thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 10, 2013 12:55:32 GMT -5
I find the time it costs me to give everyone (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, people who just escaped from drug rehab and are wandering down the middle of the road, construction crews, dogs that are lost, etc.) only amounts to a minute or two, and the time isn't worth getting my panties in a bunch. It may feel like an eternity, but in reality, it is usually a few seconds. Even if you have to lose an ENTIRE MINUTE, who cares?
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jun 10, 2013 12:57:19 GMT -5
I find the time it costs me to give everyone (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, people who just escaped from drug rehab and are wandering down the middle of the road, construction crews, dogs that are lost, etc.) only amounts to a minute or two, and the time isn't worth getting my panties in a bunch. It may feel like an eternity, but in reality, it is usually a few seconds. Even if you have to lose an ENTIRE MINUTE, who cares? Around here, you also have to add in tractors and Canada Geese trying to cross the road...
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 10, 2013 13:01:04 GMT -5
LOL - why don't they fly? (Not the tractors.)
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jun 10, 2013 13:03:52 GMT -5
LOL - why don't they fly? (Not the tractors.) Who knows? Although, sometime it's a family of geese who have little ones that probably can't fly yet. But not always.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jun 10, 2013 13:07:31 GMT -5
I find the time it costs me to give everyone (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, people who just escaped from drug rehab and are wandering down the middle of the road, construction crews, dogs that are lost, etc.) only amounts to a minute or two, and the time isn't worth getting my panties in a bunch. It may feel like an eternity, but in reality, it is usually a few seconds. Even if you have to lose an ENTIRE MINUTE, who cares? while this might be a very serene attitude to have, I only have so much patience for inconsiderate jerks. It's getting even harder now. Before, I just really didn't give a shit and spend very little time worrying about what others were doing, but now my kids are starting to ask me why this person is doing this or why is that person being so mean and there are only so many times I can say "they are probably having a bad day"
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jun 10, 2013 13:10:29 GMT -5
"Because some people are just inconsiderate of the people around them" is a perfectly acceptible response. I'm not sure why this is something you feel that need to shield your kids from. It's a teachable moment.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 13:21:46 GMT -5
Interesting reading this thread. Those that never or rarely cycle have a rather skewed perception. i.e. the road is meant for driving cars and anything on the road that isn't a car is a major annoyance to me. Until bikes have their very own paths or lanes, drivers need to exhibit some patience and share the road.
I didn't start cycling regularly until the last year, and I'm sure prior to that I was just as vehicle-centric sounding as many on this thread. I now ride into work a couple days a week when the weather is nice for exercise and general well-being. Seeing it from both sides, there are plenty of bad drivers just as there are bad cyclists. Neither has a monopoly on poor road etiquette.
The best you can do is lead by example, and hope others follow.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jun 10, 2013 13:23:00 GMT -5
"Because some people are just inconsiderate of the people around them" is a perfectly acceptible response. I'm not sure why this is something you feel that need to shield your kids from. It's a teachable moment. It has nothing to do with shielding them, but why would I want my not even 5 yr old to think that there are so many jerks around him?
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swamp
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THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
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Post by swamp on Jun 10, 2013 13:23:39 GMT -5
I find the time it costs me to give everyone (drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, people who just escaped from drug rehab and are wandering down the middle of the road, construction crews, dogs that are lost, etc.) only amounts to a minute or two, and the time isn't worth getting my panties in a bunch. It may feel like an eternity, but in reality, it is usually a few seconds. Even if you have to lose an ENTIRE MINUTE, who cares? Around here, you also have to add in tractors and Canada Geese trying to cross the road... We also get Amish buggies, milk trucks, deer, turtles, and the occasional herd of cattle.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 13:23:44 GMT -5
I hate commuters riding their bikes during rush hour because it's dangerous for everyone involved. If more people commuted on their bikes, there would be far fewer cars on the road. If everyone drove their cars instead of biking, there would be fewer bikers on the road. What's your point?
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jun 10, 2013 13:25:56 GMT -5
The annoying/dangerous thing I've encountered with bikers lately is their riding on the left side of the road. So, if you're making a right turn, not only do you have to look to the left for oncoming traffic, you also have to look right to the shoulder of the road in case a moron biker is coming up the wrong side of the road. I've also seen them blow right through (and almost get hit) 4 way stops when cars were stopped in every direction and taking turns to go like they're supposed to.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 10, 2013 13:26:03 GMT -5
Just because you live in the boonies doesn't mean you get to complain any more than the rest of us.
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swamp
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THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
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Post by swamp on Jun 10, 2013 13:27:54 GMT -5
Just because you live in the boonies doesn't mean you get to complain any more than the rest of us. When I got horse snot and slobber on the back window of my van because I was in front of an Amish buggy on the highway when we were stopped for construction, I won my right to complain!!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 13:31:10 GMT -5
If more people commuted on their bikes, there would be far fewer cars on the road. If everyone drove their cars instead of biking, there would be fewer bikers on the road. What's your point? Bikes take up less space, provide exercise, are environmentally friendly, and much cheaper. Besides that, not much. I applaud those that can and do commute to their jobs via an alternative transportation to cars.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 10, 2013 13:32:02 GMT -5
Which is worse, horse slobber or homeless people slobber? They travel in herds, too - but less organized.
Although I did like the one guy that was singing and dancing. He was clearly high as a kite. Glad to see him that morning, and glad I didn't run into him later when he came down.
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swamp
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THEY’RE EATING THE DOGS!!!!!!!
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Post by swamp on Jun 10, 2013 13:33:01 GMT -5
I prefer horse slobber. they don't smell as bad as homeless people. although the amish that drive the buggies don't smell as good as the horses.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 13:34:34 GMT -5
Interesting reading this thread. Those that never or rarely cycle have a rather skewed perception. i.e. the road is meant for driving cars and anything on the road that isn't a car is a major annoyance to me. Until bikes have their very own paths or lanes, drivers need to exhibit some patience and share the road. I didn't start cycling regularly until the last year, and I'm sure prior to that I was just as vehicle-centric sounding as many on this thread. I now ride into work a couple days a week when the weather is nice for exercise and general well-being. Seeing it from both sides, there are plenty of bad drivers just as there are bad cyclists. Neither has a monopoly on poor road etiquette. The best you can do is lead by example, and hope others follow. The more serious riders i.e. the ones that wear spandex, are a different breed than your casual bike riders. Casual bike riders are more aware of what's going on.. They might not follow the rules of the road, but they exhibit some common sense while they are cruising around. The big difference is the awareness of what's going on around them. Serious bike riders keep their head down and keep going despite the traffic situation around them. Casual bike riders will choose to pull over to wait for the situation to clear up or they will hop onto a sidewalk during a given stretch. A prime example of this is when the cyclist is in the right-hand side of the road, you're driving down the street coming up on the cyclist, and there is a car that is parked on the side of the road. Most casual riders will realize there is a car coming up behind them, and glance over their shoulder to get the go-ahead or just wait until the car passes. Spadex wearing bike riders just jump in front of you without looking.
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MarleyKeezy78
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Post by MarleyKeezy78 on Jun 10, 2013 13:35:38 GMT -5
I almost hit a cyclist recently! I was making a right hand turn at a red light and was looking left to make sure no traffic was coming and this guy flew up beside me and cut in front of me so fast I didn't see him coming I almost ran his stupid ass over and he scared the shit out of me! He gave me a look like I was a idiot If you have the right of way make sure I can see you and not ride up on me a deathly speeds, aren't you supposed to slow you roll at a cross walk anyway butthole! ETA: this was just some hippie on a bike!
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formerroomate99
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Post by formerroomate99 on Jun 10, 2013 13:35:59 GMT -5
Well, you have two issues going on. Many bike riders seem to think that driving in the middle of the road is safer than driving on the side. (Personally, I prefer to use the sidewalk and then pull the dumb blonde routine in the unlikely event that a cop would actually waste his time enforcing any rules against bikers using sidewalks.) And with gas prices going up, you also have a lot more novice bike commuters on the road.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jun 10, 2013 13:37:58 GMT -5
And lights - I forgot to mention lights on a bike, both front and back. Lots of cyclists don't bother because they can see just fine. Never figure out until they get hit that it's not about them seeing stuff. I admit I never thought about my own invisibility (I'm not exactly a dainty little flower, so I assumed I was easy to see), until I really started looking at other cyclists, both those who had proper lights and those who did not. Again, should be no different from a motor vehicle. I've never understood cyclist who sink thousands into a bike, but won't spend a dime on a helmet. Or just as bad: parents who ride with their kids, and make the kids ride with helmets on (the law here is helmets required for 16 years of age and younger) but the parents won't wear one. And then they wonder why the kids piss and moan about following the rules.
When I started riding, I bought shirts in several neon colors.....lime, pink, orange. Totally obnoxious that I would never wear anyplace else but while biking. I just wanted to make sure that I am seen. I also have a reflective vest for if I ride off hours.
A friend of mine got hit and killed while she was out running at sunrise. She was wearing dark clothing and the driver thought that he had hit a deer. She got knocked far enough away that the driver never even saw where she went, and was knocked out of her sneakers. The idea of not being seen just totally scared the crap out of me, so am cognizant of it when I am out myself, whether walking or biking.
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Bob Ross
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Post by Bob Ross on Jun 10, 2013 13:41:08 GMT -5
Bike riders' annoyingness increases exponentially with the amount of spandex that they wear. No one wants to see you in that.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2013 13:48:49 GMT -5
So do you hate these bike riders? Or are you a bike rider and do you hate drivers? It's summer here & between 90 & 105 degrees. Bike riders know that so they dress "down". So to answer your question....I like the women bike riders & I'm happy to follow them at 10 mph (or 2 if they want to go that slow).
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 10, 2013 14:12:23 GMT -5
Forgiving people and giving them a little latitude is more about peace in your own life, rather than validating their decisions. Especially if it is people that will never hear if you approve of their behavior or not. Why get all worked up about losing a very small amount of time, to someone whose reasoning is unknown, for some minor infraction, that you will never be able to talk it out with them. I know it is about feeling superior by being sure that you are right and they are wrong. But, at the end of the day - you are mad, and they don't care at all. So, who really won?
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Jun 10, 2013 14:19:58 GMT -5
Exactly, Thyme. Now the lady who just about ran over me while I was crossing the street (with the light) heard my displeasure, or at least heard me the second time when she slammed on the brakes and yelled "What did you call me?" out the window.
I spelled it for her the second time.
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Jun 10, 2013 14:21:56 GMT -5
And by the way? Drivers DO own (or pay for) the road, don't they? Doesn't part of your car registration go towards the building and upkeep of the roads? Cyclists don't contribute, do they?
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Iggy aka IG
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Post by Iggy aka IG on Jun 10, 2013 14:28:14 GMT -5
I'd like to add it's not just bicyclists on roads. It's also bicyclists on mountain trails. They are one user group who, in general, if they had their way, would close trails for their use exclusively. Forget the horse riders, ATVers, dirt bikers, etc.
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Green Eyed Lady
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Post by Green Eyed Lady on Jun 10, 2013 14:31:52 GMT -5
I try not to get annoyed at the farmers and their vehicles. I tell myself he is driving a $400,000 dollar piece of machinery to a field to grow food so I can eat, on a road that he pays taxes on just like I do. And expecting him to pull it over to the side and risk tipping it all so my 7-year old Jeep can get somewhere one minute faster is unreasonable.
It rarely works...but I do try.
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Jun 10, 2013 14:33:44 GMT -5
And by the way? Drivers DO own (or pay for) the road, don't they? Doesn't part of your car registration go towards the building and upkeep of the roads? Cyclists don't contribute, do they? Why yes, we do. We also drive cars in addition to riding our bikes. We also buy stuff, which means we pay the sales tax, some of which goes to pay for roads and transportation.
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Rocky Mtn Saver
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Post by Rocky Mtn Saver on Jun 10, 2013 14:34:41 GMT -5
"Because some people are just inconsiderate of the people around them" is a perfectly acceptible response. I'm not sure why this is something you feel that need to shield your kids from. It's a teachable moment. It has nothing to do with shielding them, but why would I want my not even 5 yr old to think that there are so many jerks around him? Because it's a fact of life. Because you can begin to teach him that other people's actions don't have to make us change who we are unless we allow it. Because you can teach him to accept things he can't change about others. Because you can help him see that choices people make to be inconsiderate and selfish affect other people like him. There are lots of ways to approach this in a positive manner without ruining his view of the world. And yes, you are shielding him. You're choosing to come up with some kind of fabricated reason why someone acted in a particular way because you don't want him to know that sometimes people are just inconsiderate. Of course, now he's going to think that this is the way people should/do/can act when they're just having a bad day. Which could cause its own kind of problems.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jun 10, 2013 14:37:08 GMT -5
Your kids probably only notice because you make a face, or give some other marker that you are displeased by their actions. You are teaching them that everyone else is wrong, and you are perfect.
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