Pet Peeve - Joggers

[clarabelle]

Do these guy later in the day put on Spandex and helmets, hop on their bikes and ride in packs in the street.

We ride in packs -because it is fun and because drivers notice a group and don't try to run us off the road.

In other countries people bike everywhere and it is no big deal -but here we are criminals. For some reason we (Americans) like to stay fat and use lots of gas. The culture seems to support cars and nothing else. It is a shame that we can't be more supportive of people trying to do something that is good for them and the plantet.
Even Lance Armstrong has been spat on by drivers and ran off the road.

Spandex stays in place and doesn't creep up while you are riding and doesn't get caught in chains.

I have never grabbed on to someones car -I wouldn't dream of it.

 

[eeyoreiscool]

Around us, there aren't many sidewalks so you have to run in the road. After doing that a few times, I have found it is alot easier to run on the asphalt versus the sidewalk. Also most of the sidewalks aren't actually level so you are constantly having to watch for uneven places or you will trip.

 

[CheshireVal]

We ride in packs -because it is fun and because drivers notice a group and don't try to run us off the road.

In other countries people bike everywhere and it is no big deal -but here we are criminals. For some reason we (Americans) like to stay fat and use lots of gas. The culture seems to support cars and nothing else. It is a shame that we can't be more supportive of people trying to do something that is good for them and the plantet.
Even Lance Armstrong has been spat on by drivers and ran off the road.

Spandex stays in place and doesn't creep up while you are riding and doesn't get caught in chains.

I have never grabbed on to someones car -I wouldn't dream of it.

I don't mind bikes in general, but for some reason they never seem to feel the need to obey basic traffic rules. It's like they want the same rights as cars on the streets, but they're not willing to follow the same rules of the road. *That's* my pet peeve.

 

[clarabelle]

I don't mind bikes in general, but for some reason they never seem to feel the need to obey basic traffic rules. It's like they want the same rights as cars on the streets, but they're not willing to follow the same rules of the road. *That's* my pet peeve.

You are right -I think there is a need for greater education on both sides.

 

[Patch'sD]

Fine ride on side on of the road on the shoulder where you belong, Do not ride two or more abreast on the road and have the automobile have to cross the divider to get around you. Obey all traffic signs, not when you feel like it. I may be overweight but that is the way I choose. Please move to the other country where you feel that Bikers aren't Persecuted. I don't know after 45 years of riding a bike, never wore spandex and never go my clothes caught in the chain or tire. Do you know how to ride a bike? People like you make me want to dump my coffee out the window next time I see a bunch of bikers ignoring the rules of the road.

 

[FullStride]

Do these guy later in the day put on Spandex and helmets, hop on their bikes and ride in packs in the street.

Yeah, I see that all the time. And most wear the signature Lance Armstron yellow. They must be dreaming of the Tour de Lance.

 

[VSL]

I generally run on running paths (which are basically concrete - argh!) or softer surfaces in more scenic areas (it's the only way to get my BF to come running with me). When I do run the streets though, I always stay on the pavement.

My pet peeve is with cyclists when I'm driving on motorways and dual carriageways - some of them insist on cycling on the road when there is a perfectly good cycling path right next to them!!

 

[clarabelle]

Fine ride on side on of the road on the shoulder where you belong, Do not ride two or more abreast on the road and have the automobile have to cross the divider to get around you. Obey all traffic signs, not when you feel like it. I may be overweight but that is the way I choose. Please move to the other country where you feel that Bikers aren't Persecuted. I don't know after 45 years of riding a bike, never wore spandex and never go my clothes caught in the chain or tire. Do you know how to ride a bike? People like you make me want to dump my coffee out the window next time I see a bunch of bikers ignoring the rules of the road.

I never said anyone should not obey traffic laws. I understand that would make anyone angry. I am just saying that here in the US there seems to be a prevailing attitude that the roads or just for cars.
People like YOU who tell everyone to move if they have one differing opinion make me want to dump my coffee on them.
Im not moving. You can live here in the US and express an opinion.
I do know how to ride a bike. I do follow traffic laws. I do wear spandex because it is more comfortable if you are riding long distances.
You should try it. Maybe you wouldn't be so tense and angry.

 

[clarabelle]

I generally run on running paths (which are basically concrete - argh!) or softer surfaces in more scenic areas (it's the only way to get my BF to come running with me). When I do run the streets though, I always stay on the pavement.

My pet peeve is with cyclists when I'm driving on motorways and dual carriageways - some of them insist on cycling on the road when there is a perfectly good cycling path right next to them!!

I don't know how it is in the UK -but here in the US the people who ignore the paths do so because they want to get up some speed. You have to go pretty slow on multi-use paths because of walkers.
Im not saying its right -just saying why they do it. If you are wanting to get go long distances it makes for some slow riding.

 

[VSL]

Ah - well I understand that.

Unfortunately, they don't have that excuse (at least not where I live and at the times I've seen them) - the cycle tracks are quite quiet. In fact, I've seen plenty use them when they're full of walkers though

 

[Hannathy]

Then explain to me why they run in the street if it is also concrete? Our city streets are concrete and they still run in the street and not the sidewalk. And this includes the walkers of all ages not just the "serious" runners. Sidewalks are for pedestrians streets are for vehicles.

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Then explain to me why they run in the street if it is also concrete? Our city streets are concrete and they still run in the street and not the sidewalk. And this includes the walkers of all ages not just the "serious" runners. Sidewalks are for pedestrians streets are for vehicles.

Streets are made from asphalt, not concrete. Asphalt is a much softer surface than concrete. When you run, the impact on your legs is 3 times your body weight, so it's important to run or walk on the softest surface as possible to absorb some of that shock.

 

[Patch'sD]

Thanx My next cup of Coffee on a bike rider will be complements of you. Riding in groups on the road is not following the rules of the road. Enjoy your Bike ride and I will enjoy my half a cup of coffee.

 

[Hannathy]

Aladdin's Girl I know the difference Our streets are concrete in the city I had a hard time believing it but the city streets are concrete and they still run in the street.

 

[Zandy595]

I never said anyone should not obey traffic laws. I understand that would make anyone angry. I am just saying that here in the US there seems to be a prevailing attitude that the roads or just for cars. ...

I'm going to have to agree with Hannathy. Sidewalks are for pedestrians, streets are for vehicles. There is a reason why sidewalks are made. Vehicles don't drive on sidewalks, why should pedestrians walk/run on streets.

 

[Deb in IA]

Vehicles don't drive on sidewalks, why should pedestrians walk/run on streets.

Because there are no sidewalks where I live. And even if there were, if you missed the previous discussion, sidewalks are concrete.