Ride your bicycle like an artist

I specifically created this video to let people know there is a alternative viewpoint to the League of American Bicyclist. I have tried 3 or 4 times to write an introduction to this video. But, I am still so angry at the League
of American Bicyclist and their attitudes that I am having a hard time finding the right words. The LCI's
close-minded defense of vehicular-cycling principles underminds their own goals. Cyclistview videos are interesting. However, the polarizing comments they attract should cause them to reflect on their message.
The League's insistant on teaching a radical form of vehicular-cycling polarizes motorist, cyclist, and law
inforcement. In my opinion, any style of bicycling that creates this much hostility in motorist is not safe for cyclist. It would be better to choose a style of bicycle riding that doesn't anger motorist with which we have to share the road. It is a mistake to trust motorist to not make mistakes. Vehicular-cycling relies on motorist to be polite, reasonable, and lawful. I don't know about where you live but we had 14,000 motor-vehicle collisions last year. Do you want to trust these people with your life? NOT ME! The League might want to modify it's "take the lane" message which might have been reasonable in the 1930's when vehicular-cycling principles were developed in England. Some vehicular-cycling principles can be useful and safer in some situations. But, to rigidly demand a lane of traffic in all situations is not helpful. What would help is a safety course that helps bicyclist evalute risk and make better desitions on road positioning based on safety. This is totally missing in their class. And, yes! I have taken the League's safety course. I was very disappointed. It is too expensive. Discussion was not encourged. The drills and training ride were too simple. Statistics were not backed up with referances. And, I asked. It is probably good they only teach 120 cyclist a year in our city. The League is a political group with political goals. Unfortunatly, they do not have my support.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• bicycle
• bicycling
• bicyclist
• bike
• cycle
• cyclist
• take
• lane
• safety
• class
• LCI
• Robert
• Hurst
• art
• of
• cycling
• urban

[martinpion]

This is an awesomely terrible message on what makes bicycling transportation safe. The take-home message is, in effect, to just keep your bicycle safely tucked away in your garage and not use it on roads where motor vehicle drivers operate with absolutely no discernible rules.

[luvmastertx]

The message of the video is that sharing the roadway with motor-vehicles has risk. Motorist, cyclist, and pedestrians can make mistakes and move eradically. The safest behavoir for a bicylist is to be vigilant and take full responsibility for our own safety. Being polite and cooperative is better than getting into a power struggle for space with vehicles that are 50x heavier and moving faster. Failing to recognize the dangers increases our risk.

[FATSASS]

I disagree with the tone of some points in the narration. However this video is excellent in trying to educate the road cyclist to the alertness and creativity required to navigate safely along a cycling route to avoid becoming a statistic. Far too many cyclists see themselves as Road Warriors raging against the automobile. They might as well just throw that helmet off and ride full speed into a wall; just get it over with, because some time the attitude will catch up to you.

[cyclenut]

I have bicycle commuted since summer 2005, and over 35,000 miles.

1. Signal all stops and turns

2. communacate with ALL other road users

3. Follow ALL trafic laws

4. look ahead, and encourage cars to pass when it is safe

5. DO NOT TRUST other, police, know-it-alls or even me. Think about it first.

6. Make yourself VISABLE day, night and in poor light

7. Learn from mistakes, yours as well as others

8. Act like you have knowledge and show experence

9. Never use cheap, ineffective lights

[TheKrishnan143]

this is awesome the way performed is perfect and do it with safety features

[regbrant]

Hi Luvmastertx

You speak as of fresh air - it used to be called common sense - well done

[dregerclock]

You make some good points in this video. I agree that it does not always make sense to "control the lane" if there is room to ride the side of the road safely. I don't know for sure, but I don't think the LAB advocates taking the lane ALL THE TIME does it? because that does not make sense. of course, if there is a safe bike lane or room to ride out of the traffic lane that is a safe and viable option. Just stay visible to drivers and stay safe.

[rohloffscale30]

I will never give up cycling. Resorting to the "safety" of a car is what flushed our communities down the drain. If we humour this car=safety idea we essentially work ourselves into a road user arms race, my car is bigger'n'yours until we hit peak oil or some climate armaggedon. One cyclist is one less polluter, one less carpark, one less car in front of you, one less terrorist, one less war for oil. Do not blame the vulnerable for being vulnerable, if there were less cars we would all be safer.

[rohloffscale30]

I ride every day and hope to contunue doing so. I have read Hursts book and agree that as a cyclist you need to be completely aware of what is happening around you. My tips are to never assume a car driver has seen you, if they have that they will not give way, that they will not stop at the red light and as soon as they pass you be cautious of heavy braking because they have already forgotten you exist.

[designerwhite]

Totally agree. I've found that it's best to assume cars aren't paying attention and always be very generous in telegraphing my moves. Risk reduction is Key.