markeneli's. You are right though motorists are also more civilised!
@KrunchyJD, The argument that the USA needs a bicycle infrastructure modeled after other countries is what I dispute. I view David Hembrow's videos on a regular basis. The USA has a tremendous network of bicycling infrastructure, it's called roadways. Now that I've taken the training, there are very few places I'm not comfortable riding. I'm realistic enough to recognize that things will not change during my lifetime, so I work within it.
@freddotu It seems though to me that it would be much safer to cycle in The Netherlands. I would certainly feel safer. Here in Australia, drivers are A-holes!
Fred, he's a BMW driver. BMWs seem to attract a larger and average percentage of the world's arseholes, along with Audis.
I'm not saying they're ALL arseholes, far from it. Simply that if we take a look at the correlation of data for arseholes per head of population and cross reference it with the data fir Audi and BMW driver (and Merc drivers now I think of it) then, well let's just say that the venn diagrams would overlap quite a lot.
@leapoffaith20, my experience with BMW drivers appears to match your assessment. There are exceptions, but I'd think not many. Perhaps it's a requirement of purchase.
Well, how does he expect you to ride on the side of the road? That's where he's driving his BMW!
bicostp 1 hour ago
Well how were you supposed to get on the side of the road when he's driving his BMW there?
bicostp 1 hour ago
YOU ARE AN IDIOT FRED. Bicycles are not allowed on freeways. Plain and simple. It takes an idiot to go on roads where the road speed is so high anyway. Whether or not you're riding legally you're riding like an ass. Smarten up. Get yourself an exercise bike and ride in your garage.
blakestar166 3 weeks ago in playlist Uploaded videos 3
@blakestar166, bicycles are not allowed on the interstate highway system in my area. Bicycles have the right to use the roadways everywhere else. In some states, bicyclists are permitted on the interstate highway system.
You don't have a clue. Go find one and play with yourself.
freddotu 3 weeks ago
In none of my videos am I riding on an interstate highway or otherwise limited access road.
freddotu 3 weeks ago
i see someone with too much time on there hands i agree with the bmw guy, he is not a private eye! people only see there side of the story. that little bike/car is unsafe on high speed roads! thx
magoo1902 1 month ago 4
@magoo1902, this "someone" does not have too much time on their hands, nor does he have too much time on his hands. Because this is the USA, you are welcome to agree with the BMW driver, although he is incorrect. The vehicle I operate is not unsafe on these roads, however that BMW driver is an unsafe driver. It is not a vehicle which determines safety, it is the operator. Place blame on him, not me.
freddotu 1 month ago
Ok, I agree that the BMW driver was not a model for how we should drive on the road. You, however, are clearly trying to provoke confrontation with the driver and I think that is equally disturbing.
5jh5 1 month ago 4
@5jh5, you will note that I did not approach the driver, he approached me. I stopped to photograph his vehicle and registration plate. The rest was up to him.
freddotu 1 month ago
All I'm gonna say about this after reading your video description and going back a few pages of comments is that you should find a better mode of transportation.
From what I gather is that you are using the law to your advantage. Just because there may or may not be laws concerning minimum speed, or just because 1000s of drivers are able to avoid you, or because you took a safety course does not excuse you from being a hazard on the road.
Because of you, I bet laws will change re. slowmobiles.
canuckaholic91 1 month ago
@canuckaholic91, you don't recognize that it's not just legal, it's safer for me and easier for the other road users. As long as you don't recognize that fact, proven by many cyclists using these practices, there's no sense in discussing this topic.
I am not a hazard and it is not dangerous and it's unlikely the laws will change, as courts have ruled many times regarding this, in favor of the cyclist.
freddotu 1 month ago
@freddotu Disagree. It's not safer for you. Regardless of the courses you took, if you were to go 25mph in a car or 25mph in the bike, you'd be safer in the car. If you look at your "another right turn loser", it's also NOT easier for other road users. The truck that passes you on the left was going at speed and HAS to slow down to change over to the left lane. Common sense says that any change of speed from traffic increases the likelihood of accidents. There's no "fact" to recognize here.
canuckaholic91 1 month ago
@canuckaholic91, The speed change is MUCH greater for more motorists when the cyclist is hugging the edge of the road than it is when the cyclist is properly placed in the lane. By your logic, a greater speed change is more dangerous. Therefore, a gutter-bunny, curb-hugging, striping riding cyclist is in greater danger and creates more trouble. This is my experience as well. If you have not taken the course, or learned the safer method, you would think as you do.
freddotu 1 month ago
@freddotu regardless of a cyclist at the edge of the road or being in the middle, you are still going at 25mph and the motorists behind you are required to slow down and move to the other lane.
now i'm not sure about where you live, but over here in canada, if there's a cyclist (traditional bicycle) on a lane, regardless of which part it is of the lane, driver's are required to change lanes to pass, which most drivers do.
also my province requires us to know bike safety to drive a car.
canuckaholic91 1 month ago
@canuckaholic91, there are a few folks from the northern part of north america active in the cycling forums and they also speak of drivers who are safe and courteous and change lanes as is safe. There is nothing wrong with slowing down to change lanes. US law for drivers does not give them rights to unlimited speed, nor unsafe speed. Many drivers, however, learn quickly to change lanes when they see me, well in advance of any need to brake.
freddotu 1 month ago
The BMW is definitely not practicing safe driving, terrible!! Your vehicle is very neat and a nice alternative to gas powered vehicular transportation, BUT I am sorry I just can not get over how ridiculously dangerous this is on fast roads!
safe travels
rockinrobben1 2 months ago
@rockinrobben1, it is a common misconception that one must be traveling at the same speed as other traffic. After four years of riding this velomobile, I have very few incidents of this nature. If you wish to operate safely on roadways in the USA, you can take a Cycling Savvy course or a LAB bike safety course and learn how much safer and how much more enjoyable that cycling can be.
freddotu 2 months ago
You might want to review FL minimum speed laws.
Minimum Speed Limit:
I. No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
II. The minimum speed limit on Interstate and Defense Highways, with at lest 4 lanes, is 40 MPH.
III. A person, driving at less than the normal speed of traffic, shall drive in the right-hand lane then available for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadwa
trailbossbullitt 2 months ago
@trailbossbullitt, yes, that's how it works for Motor Vehicles. My velomobile is human powered and the courts have ruled "best speed" is all that is required. Since you can find these statutes, look at 316.2065 (5)(a)(3) and note the segment regarding sub-standard width lanes, which in FL is defined by the DOT as a minimum of 14 feet wide. These roadways are mostly 10-12 feet wide, so the exception applies almost everywhere.
freddotu 2 months ago
I completely agree with the guy. Say the posted speed limit is 50 you in this stupid tree hugging machine may be doing 20. You are puting your life and other people's lives at risk by being out there. I have lived in FL and with all the old people down there you are really asking to get killed. You want to be on the road, obey all posted signs, it's 50 do the posted speed limit or get off the road. Have you seen minimum speed limit signs before, I sure have because going to slow is just as
trailbossbullitt 2 months ago
@trailbossbullitt, the only location in the USA in which there are minimum speed signs is on interstate highways. As noted before, thousands of other road users have no problem operating safely with my velomobile. Your excuse is not a valid one for clearly-stupid driving behavior. I don't understand why people feel it necessary to defend crappy driving skills.
freddotu 2 months ago
@trailbossbullitt I stopped reading this comment as soon as I saw the term "stupid tree hugging machine". Those words don't exactly befit a person of intelligence.
CyclistNH 1 week ago
that is awesome, i have a few questions. is it mandatory that you use a bicycle travel lane if there is one (in florida)? is that thing maneuverable? Have you ever had somebody not see you and merge into you from the side? Anyone on the road or on the side of the road, needs to be well aware of the risk they take. taking what that guy said and ignoring it is like ignoring 99% of all florida vehicle operators. hell, i get a few people sideswiping me on my bike, but i have a engine and a horn
Rudywtf 2 months ago in playlist Uploaded videos
@Rudywtf, FL does have a MBL law, but it's loaded with exceptions. Few roads in my area have marked bike lanes, and I don't ride in them.
No one has changed lanes into me, but I keep a weather eye out for that at all times. Having a greater difference of speed makes it less likely that someone does not see me. It's an unusual looking vehicle which is to my advantage. If I had a motorcycle, I'd build a shell like this around it. 100+ mpg!
freddotu 2 months ago
He is Your Bestfriend with Roid Rage.
sagecreeps 3 months ago
@usagora, this is a useless discussion. it ends now.
freddotu 3 months ago
@usagora, I've taken a cycling safety course and also an instructor certification course. Some things are lawful and also very much the right way of doing things. You can reject the instruction I've received, but that doesn't make you any smarter than I. I have no stock-in-trade for dealing with those with closed minds.
freddotu 3 months ago
@usagora, thousands of capable drivers change lanes safely and continue on their way unimpeded. Unskilled, inconsiderate and/or dangerous drivers get disturbed and nothing will ever change that. I use my vehicle to commute, to "get work done" as you put it, with a minimal impact on the environment. I don't have to justify my use of the roadways, as is my right.
freddotu 3 months ago
@usagora, bicycles serve a far more useful purpose in transportation than motor vehicles burning polluting petroleum products to move thousands of pounds, often with a single occupant.
freddotu 3 months ago
Wow, that Beemer-dude thought that endangering your life was more important than his irritation. What a prick.
CellCoachCom 3 months ago in playlist More videos from freddotu
I liked the part where he beeped his horn and you waved!!
chrisstefanetti1 3 months ago
@chrisstefanetti1, when any driver blows a horn, I try to wave as wildly as I can, with my full arm. If it's cold and the visor is down, the wave is waived.
freddotu 3 months ago
Is he driving the banana boat?
tdoggydog124 4 months ago 2
@WEREWOLF2K8, it sounds as though the drivers in your area are a bit more dangerous. If the guy in the bmw was a psycho, I would have the plate number at least. I suppose I think that most people are generally good, although the rammer fellow might be exceptional. One video here in my collection is of a driver who intentionally re-entered my lane to perform a close pass. He's the worst yet, but a rarity.
freddotu 4 months ago
@WEREWOLF2K8, most of the drivers are decent, so it would not be much of a task. I wanted only to get the registration plate number to add to the video. The driver confronting me was a bonus, allowing him to display his recognition of dangerous driving.
freddotu 4 months ago
@WEREWOLF2K8, the statute numbers are different, obviously, but FL statutes read almost the same as many other states, including California. Note the valid portion as a reply to another one of your comments.
freddotu 4 months ago
In this state, a sub-standard width lane is a lane that is less than 14 feet wide, per the FL Dept of Transportation. Most of the roadways on which I ride are less than 14 feet wide. There is one segment of roadway that is 16 feet wide with parking and traffic can pass me safely in the lane. All other roadways are not.
This is the exact section that law enforcement officers choose to ignore. Most cyclists allow themselves to be put in danger by riding on the very edge. I do not.
freddotu 4 months ago
what are you in man wtf, is that a bike??
S1ZZL3 4 months ago
@S1ZZL3, it's a velomobile, a fully enclosed, all-weather human powered vehicle, propelled by pedals and a chain and conventional bicycle gearing. The specific model is WAW but if you search only for velomobile, thousands of hits will be returned.
freddotu 4 months ago
BMW drivers are fruitloops over here too. It's like they're possessed by something.
asifiwould2 4 months ago
lol dude.. You´re like an internet troll, just on the road. A road troll perhaps?
KinGzeDK 4 months ago
@KinGzeDK, no trolling involved. When the "ocean" of drivers is as large as it is, the ease of finding inconsiderate and unskilled drivers is quite high. Every ride I make is recorded, but not all are posted, because almost all the drivers are capable of ordinary road use.
freddotu 4 months ago
If I was driving and you got in front of me I would totally drive over you,that's sure.Then I would put the reverse and go again over you,first gear again and a fucking awesome burnout on your yellow shit.You know that your little yellow toy and yourself haven't got any reason to be on the road.I mean people have jobs to do and running like crazies all day.What are you doing to them?You are a pain in their asses.The wrong thing isn't that they pass from right,it is that they don't pass over you.
tjqhtjqh 5 months ago 2
@tjqhtjqh, in spite of your unwarranted profanity, I'll let your comment reside here for a short while. I'm not sure why you think someone like you has any greater right to the use of the roadway than I do. The roads have two or more lanes in each direction and intelligent drivers are able to change lanes safely. Your empty threats are simply that, empty of meaning. If your threats were not empty, you would be imprisoned, as you are a danger to society.
freddotu 5 months ago
@freddotu Of course it was a humorous post of myself,I am not a serial killer and as a driver I am trying to respect cyclists and pedestrians as much as i can.But when i ride my bicycle I feel that I must let the cars pass as I am riding for my fun while they have business to do.So many times I stop at the side of the road (even on a small one way road) to help them pass me.You can't go with that vehicle in fast roads and want the others to respect you the same time you don't respect them.
tjqhtjqh 5 months ago
@tjqhtjqh, many people do not understand how safe cycling works. The very first return from a Google search for "helping motorists with lane positioning" results in a link that shows how well this works. Prior to my training, I would receive a dozen horn honks in a day. Now I receive perhaps one a month. Other road users are able to operate quite well and in many cases, better when they can see the situation more clearly. Some, like in this video, are hopeless.
freddotu 5 months ago
smug alert!
amberTrichome 5 months ago
If he walked up to me I would have gotten out of there as fast as I could.
SaintDapiea 5 months ago
@SaintDapiea, I wasn't doing anything other than taking photographs, so I had little to worry about. I did, after all, have his license plate number but the cops won't do anything about idiot drivers anyway. He didn't seem to want to call the cops, even though I suggested it.
freddotu 5 months ago
Question. What are you riding on? I respect what your doing. Why must we adapt to the "norm"? Why can't the "norm" adapt to us?
DR3AM3R91 5 months ago
@DR3AM3R91, I'm operating a velomobile, an all-weather enclosed human powered vehicle. I operate as a cyclist, so it's not so much out of the norm other than appearance. Too many cyclist have been cowered by poor education regarding safe cycling and believe they should be struggling on the edge of the roadway. Since auto drivers are more poorly educated than cyclists, there is a great deal of misconception all around.
freddotu 5 months ago
Riding this slow thing on the road is no different to, say, wearing a Jewish yamaka in a Palestine restaurant. You have every right as a law-abiding citizen to do it, but the simple fact is it's going to piss people off. It creates tension and unease. I think these videos only demonstrate his lack of care and his determination to force people to slow down to his speed. Which to me is pretty selfish. Stay off the road, for your the safety of yourself and the vast majority of road users. Please.
TheSmacca 5 months ago
@TheSmacca, your comments illustrate a number of misconceptions that many people carry with them about roadway speeds. Thousands of drivers are able to make safe lane changes without "getting pissed off" and continue on their way. That's all it takes. Unsafe lane changes, passing on the right, all these things happen to other drivers as well, because there's an idiot driver who won't change his ways.
freddotu 5 months ago
@freddotu But if a slow car driver posted YouTube videos of other car drivers yelling abuse and honking their horns at him, I'd be inclined to get on here and tell that guy to get off the road too! Regardless of what you think, if a lane change is caused by something that's preventable, it pisses people off. Roadworks, break downs, accidents, slow drivers. On what planet are most people more than happy to merge into a single lane on a busy road?
TheSmacca 5 months ago
@TheSmacca, your misconceptions continue. Since I've taken the safe cycling courses, I've found the exact opposite of what you describe. The horn honking has virtually disappeared. Some of my clients will honk and wave as do many people I don't know. Take a look on the commute orlando d o t c o m web site for "Helping Motorists with Lane Positioning" and you'll see how well it works.
Lane changes are unavoidable. I have to change lanes to pass a stopped bus, construction and slow drivers, too.
freddotu 5 months ago
Because an approaching driver with sufficient skill can see clearly that a lane change is necessary, he can prepare with plenty of time to do so safely. Cyclists who operate on the edge give an unsafe indication that the lane can be occupied by both vehicles which is not true on sub-standard width lanes (<14 ft) which then requires the driver to brake unexpectedly, causing the driver to be unhappy. That does not happen with my riding, other than with unskilled or inconsiderate drivers.
freddotu 5 months ago
@freddotu The fact you're a pleasant driver, and observe pleasant drivers, isn't evidence that most people in general are happy to change lanes. I'm certainly not alone when I say a lane change on a busy road that could've been preventable fuels (unneccessary) road rage. I'm not the sort of person who would flip you the bird or honk my horn, but that doesn't say I'm not annoyed at having to change my route to suit you. Buses, construction work, merged lanes aren't avoidable. Slow drivers are.
TheSmacca 4 months ago
@TheSmacca, I'm astonished at the commenters who purport to represent the entire motoring public, yet neglect to consider that as a road user, I am not provided the same representation. You don't change your route to suit me, you change your route to accomplish your objectives on the roadway. Bicyclists are human beings not worthy of the same consideration as bus drivers and construction workers? That's sad.
freddotu 4 months ago
@TheSmacca I also want to say, I admire your willingness to debate the subject, and appreciate you approving my comments.
TheSmacca 4 months ago
It's obvious you are just out to annoy people, but be "well within my right" as an American. Whatever, dude. I hate people like you. "OMG I'M IN PUBLIC I CAN DO WHATEVER." Piss off idiot. Good luck riding that thing when my 1 ton crewcab comes down your lane.
SUX2BU64 5 months ago
@SUX2BU64, you suggest that you see the "obvious" but I think you are completely oblivious. Since you hate people like me, you must carry a tremendous burden throughout your life. Civilized behavior is uncommon in many pickup truck drivers, as they must have to compensate for other shortcomings. You're blocked, by the way.
freddotu 5 months ago
"Its disgusting that someone can ride in the middle of the road like that", more like its disgussting that we in the west have to send our people to fight oil wars so tossers can drive around in stupid cars. People should be supporting freddotu for not causing people to have to fight in oil wars, and leaving some oil for future generations. Brainless petrol sniffing morons, they are.
KrunchyJD 5 months ago
Sorry but as a bicycler, this just seems stupid even to me. I wouldn't want to be out on that road just because of the difference in speed and no bike lane. Sorry, but the laws of physics are not going to favor you in a collision with even with your average small sedan. Vehicles have restrictions where you can be ticketed for going a certain amount below the speed limit (15 below here in Texas if I remember). It seems silly that cars have to abide by this and not this thing you're on.
OhHeyThereGuy 5 months ago
@OhHeyThereGuy, many cyclists who have not taken a cycling safety course do not understand why this works. I am not in violation of any FL law and courts have ruled similarly in other states, including Texas. Visit
w w w (d o t) c o m m u t e o r l a n d o (d o t) c o m and look for the article "Helping motorists with lane positioning" if you want to see how it works.
It works and it's not stupid. It's easier for motorists and safer for cyclists to operate in this manner.
freddotu 5 months ago
What is it with motorists that think that it is impinging on their rights because they have to change lanes to pass. I dont understand this, it is extremely selfish!
KrunchyJD 6 months ago
@KrunchyJD, it's amazing to me too, especially since drivers change lanes every time they drive. Another peculiar aspect is that so many others are willing to defend stupid, dangerous and inconsiderate drivers.
freddotu 6 months ago
Do you enjoy being a nuisance in the road like a hobby or something?
Cab0cl0 6 months ago
@Cab0cl0, another interesting perspective. The videos I post are of exceptional driver behavior and represents rare circumstances, usually because a driver is unskilled, inconsiderate or simply dangerous. I ride about 6000 miles a year and most of the drivers have zero problems with my use of the roadway. Do you enjoy trolling in comments as a hobby or something?
freddotu 6 months ago
@freddotu As I see it, you are quite a troll ourself, driving a ridiculous vehicle that occupies a whole lane while unable to develop a speed compatible other vehicles on the road, and them whine and bitch when people are mean to you.
I bet you get a lot of lulz torturing other people on the road and getting satisfaction when people curse and rage at you. Never mind, I can see you do 2:00.
Cab0cl0 6 months ago
@Cab0cl0, you don't have any idea of the entire picture and you are likely never to recognize it either. Who are you to judge my choice of transportation? People are not mean to me. This video represents an inconsiderate dangerous driver that you don't seem to be able to recognize as such. You don't recognize that these types of drivers are rare on the roadway and feel it necessary to defend them. Go elsewhere to harass someone else.
freddotu 6 months ago
@Cab0cl0 If you consider riding a bicycle on the roads a form of "torture" for drivers then you have lived an extraordinarily sheltered life. If you really think that having the impression that someone in front of you has delayed you for maybe a whole thirty seconds amounts to real suffering, you might want to venture out into the world a bit more. Just for the record, cyclists do not, in the aggregate, slow down automotive traffic.
locutas1024 6 months ago
@locutas1024, thanks for the supportive comments. When I leave my neighborhood, sometimes I have to take a two-lane road, about a mile in length. If there is another road user "stuck" behind me who is incapable of passing, I've figured that is when he is delayed 30 seconds. Average delay for most road users approaches ten seconds. As you suggest, cyclists do not slow other traffic. I have had to slow as much or more for motor vehicle traffic, but it's part of normal riding.
freddotu 6 months ago
You know, I do believe you should be allowed and respected to practice your rights as written out by the law. I do. But you go about it with a fundamentalism, not missing a chance to piss other people off by hindering them... I don't like it.
twsx 6 months ago
@twsx, that's a very peculiar interpretation. I was traveling on the road. The driver performed a dangerous passing in the right turn only lane. Dangerous and illegal, but that's not the point here. How do you see that I hindered the driver? Hundreds of other drivers performed safe passes in the proper lane, unhindered by my travels. Do you really think that I'd care that you don't like it?
freddotu 6 months ago
@freddotu I wasn't talking about this particular video. This is one of the more harmless ones. I'm more talking about videos where you're seen traveling in the middle of the middle lane. But hey, your last sentence truely shows what you're about, There is no help for you my friend. You'll continue to incite hatred for no reason. I just hope you won't cross the path of some road raging jackass that'll run you over. Have a nice sunday.
twsx 6 months ago
@twsx, if I'm traveling in the middle of the middle lane, it means I'm preparing for a turn, or the right lane becomes a right turn only lane or ceases to exist completely.
My videos incite hatred from people who have nothing better to do than attack me. My replies are at the same level as the original post.
Hundreds of drivers are able to operate on the same roadways with zero problems. Hundreds of people are able to view these videos with zero problems.
freddotu 6 months ago
Car drivers are tosser idiots. Bring on peak oil, watch the bastards moan, and whinge.
KrunchyJD 6 months ago
hey buddy do you know what all your videos have in common give up you braking the law by going under the min speed limit and blaming other people for going around you or braking the law when you yourself are the problem and know on will see this because it looks like you delete all other comments other than yours
JSLIM721 6 months ago
@JSLIM721, You know what your comment has in common with so many of the others posted here? You are just as wrong as they are. FL has no minimum speed limit. I am not breaking the law and you're also correct when you say no one will see this, but those people who might need to see it aren't smart enough to understand it anyway.
I have the FL bike laws memorized and all the motor vehicle laws that apply. I can see you don't.
freddotu 6 months ago
Wow Fred I'm amazed people actually think slow traffic isn't allowed. I guess road maintenance and agricultural vehicles aren't allowed on the road either then in their mind. Weird.
"If you've got the wheel infront of you, learn how to use it." Is what i tell people that have comments about slow traffic.
WaterFall1973 6 months ago
Passing on the right is legal in my state. Although we usually don't have right turn only lanes.
Driving, or riding, so slow as to impede the flow of traffic is illegal. On top of that, its a hazard for you. Other drivers, not expecting to encounter such a slow moving vehicle, will have to maneuver around you, endangering them and others as well.
juarezrt 6 months ago
@juarezrt, thank you for another post regarding your incorrect interpretation of what is legal and what is not. Also, your interpretation of what is a hazard to me is incorrect. Hundreds of drivers are able to pass me safely, many of them well in advance. Drivers make lane changes every day and there is no danger. I'm constantly amazed that so many people will defend dangerous drivers in this manner. Perhaps those defenders are equally unskilled and dangerous.
freddotu 6 months ago
@freddotu
Sir, I can' t speak for your state, but in mine, there are MINIMUM speed limits. That means, you have to be moving at a certain rate of speed in order for you to use the road. Otherwise, you will have to get out of the way.
You don't see the countless people passing and honking at you every time you use your vehicle? Does that not give you a clue that you are moving too slow for the roadway you are using?
I'm not defending dangerous drivers at all. Not sure what you mean by that.
juarezrt 6 months ago
@juarezrt, in the United States, the only roads with minimum speed limits are the interstate highways and other limited access roadways. Perhaps your state is in another country. Countless drivers do pass me, but I rarely get a honk from drivers unless it's a greeting.
In all of the US, the vehicle approaching from behind MUST yield right-of-way to the vehicle ahead, regardless of speed. The vehicle ahead does not "have to get out of the way." Bicycles are vehicles.
freddotu 6 months ago
@freddotu
Texas Transportation Code, Sec. 551.103.(a)
"a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway"
A minimum speed limit isn't even required. You MUST move out of the way if you are moving slower than other traffic. The laws in your state may be different.
Is your vehicle not considered a bicycle?
juarezrt 6 months ago
1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
freddotu 6 months ago
(5)(a)Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride in the lane marked for bicycle use or, if no lane is marked for bicycle use, as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
freddotu 6 months ago
1.When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
2.When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
freddotu 6 months ago
3.When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or substandard-width lane, that makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
freddotu 6 months ago
The above comes from FL 316.2065, specifically section 5(a)(3). A sub-standard width lane is that which is less than 14 feet wide, per the Florida DOT and many other state's DOTs. Almost all of the lanes on which I ride are narrower than 14 feet and most of them are multi-lane roads.
You say I must move out of the way. There is nothing in the quote you provided that states that and all rules of the road are based on the lead vehicle having the right of way. You don't have a clue.
freddotu 6 months ago
@freddotu "...if no lane is marked for bicycle use, as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway..."
Were you riding in bicycle only lane?
juarezrt 6 months ago
@juarezrt, there is no law requiring me to ride in the bike lane if circumstances represent a safety concern. When I am in a sub-standard width lane, it is a bicycle lane, but not a bicycle only lane. It is unsafe to allow a motor vehicle operator to overtake me within the lane. Lane position enables other road users to recognize the need to change lanes to overtake.
freddotu 6 months ago
@freddotu
Like I said before, your state may have different laws. In Texas, unless you are in a dedicated bike lane, and we do have those, you are required to move as far right as possible if moving slower than other traffic. There is no provision for substandard width lanes, as their seems to be in Florida. It seems you are in the right to use the whole lane on certain roads in FL, but not in TX.
I still feel that you are putting yourself and motorists in an unsafe situation.
juarezrt 6 months ago
From texas statutes:
Sec. 551.103. OPERATION ON ROADWAY. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower than the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway, unless:
(1) the person is passing another vehicle moving in the same direction;
(2) the person is preparing to turn left at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway;
More to follow
freddotu 6 months ago
(3) a condition on or of the roadway, including a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard prevents the person from safely riding next to the right curb or edge of the roadway; or
(4) the person is operating a bicycle in an outside lane that is:
(A) less than 14 feet in width and does not have a designated bicycle lane adjacent to that lane; or
(B) too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side.
More to follow
freddotu 6 months ago
(b) A person operating a bicycle on a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near as practicable to the left curb or edge of the roadway.
There's more that does not apply to this discussion.
What part of less than 14 feet wide do you not understand in your own traffic laws? Practicable means able to be practiced SAFELY, it does not mean POSSIBLE.
Look at c y c l i n g s a v v y (d o t) c o m for "Helping motorists with lane positioning" for the reason it's safer.
freddotu 6 months ago
Look at the same segment of educational material to see why it is truly helpful for motorists and makes riding a bicycle in the lane safer for everyone. If you do not examine the material, you have no foundation on which to base your beliefs. That's fine, but with no foundation, you are merely a nuisance.
Texas allows this type of operation, even if you think otherwise and I'm sure many uninformed uniformed law enforcement officers would believe that, as many here in FL have.
freddotu 6 months ago
@juarezrt What do the police do when there is a traffic jam. Come over and give everyone a ticket? How do people stop at red lights when there is a minummum speed limit? What you say makes zero sense.
KrunchyJD 5 months ago
When a truck/bus/taxi swerves to miss you and kills a child maybe you'll change your arrogant ways.
tankadin5k 7 months ago
@tankadin5k, it's funny, ignorant cops use a similar scenario and they aren't any more correct than you are. If a truck/bus/taxi swerves, it's clear that they are incapable of properly controlling their vehicle. Other drivers on the road change lanes, they do not swerve. Go troll elsewhere. You are Blocked, blockhead.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu in my country its illigal to drive so slow in such busy road, and you are arrogant troll fool because you just cant understand that you are causing danger to other drivers... "I can also tag you as an unskilled and incompetent driver" how can you tell him that he is unskilled? driving slow dsnt make you skilled driver so dont judge others, i bet that you cant control car in high speeds, and dangerous situations
twajumat2 6 months ago
@twajumat2, I'm fortunate that I live in a country with more sensible traffic laws for ALL road users. I can assure you that if tankandin5k believes what he posts then he isn't skilled enough to recognize that his impressions are erroneous. You suggest that I not judge others, but those others sure seem to have no problem judging me. If even one of these ignorant posters had taken any cycling safety classes, they would not be ignorant, nor posting such ignorant comments such as yours.
freddotu 6 months ago
@tankadin5k Any truck, bus or taxi driver who has so little control of their vehicle that they kill a child swerving to miss another road user should at minimum never drive professionally again.In any case, the time has long since come for a culture of safety rather than self-indulgence in the motoring world. If road users operating safely and legally do not immediately jump to get out of the way of your dinosaur burner, that does not make them arrogant.
locutas1024 6 months ago
just hate to see people get hurt because they're slow in the head....good luck!
tankadin5k 7 months ago
@tankadin5k, yes, there are a lot of drivers out there who are slow in the head. There are many people who also do not understand about safe cycling practices and are equally slow in the head because they refuse to learn. You need more luck than I.
freddotu 7 months ago
I drive a MACK and if I come up behind you and you're in the way driving UNSAFELY SLOW...Splat! No more debating! Stay out of the road fool! Or learn the hard way...up to you.
tankadin5k 7 months ago
@tankadin5k, you sure do talk big. Twenty one thousand miles says otherwise. If you have homicidal tendencies, you should not be driving.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu 21,000 miles...lmao i drive that in a month
tankadin5k 7 months ago
@tankadin5k, yeah good for you. My 21000 miles was all done with pedal power. Keep on burning that fossil fuel until it's all gone, or costs twenty bucks a gallon.
freddotu 7 months ago
fair enough, we gotta share the road, but its true, when cars are moving that fast, you shouldnt be on those sorts of roads, for your own safety if nothing else.
Suchs that people are such dicks out there, but lets face it, if you are going the speed limit, people get pissed at you lool
iriddell1 7 months ago
@iriddell1, the foundation on which your comments are based is inaccurate. The speed of traffic is not the issue here. The method by which I operate provides the safest way to travel. Only inconsiderate, unskilled and dangerous drivers have a problem with my riding. Thousands of other drivers are able to make a safe lane change. It isn't difficult to put on a turn signal and change lanes, hundreds of people do it every day.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu hundreds of millions of people do everyday. but when changing lanes from behind a car in the middle lane to the far right lane, as you check your blind spot and move over, you are not expecting a bicycle traveling half your speed to be there. that could cause a whole bunch of problems and maybe even an accident. I would say that 90% of drivers are completely incompetent and do not appreciate the machine they are operating. that being said I just dont want to see a biker get hurt
iriddell1 7 months ago
@iriddell1, what you describe is an illusion or at best, a common misconception. The only way to know how effective safe cycling techniques are is to take a course and experience it directly. There is a tremendously improved level of safety and a very great improvement in riding enjoyment. Web site commuteorlando (d o t) com is filled with useful guidelines and demo videos as well. Look for the link to the cycling savvy site there, too.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu (ps-i love this debate, thank you :D i am not trolling haha)
i would disagree that it is an illusion. what would be the difference between me in my car traveling 30km/h vs you traveling 30km/h on the same stretch of road? i guess the illusion is the expectation of the familiar; with all vehicle traveling the same speed, you are lulled into a smooth flow, not expecting the sudden decent on a slower vehicle. it is that sudden change in routine that is the danger, you know?
iriddell1 7 months ago
@iriddell1, the illusion or misconception is the description of the other drivers actions. After nearly ten thousand miles of riding in this manner, sixteen thousand km, I can state with confidence that such activities do not happen as you describe. Law enforcement have used the same concept in their discussions with me, and it's no more valid, because it doesn't happen.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu ok its really simple; traffic is going 80km/h. i am tailing a car, then i change lanes at 80km/h. as i move over and check my blind spots, there is a chance i might not see you on your bike doing 35-40km/h. THAT IS DANGEROUS. I am legally changing lanes, and due to your size and that fact that I dont expects something to be on the road moving that slowly, you are potentially causing a risk. You have to understand that PEOPLE DONT EXPECT YOU TO BE THERE, MOVING SO SLOW. plan and simple!
iriddell1 7 months ago
@iriddell1, you don't understand that what you are describing does not happen. If you are driving in the manner you describe, you have more problems than not seeing a velomobile. You do not ride in the same manner as I, and you have not the experience that I have, nor the training.
Imagining a danger that does not exist is all well and good, but it does not exist.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu excusing me?! the danger obviously exists!! its like changing lanes into where there is a parked car!!
Fine; you are allowed to be on the roads, but YOU are an obstacle when others are moving much faster than you. Accept it, that is what happens! im not telling you to not ride your bike, im telling you that it is a possible danger to you and others to be moving 40km/h in a 80km/h zone.
Ill prove this if you like by doing exactly that with my car and filming it...
iriddell1 7 months ago
@iriddell1, what you're telling me is that you can go out on your roads and operate in an unsafe manner, by your own words, not properly clearing the lane before you enter it. Blind spots do not exist for properly skilled drivers. You are not a skilled or trained cyclist and have no foundation on which to base your claims.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu im saying when you dont expect something, it causes a threat! you are not being considerate, end of discussion.
iriddell1 7 months ago
@iriddell1, sure you can end the discussion. I can also tag you as an unskilled and incompetent driver, especially if you would be unable to manage seeing a velomobile on a roadway traveling at less than the speed of prevailing traffic. Buses, postal vehicles and pedestrians on the roadway must really throw you for a loss.
freddotu 7 months ago
There is always the Law of Common Sense.
doug5790 7 months ago
@doug5790, your purported law of common sense apparently does not take into account that many drivers will not give safe passing clearance to cyclists. A cyclists' law of common sense allows that a ten second delay is a problem only for unskilled, inconsiderate or dangerous drivers. Common sense is an illusion when it comes to motor vehicle operation.
freddotu 7 months ago
Ambulance shows up at a terrible accident; a BMW has its whole side ripped off. The EMTs approach the driver lying in the road moaning "My Beamer, my Beamer..." One EMT says to the other "I don't believe this guy. Doesn't he realize he's lost his left arm? Driver looks down at the stump and starts screaming "No, NO NO, my Rolex my Rolex..."
locutas1024 7 months ago
@locutas1024, that's great! Thanks for the laugh.
freddotu 7 months ago
driving 20 mph in a 50 is just as illegal. AND much more dangerous. You cause people to swerve around you and pass you on the wrong side.
doug5790 7 months ago
@doug5790, you're pretty funny too. You don't know anything about the laws as they pertain to bicycles and motor vehicles and road usage. It's amusing to me that so many people will defend dangerous, inconsiderate and unskilled drivers.
freddotu 7 months ago
@doug5790 What, he disconnected their brake lines? Welded their throttles open? Cars that can't pass safely or legally should slow down. And as many people have pointed out, in many, perhaps most, North American jurisdictions, no minimum speed exists.
locutas1024 6 months ago
um im not to sure what the law is in your state and not trying to be a dick but were i live to my understanding in order to ride in a motor lane you have to move with the pase of traffic or you have to be in the cycling lane if there is not a cycling lane you must ride in the shoulder but under no circumstance can you hold up traffic but correct me if im wrong
TheZachCrooks 7 months ago
@TheZachCrooks, there is no cycling lane on this roadway. The laws in FL are similar to other states and allow a cyclist the full use of a sub-standard width lane. A sub-standard width lane is less than 14 feet wide. I am permitted to ride on the shoulder, but I am not required to do so. Riding on the shoulder is dangerous and only unskilled cyclists would ride there. I am not holding up traffic. I am traffic. Other road users can change lanes and do so.
freddotu 7 months ago
Thanks for that info Fred. I'll find that program and take advantage of the info it provides. Keep those cameras rolling. I am surprised that both of you guys stayed as cool as you did. I think your photographs and video give you a lot of power. You are not invading anyone's privacy as long as you are in a public parking lot or on a public road.
rbrown3rd 7 months ago
Such arrogance. I never cease to be amazed at the self centered nature of people when they get behind a wheel. I don't know if there is any correlation to certain brands or not but one often perceives that. It is a good thing you carry video cameras on your Velomobile to document the absurdity that goes on. I will be honest, I am on your side, but I would be afraid to ride in the auto lanes. I agree that it is probably safer but the real danger is the nut holding the wheel.
rbrown3rd 7 months ago
@rbrown3rd, there is a cycling education program called Cycling Savvy that goes a long way to teach riders some very good methods to deal with traffic, increasing the safety factor by quite a large amount. The second word contains two "V" and not one "W". The riders on the edge of the road should fear more than they do, but they just don't know it.
freddotu 7 months ago
Wow, what a nutjob. I'm slightly disappointed you didn't tell him to search his rego on youtube, or that he is on video.
Great video of life on the road, as usual!
CyclingMikey 7 months ago
That is exactly how American drivers treated my father's Smart car; like crap. Freakin' douche bags in their Beamers and Hummers. I hate those kind of drivers; thinking they're all that.
MyriadesusTV 7 months ago
What a wanka, and in a BMW, anyone shocked? :-)
I think even BMW drivers must have picked up on the standard of driving of the average BMW driver
TheVexatiousLitigant 7 months ago
friend of mine drives a bmw. i wont even drive with him. when hes not swerving in and out of traffic cutting people off not using a signal to get the red light hes texting or on the phone.
my whole thing ill never understand though is cyclists that do drive on the road. i know its legal and you have the right and all but i mean even in my pick up truck i have tailgaters and get cut off everyday i couldnt imagine being on a bike and dealing with the crap you guys deal with :)
fattpieceofcrap 7 months ago
@fattpieceofcrap, it's legal, yes, but more important, it's far safer than hugging the curb or being a gutter bunny. Traffic approaching from behind is more able to recognize that a lane change is required, rather than hoping there's room to pass safely and find out at the last second that there is not. Check out commute orlando (d o t) com and look for helping-motorists-with-lane-positioning. Great video clips showing how it works.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu very good points. i rarely ride my bike to work. its like 5 miles and my problem is i hate riding home cause im so tired from work. anyways out here everyone still rides on the sidewalk i dont know if its legal or not, there are a few bike baths right along the door zones (im sure you know all about those) but stay the heck off those. id just be so worried about being hit from behind from one of these tards
fattpieceofcrap 7 months ago
@fattpieceofcrap, being struck from behind while riding a bicycle is one of the rarest forms of crashes. Taking a solid lane position reduces that possibility even more, due to increased visibility to the approaching drivers.
Door zone bike lanes have to be the worst "invention" ever. Bike lanes are a very poor "solution" to increasing cycling, while training and education of both cyclists and drivers would be far more effective.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu agreed. i wonder if they even talk about cyclists in drivers ed. i dont ever remember hearing anything about it except yeilding to peds. so maybe thats the problem. especially with older people who remember back in the day whenthey all rode on the sidewalk
fattpieceofcrap 7 months ago
@freddotu I agree with most things you say feddotu, I even agree on the bike lanes issue, when it comes to "door lane" bike lanes. However from what I have seen Dutch style fully seperated bike lanes are the safest thing around. The Dutch cycle a lot, and most dont even wear helmets. They also have bike lanes that it would be impossible for a driver to hit you in.. :)
KrunchyJD 7 months ago
@KrunchyJD, the Dutch culture is so much different than that in the USA, specifically in regards to the training and skill that drivers are required to have. Cyclists are also better trained than those in the USA. Recent studies have shown that the bike lanes you describe are not collision free and are still more dangerous than riding on the roadway.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu You cant argue with the fact that on a per KM basis, and on a per cyclist basis The Netherlands and Denmark, are the safest places in the world to ride a bike. I agree with you in terms of the crappy bike lanes in the USA, and here in Australia. I dont in terms of the fully seperated ones they have in Holland. They even often have their own traffic lights at intersections. Check out DavidHembrow's youtube videos or Markeneli's. You are right though motorists are also more civilised!
KrunchyJD 7 months ago
@KrunchyJD, The argument that the USA needs a bicycle infrastructure modeled after other countries is what I dispute. I view David Hembrow's videos on a regular basis. The USA has a tremendous network of bicycling infrastructure, it's called roadways. Now that I've taken the training, there are very few places I'm not comfortable riding. I'm realistic enough to recognize that things will not change during my lifetime, so I work within it.
freddotu 7 months ago
@freddotu It seems though to me that it would be much safer to cycle in The Netherlands. I would certainly feel safer. Here in Australia, drivers are A-holes!
KrunchyJD 7 months ago
I think you have a new friend!
Babel368 7 months ago
Fred, he's a BMW driver. BMWs seem to attract a larger and average percentage of the world's arseholes, along with Audis.
I'm not saying they're ALL arseholes, far from it. Simply that if we take a look at the correlation of data for arseholes per head of population and cross reference it with the data fir Audi and BMW driver (and Merc drivers now I think of it) then, well let's just say that the venn diagrams would overlap quite a lot.
leapoffaith20 7 months ago
@leapoffaith20, my experience with BMW drivers appears to match your assessment. There are exceptions, but I'd think not many. Perhaps it's a requirement of purchase.
freddotu 7 months ago
His driving is as crazy as his reasoning.
sevadaj 7 months ago
He seemed and looked like a nice guy, shame he has to behave like an absolute twat.
bored2kGER 7 months ago
"You're a bicycle"
Yeah, right, and you're a motor vehicle that talks.
freddotu 7 months ago