5 ms·

Motorists (and many pedestrians) just hate cyclists and look for any excuse to marginalize them. If they go too slow, they're slowing down traffic, if they go

Motorists (and many pedestrians) just hate cyclists and look for any excuse to marginalize them. If they go too slow, they're slowing down traffic, if they go too fast they're a menace. If they're spandex clad, they're hated for their wealth, and if they're toting delivery food they're hated for their poverty. There's no winning. Despite cycling being the obvious fastest and cheapest way to get around in a dense urban area... Despite the fact that so-called cycling "infrastructure" (painting lines on streets that have to be repainted periodically anyway) costs basically nothing... Despite the fact that every person on a bike is a person not using up space in a crowded train, bus, or car lane, despite the fact that adding bike lanes makes the streets safer motorists and pedestrians more than it does for cyclists... Cyclists are literally risking their lives to make your journey better, and yet you hate them for it, because they confuse you. I don't really understand it, but I wish I could.

some-guy 10y ago
The hate is entirely cultural, varies from city to city, and has nothing to do with how cycling infrastructure benefits everyone. About twice a week I get called a gay explative or cut in front of while in the bike lane on purpose just to screw with me (this is between Livermore and Pleasanton in the Bay Area). When I lived in Oakland and would bike to Pleasanton for work (26 miles one way, taking BART back), the infrastructure was far worse but the drivers never gave me any trouble.
atemerev 10y ago
I'll be happy to explain! Indeed, both as a driver and a pedestrian, I am usually not particularly happy with cyclists. Cyclists are the most vulnerable agents on the road. More than pedestrians (even a light touch or sudden appearance is enough to tip the bike). At the same time, they are usually the most reckless people on the road. They are happy to ignore traffic lights, passage priority, almost never signal a turn (when they do, I am applauding in my mind), and generally consider themselves invulnerable. Motocyclists can be reckless, but at least they stop at red and signal lane changes. Pedestrians are vulnerable, but careful. Cyclists are the worst of the both worlds. Yes, they risk their lives, but I am not happy to take their life and go to prison for nothing. There are rules for everyone on the road, including cyclists -- please do not ignore them, and we'll be happy. As a pedestrian, I was nearly hit by a cyclist quite a few times while walking at the park. They are silent and can't be seen until the very last moment. I am also not happy about that. Some attach this ratchet thing to be more noticeable -- you are the real heroes. Unfortunately, I almost never see it in the wild.
- dkarl 10y ago
  I get plenty pissed off at fellow cyclists, but it's important to remember than just like with drivers, you forget the good ones the instant they're out of sight. The bad ones are a minority, but they're the ones that give you a reason to remember them.
- tonyedgecombe 10y ago
  I regularly here this lament from people who don't cycle, yet when I'm out I see far more poor behaviour from car drivers than other cyclists. If you want to see what it's like from the other side without getting out on a bike have a look at https://www.reddit.com/r/BikeCammers/ https://www.reddit.com/r/BikeCammers/
syrrim 10y ago
>"infrastructure" (painting lines on streets that have to be repainted periodically anyway) Bike lanes aren't really for bikes - they're for cars. If a cyclist isn't afforded a lane, they'll take the rightmost lane for themselves. If enough bikes do this, that lane becomes unusable for cars. Rather than lose a whole lane to bikes, traffic planners cut off half to give to bikes, and give the other half back to cars.

some-guy 10y ago

The hate is entirely cultural, varies from city to city, and has nothing to do with how cycling infrastructure benefits everyone. About twice a week I get called a gay explative or cut in front of while in the bike lane on purpose just to screw with me (this is between Livermore and Pleasanton in the Bay Area). When I lived in Oakland and would bike to Pleasanton for work (26 miles one way, taking BART back), the infrastructure was far worse but the drivers never gave me any trouble.

atemerev 10y ago

I'll be happy to explain! Indeed, both as a driver and a pedestrian, I am usually not particularly happy with cyclists. Cyclists are the most vulnerable agents on the road. More than pedestrians (even a light touch or sudden appearance is enough to tip the bike). At the same time, they are usually the most reckless people on the road. They are happy to ignore traffic lights, passage priority, almost never signal a turn (when they do, I am applauding in my mind), and generally consider themselves invulnerable. Motocyclists can be reckless, but at least they stop at red and signal lane changes. Pedestrians are vulnerable, but careful. Cyclists are the worst of the both worlds. Yes, they risk their lives, but I am not happy to take their life and go to prison for nothing. There are rules for everyone on the road, including cyclists -- please do not ignore them, and we'll be happy. As a pedestrian, I was nearly hit by a cyclist quite a few times while walking at the park. They are silent and can't be seen until the very last moment. I am also not happy about that. Some attach this ratchet thing to be more noticeable -- you are the real heroes. Unfortunately, I almost never see it in the wild.

dkarl 10y ago
I get plenty pissed off at fellow cyclists, but it's important to remember than just like with drivers, you forget the good ones the instant they're out of sight. The bad ones are a minority, but they're the ones that give you a reason to remember them.
tonyedgecombe 10y ago
I regularly here this lament from people who don't cycle, yet when I'm out I see far more poor behaviour from car drivers than other cyclists. If you want to see what it's like from the other side without getting out on a bike have a look at https://www.reddit.com/r/BikeCammers/ https://www.reddit.com/r/BikeCammers/

syrrim 10y ago

>"infrastructure" (painting lines on streets that have to be repainted periodically anyway) Bike lanes aren't really for bikes - they're for cars. If a cyclist isn't afforded a lane, they'll take the rightmost lane for themselves. If enough bikes do this, that lane becomes unusable for cars. Rather than lose a whole lane to bikes, traffic planners cut off half to give to bikes, and give the other half back to cars.