| Moderated by: Steve Adkins | Topic closed | |
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brewgeek Member 
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These cyclists are crazy!! I see them riding on the most dangerous roads (i.e. Bunch road, hwy 150). We have a lot of blind curves on a lot of these roads and yet they still insist on driving to Oak Ridge and parking their cars, to ride. It's just downright dangerous. Share the road they say, but why not use the already built bike paths in the area? The county Parks and Rec department has a map I think (correct me if I'm wrong). If one of these people gets hit will it really be the drivers fault?? I've seen one cyclist go butt over teakettle and land in the middle of the road. Good thing the motorist wasn't ready to pass. And That's another thing, I don't mind the farm traffic as this is a farming area and they are just trying to make an honest living, but why do we have to drive at less than a third of the posted limit, hoping we don't get rear ended? Or worse drive into the oncoming traffic lane to avoid them??? I don't mind the cyclists themselves, I used to ride quite a bit (but at least I picked safe roads with a wide shoulder or nice long nature rich paths). Also to any cyclist reading this and getting ready to write back, Rush hour is the WORST time to ride, with most drivers distracted by lack of sleep, coffee spills or cell phones (not right either but fodder for another topic) |
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FatPappy Member 
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I'm with you on that one, brewgeek. Sure, they got the right, but I think it's stupid an' dangerous to play in the road! |
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DToney Member 
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I'd have to agree.... nothing personal to anyone, but it is getting nutz out there! |
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brewgeek Member
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I wonder if they'll ever ask DOT to address this issue? I also noticed the 'road rage' forum and saw a lot of bicycle related issues there too. It's nice to know your not alone!! |
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DToney Member
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brewgeek wrote: I wonder if they'll ever ask DOT to address this issue? I also noticed the 'road rage' forum and saw a lot of bicycle related issues there too. It's nice to know your not alone!! really & truly... according to the DOT, (I hate to say... ) they have as much right to the road as anyone else.... (even tho they get on everyone's nerves!) What we SHOULD do is not pass them on double lines... we are putting them as well as ourselves & the other cars in jepordy.this is also true for our tractors... I reckon we should give all of them our respect... can you imagine what they say (or feel) when they are passed in an unsafe manner or get honked at?  |
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Cracker Jax Member 
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HOWEVER.... when these cyclists get in their cars to go somewhere on public roadways they are required to have license tags and insurance. Unless something has changed and I don't know it, cyclists (on bikes) are not required to have either. If you're in an accident with one of them, no matter who's at fault, the driver of the car is gonna pay. Last edited on Aug 19th, 2006 03:32 pm by Cracker Jax |
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DToney Member
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how do tractors fit in this equation? do they have insurance & license? (just wondering...) |
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FatPappy Member
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I never heard of a farm tractor required to have a license or insurance, but I don't really know. In a fight betwixt a car an' a bicycle, I'd rather be the car. Even if I had to pay money, I'd be more likely to be alive than the other guy. I cain't understand how bicyclists get any pleasure outta ridin' on these crowded roads with accidental death an' dismemberment whizzin' by at 50+ miles an hour inches away. The conversation next Monday at work: "What did you do this weekend?" "Oh, I went out to play in the road while angry strangers behind me continually fired 3,000 pound metal projectiles past my body with only inches to spare. "Uh...sounds like fun..." |
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DToney Member
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the guy that was proj mgr over a const proj I worked at was a cyclist.... he was into the fine wine, etc... he was from Wash state... anyway... he used to take his lunch hour & ride 20-30 miles each time... sometimes every day! on weekends he would ride 50-100 miles a day! wore those skimpy little suits too... anyway... they are different than us folks... sho' nuf! |
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FatPappy Member
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If'n they can wear them skimpy little suits, they're shore 'nuff differ'nt from Pappy! Hee hee! I got nuthin' ag'in cyclin', but some o' the locations where at it occurs makes ol' Pappy nervous. |
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DToney Member
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I understand that Pappy! just last week we were on Oak Ridge Rd & 3 cars passed this guy & one of 'em bout hit head on with another car from the oncoming lane! skeerd me! |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Where do these cyclists start from? I'm just curious to know where they start from and what their route is. I know on Tuesdays there are a lot of them, and Thursday evenings there are tons that ride by my house. I have actually seen some of them that are downright combative. I've seen one turn in front of a car almost as if daring the driver to him them, and I've seen one riding with some some kind of riding crop or something. If a car came too close (sometimes it is really hard to pull into the other lane to pass them), this guy would hit their car with the crop. I know they have the same rights as an auto, but I'm with Pappy -- if there's a fight between a car and a bike, I'd rather be in the car. |
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Cracker Jax Member
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S. Smith wrote: I've seen one turn in front of a car almost as if daring the driver to him them, and I've seen one riding with some some kind of riding crop or something. If a car came too close (sometimes it is really hard to pull into the other lane to pass them), this guy would hit their car with the crop. Ok... that would tick me off BIG TIME! What kind of recourse does a person (who is not armed |
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macca Member 
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That's when one of those handy-dandy video cell phones would come in handy!!  ♥♥♥ |
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Cracker Jax Member
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Might be better just to run into 'em and then they can't mess up your car with a riding crop.... Oh wait.... maybe that's worse... OOPS! Did I say that out loud??? just kidding of course...... |
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brewgeek Member
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I realize that we probably should "share the road" but it seems kind of selfish for 1 or 2 individuals during any certain time period hold up the whole rest of the traffic. especially when it's recreational and not an actual means of transportation (i rarely see anyone with a backpack which may/may nor conatin work clothes etc). Again, also upsetting when they are on obviously dangerous roads and not the bike paths created especially for them!!!  Last edited on Aug 27th, 2006 12:00 am by brewgeek |
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FatPappy Member
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brewgeek wrote:especially when it's recreational Exactly. |
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DToney Member
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my pet peeve is that ANY folks that use the road during rush hour... NEED to be there so the rest of us working stiffs can get to work/home without dealing with the slower than usual traffic.... tractors ARE WORKING.... cyclist typically are NOT... like you said... recreational..................  plus I have a little more patience when it is NOT rush hour!  |
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Waytago Member 
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Agree with all comments above. The cyclist traffic seems to be getting heavier on 150 & Strawberry road by Battleground on the weekends. Thankfully nobody has gotten hurt.......but it's just a matter of time. Mixing bicycles on same roads as cars just ain't smart. Might be legal, but not smart. |
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DToney Member
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they've been bad on Bunch Rd & Oak Ridge Rd too! |
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Stonefree Member 
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I know someone mentioned that the DOT said the cyclists have as much right to the road as anyone else. I agree they should but should they not have to follow all the same rules of the road. For instance, and my biggest peeve with them, is that they ride 2 and 3 wide. If i have a ugo or a mini i can't drive next to someone even if the lane is wide enough. One Lane, One Vehicle width. This goes for motorcycles too. Isn't that the law, or am i just jawing for nothing. ****JUST CALLED THE DEPARTMENT OF CYCLING AND PEDESTRIANS of NC**** There is not a law that requires them to go single file, nor is there a law that allows them to go 2 or more abreast. I guess it is the Old West for cyclists! Last edited on Sep 1st, 2006 03:35 pm by Stonefree |
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zippitydoodah Member
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There was an interesting letter on page 31 in this week's NWO about this same subject. Looks like Oak Ridge is not the only place that has a problem. |
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brewgeek Member
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DToney wrote:
Does this mean we have to stay behind a cyclist going maybe 10 miles an hour while contrained by double yellow lines hoping and praying we don't get rear ended by someone going the speed limit (or more likely 9 over)? This could go on for more than 5 miles. And if for some reason I can't pass during those all too infrequent pass lines, I have to wait even more???? For a BICYCLE ON A JOYRIDE!?!?!?! Can someone from NWO answer this?? Is this true?? And If that is the case should the cyclist be passing cars while at a stop light? And while we're at it, what is our recourse (per DOT/NC law) if a bicycle does run into us? I don't want to sound rabid, I'm really more frustrated by the lack of safety and selfishness of the cyclists. |
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EditorPS Administrator 
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brewgeek wrote: Does this mean we have to stay behind a cyclist going maybe 10 miles an hour while contrained by double yellow lines hoping and praying we don't get rear ended by someone going the speed limit (or more likely 9 over)? This could go on for more than 5 miles. And if for some reason I can't pass during those all too infrequent pass lines, I have to wait even more???? For a BICYCLE ON A JOYRIDE!?!?!?! Can someone from NWO answer this?? Is this true?? And If that is the case should the cyclist be passing cars while at a stop light? And while we're at it, what is our recourse (per DOT/NC law) if a bicycle does run into us? I don't want to sound rabid, I'm really more frustrated by the lack of safety and selfishness of the cyclists. Hi brewgeek, Sorry for the delay in responding -- since we posted this as a topic recently, we've received several comments, questions, and editorials (I've received two editorials within the last day -- one expressing frustration over what they perceive as rudeness on the part of the cyclists and one from a cyclist who actually does use his bike to travel to work). Each brought up good points, and we'll share them with our readers in the upcoming Sept. 15 issue. As for your questions, we'll be doing an article on this topic in a near-future issue and will try to address all of them. For now, I will answer that I do not believe cyclists are legally required to travel in single file (but will certainly confirm). However, they are required to abide by the rules of the road, and I am almost certain that passing cars at a stop sign is not legal (again, I will confirm). As to the recourse if a cyclist collides into a car and it is the cyclist's fault, again, we'll check into that (good question -- do cyclists have any sort of liability insurance requirements -- I don't think so, but it hadn't occurred to me what would happen if they are at fault versus the car driver). Obviously, some of the cyclist behaviors that our forum participants have described in these postings are not acceptable (and I'm sure the responsible and considerate cyclists would agree) -- just as those of rude drivers who tailgate, pass tractors in unsafe areas and make obscene gestures at others for doing the speed limit. Rude behavior of any vehicle drivers or bicycle riders should not be condoned. We'll get back to you with some answers in the next few days, okay? |
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brewgeek Member
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That would be great. I used to be a cyclist and love the sport, but as a cyclist and a driver my concern is the unsafe conditions. If cycling is a part of this community (as farming is in reference to your concern about tractor traffic) then we should make it as safe as possible for all involved and have paths or decent shoulders made. I don't condone dangerous or rude driving at any time, and that incudes cycling as well. |
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S. Smith Moderator
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I'm now working on an article on this subject. If any of you have a comment or any information you'd like for me to possibly include in the article, please send me an e-mail at sandra@nwobserver.com. Does anyone out there know how to contact any of the bike clubs in this area (or maybe someone is a member of one of these clubs)? Obviously there are large groups that travel certain roads on certain days as an organized effort. I'd like to speak to someone who is a member of one of these clubs. |
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DToney Member
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Maybe one of the bike shops will know something... Friendly Bike (336) 852-3972 Web Site 5603 W Friendly Ave # D Greensboro, NC Map 12.5 mi Paceline Bicycles (336) 540-0129 2919 Battleground Ave Greensboro, NC Map |
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S. Smith Moderator
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Thanks, DToney. |
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brewgeek Member
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S. Smith wrote: I'm now working on an article on this subject. If any of you have a comment or any information you'd like for me to possibly include in the article, please send me an e-mail at sandra@nwobserver.com. Regarding the article, the cyclist obviously missed my meaning. I specifically excluded people who use bikes as a primary means of transportation. I hope he realizes there was no offense meant towards him or any other working stiff. Last edited on Sep 18th, 2006 12:12 am by brewgeek |
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brewgeek Member
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S. Smith this may be a question you could help me with. I don't see the cyclists ever going away, and I feel very strongly that a bad accident is waiting to happen. My main concern is the safety of the cyclists as well as those riding vehicles (whatever they may be). What hurdles do we face if we try to add a cylist lane, like that on Spring Garden st in GSO? At the very least a shoulder needs to be added. This is something that both the cyclists and the road rage group can probably agree on. In fact I would be surprised (if they had a little prompting) that they didn't become vocal supporters of such a thing to the town council. Regardless of how difficult it is, something must be done, no political wrangling or taxpayer cost is worth a single life. |
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FatPappy Member
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I agree, brewgeek. It's just plain dangerous. Makes ol' pappy nervous. I seen a feller on a motorcycle get hit by a car onced. The car eased over into his lane an' clipped him head-on. The car was slowin' down to make a turn an' I reckon didn't see the motorcycle soon enough. They weren't goin' all that fast, but the impact sent him over the car's hood an' he splatted right smack on the pavement. Don't know if he made it or not. I can just imagine a car comin' up too fast behind a bike an' the biker hits a rough spot an' falls in front o' the car. These thangs happen fast. All on a sudden somebody's world gets changed. I hope they figger somethin' out. |
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S. Smith Moderator
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brewgeek wrote: S. Smith this may be a question you could help me with. I don't see the cyclists ever going away, and I feel very strongly that a bad accident is waiting to happen. My main concern is the safety of the cyclists as well as those riding vehicles (whatever they may be). What hurdles do we face if we try to add a cylist lane, like that on Spring Garden st in GSO? At the very least a shoulder needs to be added. This is something that both the cyclists and the road rage group can probably agree on. In fact I would be surprised (if they had a little prompting) that they didn't become vocal supporters of such a thing to the town council. Regardless of how difficult it is, something must be done, no political wrangling or taxpayer cost is worth a single life.I'll see what I can find out on this, brewgeek. |
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Skiddles Member 
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S. Smith wrote: brewgeek wrote:this would be great if you could find some info on this. I have had this same fear, that someone would seriously get hurt or even worse. I've talked to a few of my friends that participate in cycling and they all have said that they would LOVE a bike lane, but adding 2 additional feet on the side would do. I know this is adding to the cost of road construction, but is there a possible grant that would apply?S. Smith this may be a question you could help me with. I don't see the cyclists ever going away, and I feel very strongly that a bad accident is waiting to happen. My main concern is the safety of the cyclists as well as those riding vehicles (whatever they may be). What hurdles do we face if we try to add a cyclist lane, like that on Spring Garden st in GSO? At the very least a shoulder needs to be added. This is something that both the cyclists and the road rage group can probably agree on. In fact I would be surprised (if they had a little prompting) that they didn't become vocal supporters of such a thing to the town council. Regardless of how difficult it is, something must be done, no political wrangling or taxpayer cost is worth a single life.I'll see what I can find out on this, brewgeek. |
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