[johnboy]

Yesterday I saw a cyclist on the side of the road (Buena Vista) who had been hit by an automobile. He was being tended to by paramedics and hopefully he is OK. My comment though is why would anyone riding a 30 pound bicycle, put them selves in harms way of traveling with 3000 pound autos. I know they think they have the same right as a motor vehicle, but its like taking your high school freshman running back and having him play in the NFL, your going to get hurt! Yes I do have a bicycle but when I drive I am on the recreation trail to stay out of harms way of automobiles. With all the people who are texting and talking on their cell phones, it doesn't take much for them to be distracted and hit a unexpected bicyclist. Plus although the cyclist clubs don't agree, when you come upon them, they think they have the right of way on the road and in the round a bouts, and STOP signs mean nothing to them. I'm sure it's not all of them, but a good amount.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by johnboy

Yesterday I saw a cyclist on the side of the road (Buena Vista) who had been hit by an automobile. He was being tended to by paramedics and hopefully he is OK. My comment though is why would anyone riding a 30 pound bicycle, put them selves in harms way of traveling with 3000 pound autos. I know they think they have the same right as a motor vehicle, but its like taking your high school freshman running back and having him play in the NFL, your going to get hurt! Yes I do have a bicycle but when I drive I am on the recreation trail to stay out of harms way of automobiles. With all the people who are texting and talking on their cell phones, it doesn't take much for them to be distracted and hit a unexpected bicyclist. Plus although the cyclist clubs don't agree, when you come upon them, they think they have the right of way on the road and in the round a bouts, and STOP signs mean nothing to them. I'm sure it's not all of them, but a good amount.

I think serious cyclists have farther to go than the trails allow, plus they are usually traveling at a speed more commensurate with streets with auto traffic rather than multi modal trails. I'm not a serious cyclist and would never ride on anything but a bike trail because I'm not experienced enough, but that's just my opinion of why they prefer the streets.

And they do have the right, and we do have the responsibility...

[ekars1]

The roundabouts are the WORST for cyclsts as they are not seen until it's too late! I know as I almost struck one!

[Happydaz]

As a person who enjoys bicycling and motorcycling, I can attest to how distracted many drivers of automobiles are. The key for me when motorcycling is to always know where the cars are positioned around me and stay out of their way. I am just about to move to the Villages and I am looking forward to buying a new road bicycle and doing some serious riding. I will make sure to have all the mirrors and high visibility aids I can find. Still, you can 't blame the bicyclist for a car running him over.

[skip0358]

I ride just about everyday. If you think the roads aren't safe for a cycle you should try the trails. When I first started riding I used the GC trails after the 2nd time I got forced off the trail I switched to the road. I ride on the right side and stay on the right thru the roundabouts. I signal, watch my mirrors, use my light and wear my helmet. Most people keep their distance and watch what your doing. The GC trails were far more dangerous as far as I'm concerned.

[DonH57]

I can't count how many times Ive seen cyclists blow right thru stop signs. Alone yesterday coming up Bichara two of them ran right thru the one I was stopped at and proceeded thru running the red at the light causing pedestrians to jump back. I thought to myself I hope the authorities catch them before they nailed by a car or cart and become the next statistic.

[JourneyOfLife]

IMO it is a public safety issue, that is no different than motorized vehicles. Many consider that the rider is in the most danger. This is probably true. But they can be a danger to motorist that may have to react to circumstances where bicycles are on the road and not following the rules.

Since they will probably not be banned on roads.... the next best thing is to require non-motorized vehicles that will be driven on roads to be licensed, like cars and by statute have minimum required features (like cars) if they are to be ridden on public roads. This means a visible (sizable) license plate to identify it.

Likewise, the operator of any non-motorized vehicle on public roads should be required to have a license (like a drivers license) that is renew periodically. Maybe a regular vehicle drivers licenses would include the privileged to ride a bicycle on roads. That would at least ensure that the person understand the basic rules!

If insurance laws are present in the state, the bicycle owner must carry some minimum insurance level per statute. They can and do cause accidents and injury. I am sure a rider could be added people's existing motor vehicle policy for small extra charge. If the insurance industry would not cover it or cover it for a small extra premium, that says something!

[George Bieniaszek]

It's the few that ruin it for the rest. Most cyclists, motorcyclists, walkers, dog owners, car and truck drivers are responsible drivers. Unfortunately, the ones causing the problems are the small minority that we all talk about.

I am still amazed of how many people are in such a damn hurry driving around in a retirement community. Then add the additional distractions of texting, cell phone usage, and you see all the stupid driving behaviors.

Hopefully with the snowbirds and renters heading back home, ( I am not blaming them as the cause ) just that there is less congestion on our roads, the roads will be a little safer for all.

[OnTrack]

Originally Posted by DonH57

I can't count how many times Ive seen cyclists blow right thru stop signs. Alone yesterday coming up Bichara two of them ran right thru the one I was stopped at and proceeded thru running the red at the light causing pedestrians to jump back. I thought to myself I hope the authorities catch them before they nailed by a car or cart and become the next statistic.

That would be my biggest gripe about some cyclists.

Although I understand that autos and bikes need to share the road, that doesn't mean bikes get to ignore traffic signs/signals.

.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by johnboy

I know they think they have the same right as a motor vehicle

Funny how you phrased that. You used the phrase 'they think'. Um, actually they do for the most part. You can find many links to bicycle road rules in FL. Here is just one: Florida Statutes 316.2065 - Bicycle regulations :: Lawserver

SHARE THE ROAD.

[ilovetv]

Originally Posted by George Bieniaszek

It's the few that ruin it for the rest. Most cyclists, motorcyclists, walkers, dog owners, car and truck drivers are responsible drivers. Unfortunately, the ones causing the problems are the small minority that we all talk about.

I am still amazed of how many people are in such a damn hurry driving around in a retirement community. Then add the additional distractions of texting, cell phone usage, and you see all the stupid driving behaviors.

Hopefully with the snowbirds and renters heading back home, ( I am not blaming them as the cause ) just that there is less congestion on our roads, the roads will be a little safer for all.

Again, motor vehicle drivers are blamed when many times the bicyclists make themselves an accident or fatality waiting to happen because they do NOTHING to make themselves visible.

Many bike riders wear dark grey or black shirts with dark helmet, blending right in with the color of the pavement especially at dusk and in the tunnels(!!), and the the low, reclining recumbent riders are often the same way besides being only a foot off the ground as a car driver comes over the rise of a slight hill and is suddenly upon them.

Accusing motor vehicle drivers of speeding and "being in a damn hurry in a retirement community" is not the cause of bike riders who choose to take unbelievable risks by not making themselves visible, and who blow thru stop signs.

And, if a car driver hits a bicyclist because they could not be seen, it doesn't matter much whether the car driver was going the speed limit of 20mph, under it at 10mph, or over it at 25mph. At any of these speeds, it's going to be disastrous and life-altering for both the bike rider AND the driver who has to live with that horror in their minds into the future.

And then, armchair quarterbacks condemning the vehicle driver who had an ACCIDENT and did not willfully cause the mess makes it even worse!

[Russ_Boston]

Why do we constantly worry about bikes who "blow thru stop signs"? Have there been accidents because of this?

I do agree about bicyclists who should make themselves as visible as possible and most avid cyclists take great strides to do this with bright clothing and lighting when needed.

[OnTrack]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Why do we constantly worry about bikes who "blow thru stop signs"? Have there been accidents because of this?

Why would anyone defend cyclists who want to be equal to autos, but don't seem to want to follow the same rules?

I have personally had close calls, with those who think they're above the "rules of the road".....or can't seem to expend the effort to lift their left arm to signal.

It's a good thing for those who I've had close calls with, that at least one of us was paying attention.

Which is kinda silly when you think about it, because it's not like the person in the auto.....is the one who will get hurt.
.

[Russ_Boston]

Originally Posted by OnTrack

Why would anyone defend cyclists who want to be equal to autos, but don't seem to want to follow the same rules?


.

Again, why would you use the phrase "want to be"? THEY ARE!!!

It's not just cyclists that don't follow the rules.

[Happydaz]

I am surprised at the negative view most of the posters here have towards bicyclists. It appears that many automobile drivers expect the road to be theirs and they don't respond well to any other vehicle on the road, especially slower moving ones. Walking on the side of the road is a scary thing up here in New England as the roads are narrow and there is only one lane in each direction. "Share the road" is a safety reminder in many states often seen on street signs.