[kkimball]

Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Q: Why don't cyclists stick to the MMPs?
A: The MMPs are great for a casual ride, but the frequent stops and corners make for a slow ride. Many cyclists prefer the open roads because they can go faster and get a better workout.

Q: Why do people ride bikes when it's so dangerous?
A: Every activity has some amount of risk. Cyclists know and have accepted the risk. My opinion is that The Villages is safer than other areas because motorists are more accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road.

Q: Why do cyclists ride down the middle of the lane?
A: Because they don't want to be passed in *their* lane. Motorists should move to the lane on the left before passing a cyclist in the right lane and only pass when it's safe. Please be patient and always give cyclists at least 3-feet of clearance when passing.

Q: Why don't cyclists follow the rules of the road?
A: They absolutely should, but like motorists, cyclists sometimes don't pay attention as much as they should or outright skirt the rules.

Q: Why don't cyclists have more lights so seeing them is easier?
A: They should. Brighter tail lights and headlights are a good idea. When riding earlier or later in the day, wearing bright colored LED lights is also a good idea.

Q: What happened to ABC cyclist that got hit on XYZ road?
A: Most accidents are not widely reported.

Q: Why are cyclists so arrogant?
A: Cyclists are people, and some of them are arrogant. Most are not, in my experience.

These are my opinions and observations. I'm happy to hear yours.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Why was it when I was a following a group of bicyclists in my golf cart on and MMP that one or more of them would move over to the left every time I tried to pass them? They were going about 13 mph and my cart goes 20 but they wouldn't allow me to pass for over two miles.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

Why was it when I was a following a group of bicyclists in my golf cart on and MMP that one or more of them would move over to the left every time I tried to pass them? They were going about 13 mph and my cart goes 20 but they wouldn't allow me to pass for over two miles.

Probably because the cyclists believe that they, and they alone, are the sole arbitrators of when it is safe for them to be passed. Apparently the rest of us don't get a vote.

[DARFAP]

I vote for them to ride on the open roads.

[JMintzer]

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr

Why was it when I was a following a group of bicyclists in my golf cart on and MMP that one or more of them would move over to the left every time I tried to pass them? They were going about 13 mph and my cart goes 20 but they wouldn't allow me to pass for over two miles.

Because THAT particular group of cyclists had some jerks in the group...

[villager7591]

I agree with you opinion on Road v. MMPs. However, not so bad now that many snowbirds are leaving BUT, the MMPs I feel are just as dangerous as the road. With many walkers and golf cars on the MMPs, and many are impatient golf car drivers, the MMPs are often more dangerous. I only feel safe on the paths that prohibit golf cars (walkers and cyclists only).

[ElDiabloJoe]

Cyclists, in my experience, have earned their reputation. Especially when they are riding in their massive pelotons, these Lance Armstrong wannabes blatantly ignore stop signs, hold up traffic, and arrogantly "Take the lane."

They complain about cars passing them too closely or that they alone should take up an entire vehicular travel lane, but they are also the worst violators.

When I was running dozens of miles per week during marathon training build-ups, they would zoom past me and purposely try to skim shoulders as they did so. Their attempts to intimidate me out of my run often led to me sticking my arms straight out as they passed, and they were none-too-happy about being clothes-lined in that fashion. However, I was just "taking my lane."

Cyclist is just another way of saying arrogant jerk, and dorky looking loser. Clicking around in their little cycle shoes and tight clothes like teen aged girls in high heels walking on the dance floor.

Not here to start a war, but you did open the door to the topic. So, reiterating, I think they have earned their reputation and the disdain of all other road users.

[Taurus510]

[QUOTE=ElDiabloJoe;2090189]

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Cyclists, in my experience, have earned their reputation. Especially when they are riding in their massive pelotons, these Lance Armstrong wannabes blatantly ignore stop signs, hold up traffic, and arrogantly "Take the lane."

They complain about cars passing them too closely or that they alone should take up an entire vehicular travel lane, but they are also the worst violators.

When I was running dozens of miles per week during marathon training build-ups, they would zoom past me and purposely try to skim shoulders as they did so. Their attempts to intimidate me out of my run often led to me sticking my arms straight out as they passed, and they were none-too-happy about being clothes-lined in that fashion.

Cyclist is just another way of saying arrogant jerk, and dorky looking loser. Clicking around in their little cycle shoes and tight clothes like teen aged girls in high heels walking on the dance floor.

Not here to start a war, but you did open the door to the topic. So, reiterating, I think they have earned their reputation and the disdain of all other road users.

But, how do you really feel??????

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Cyclists, in my experience, have earned their reputation. Especially when they are riding in their massive pelotons, these Lance Armstrong wannabes blatantly ignore stop signs, hold up traffic, and arrogantly "Take the lane."

They complain about cars passing them too closely or that they alone should take up an entire vehicular travel lane, but they are also the worst violators.

When I was running dozens of miles per week during marathon training build-ups, they would zoom past me and purposely try to skim shoulders as they did so. Their attempts to intimidate me out of my run often led to me sticking my arms straight out as they passed, and they were none-too-happy about being clothes-lined in that fashion. However, I was just "taking my lane."

Cyclist is just another way of saying arrogant jerk, and dorky looking loser. Clicking around in their little cycle shoes and tight clothes like teen aged girls in high heels walking on the dance floor.

Not here to start a war, but you did open the door to the topic. So, reiterating, I think they have earned their reputation and the disdain of all other road users.

So this is interesting train of thought vomitus. Let's take that apart shall we?

1. Peloton is not a bicycle that people can ride. It's a stationary bicycle. That means you set it up on your lanai or somewhere in the house, and it doesn't go anywhere. It has one wheel - the other end is attached to a base. So you're griping about something you clearly know nothing about, and making it up as you go along.

2. It sounds like you have a lot of anger against teenage girls, or possibly have some resentment against teenage girls who wear tight clothes and heels when they go dancing? Pretty weird, and possibly creepy, if you ask me.

3. I don't know what you mean by cyclist shoes. I wear sneakers, just normal sneakers. I also wear leggings or skin-hugging shorts, because otherwise I get chafing on my thighs from constant peddling up and down against the bike seat.

4. You're running in the street, at probably around 6-7mph. A bicycle is riding, usually between 13-17mph. A golf cart is driving between 17-20mph. And a car is driving at 20-45mph. If they're all approaching each other, whether from behind or in front, then everyone has to squeeze in so everyone fits and has room to pass each other. It has to be paced, timed so that no one ends up tipped over and injured. The pedestrian has the easiest job of stopping or getting out of the way. That's just physics. The golf cart has the second easiest job of stopping or getting out of the way. The car has the third easiest job. And the bicycle - has the hardest time either stopping or getting out of the way.

So cut those cyclists some slack. If you see them coming toward you, get as close to the edge of the path as you can. In fact, if it's safe to get on the grass, then get on the grass. YOU won't be inconvenienced even a smidge.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Cyclists, in my experience, have earned their reputation. Especially when they are riding in their massive pelotons, these Lance Armstrong wannabes blatantly ignore stop signs, hold up traffic, and arrogantly "Take the lane."

They complain about cars passing them too closely or that they alone should take up an entire vehicular travel lane, but they are also the worst violators.

When I was running dozens of miles per week during marathon training build-ups, they would zoom past me and purposely try to skim shoulders as they did so. Their attempts to intimidate me out of my run often led to me sticking my arms straight out as they passed, and they were none-too-happy about being clothes-lined in that fashion. However, I was just "taking my lane."

Cyclist is just another way of saying arrogant jerk, and dorky looking loser. Clicking around in their little cycle shoes and tight clothes like teen aged girls in high heels walking on the dance floor.

Not here to start a war, but you did open the door to the topic. So, reiterating, I think they have earned their reputation and the disdain of all other road users.

I guess that “taking my lane thing” can work for more than just bikers. What bothers me is the “taking my lane” thing on the MMP’s where there is only one lane. Regardless of your form of transportation, if there is only one lane and you are going slower than the person behind you, get out of the way! That includes the golf carts that like to drive slow and then floor it when you try to pass them.

[Toymeister]

There are about a dozen, perhaps double that, of regular posters who dominant the posts here in general discussion. One or two try to be funny most are just talking to themselves. Given the vast amount of time they spend getting in the last word and spreading mostly inaccurate negativism. All hate cyclists.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

So this is interesting train of thought vomitus. Let's take that apart shall we?

1. Peloton is not a bicycle that people can ride. It's a stationary bicycle. That means you set it up on your lanai or somewhere in the house, and it doesn't go anywhere. It has one wheel - the other end is attached to a base. So you're griping about something you clearly know nothing about, and making it up as you go along.

2. It sounds like you have a lot of anger against teenage girls, or possibly have some resentment against teenage girls who wear tight clothes and heels when they go dancing? Pretty weird, and possibly creepy, if you ask me.

3. I don't know what you mean by cyclist shoes. I wear sneakers, just normal sneakers. I also wear leggings or skin-hugging shorts, because otherwise I get chafing on my thighs from constant peddling up and down against the bike seat.

4. You're running in the street, at probably around 6-7mph. A bicycle is riding, usually between 13-17mph. A golf cart is driving between 17-20mph. And a car is driving at 20-45mph. If they're all approaching each other, whether from behind or in front, then everyone has to squeeze in so everyone fits and has room to pass each other. It has to be paced, timed so that no one ends up tipped over and injured. The pedestrian has the easiest job of stopping or getting out of the way. That's just physics. The golf cart has the second easiest job of stopping or getting out of the way. The car has the third easiest job. And the bicycle - has the hardest time either stopping or getting out of the way.

So cut those cyclists some slack. If you see them coming toward you, get as close to the edge of the path as you can. In fact, if it's safe to get on the grass, then get on the grass. YOU won't be inconvenienced even a smidge.

1. The word peloton existed long before a company adopted it. Look it up.

2. ????

3. While looking up peloton, look up bicycling footwear too.

4. The four conveyances would never be side-by-side in a single lane. Only runners would be in the same lane as a bicycle, car, or golf cart. All the others would take up two lanes if side-by-side. Also, unless specifically indicated, the runner/pedestrian has as an equal right to be in the lane as any of the others.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by kkimball

Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Q: Why don't cyclists stick to the MMPs?
A: The MMPs are great for a casual ride, but the frequent stops and corners make for a slow ride. Many cyclists prefer the open roads because they can go faster and get a better workout.

Q: Why do people ride bikes when it's so dangerous?
A: Every activity has some amount of risk. Cyclists know and have accepted the risk. My opinion is that The Villages is safer than other areas because motorists are more accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road.

Q: Why do cyclists ride down the middle of the lane?
A: Because they don't want to be passed in *their* lane. Motorists should move to the lane on the left before passing a cyclist in the right lane and only pass when it's safe. Please be patient and always give cyclists at least 3-feet of clearance when passing.

Q: Why don't cyclists follow the rules of the road?
A: They absolutely should, but like motorists, cyclists sometimes don't pay attention as much as they should or outright skirt the rules.

Q: Why don't cyclists have more lights so seeing them is easier?
A: They should. Brighter tail lights and headlights are a good idea. When riding earlier or later in the day, wearing bright colored LED lights is also a good idea.

Q: What happened to ABC cyclist that got hit on XYZ road?
A: Most accidents are not widely reported.

Q: Why are cyclists so arrogant?
A: Cyclists are people, and some of them are arrogant. Most are not, in my experience.

These are my opinions and observations. I'm happy to hear yours.

Excellent opening post. It would be good to see more such. Engaging in dialogue is better than spewing anger.

Lots of roads and streets in Minnesota have dedicated bicycle lanes where only bicycle traffic is allowed. I haven't been to many places yet in Florida but I've not seen them here. While they don't solve all problems those lanes do help. The problem is that not all streets have them and there are bicyclists up there who insist on riding their bicycles on streets with no bike lanes--during rush hour traffic. Rush hour in downtown Minneapolis, as in most large cities I imagine, can become nightmarish, and there is a lot of resentment from motorists when bicyclists are navigating those streets two abreast and going much slower than the vehicular traffic. It doesn't make a lot of sense: driving in rush hour there is hurry-up-and-wait most of the time, but there have been numerous incidents when that resentment boils over into out-and-out rage, with bicycles bumped off streets by cars, quite a few injuries of bicyclists, and some deaths.

When it is bicycle vs. car, bicycle loses every time.

[Babubhat]

Why have I not seen a bicycle stop at a sign in 7 years? Yes, never