Cyclists
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 308
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From: Alabama
Like you say, hardly anybody drives the speed limit anyway, which makes slow traffic even more dangerous. In a 65mph zone there could be people averaging anywhere from 70-80mph. I've never had a problem with cyclists on back roads where the speed limit is 35-45mph because the speed difference isn't as great.
Last edited by Fear Night; Aug 10, 2009 at 10:39 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
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From: Nomad
I ride road bikes, too.
In addition to some of the same road hazards that motorcyclists deal with, you also get:
guys who like to blast their horn right next to you to see if you'll crash (going over your bars almost guarantees a broken collarbone, and the road rash......)
motorcyclists who like to pass you as closely as possible (and it usually ain't the sportbike riders.........just sayin')
drivers, angered that you made them slow down and wait to pass for 5-10 seconds throwing cigarettes or trash out their window at you as they finally pass
etc, etc., etc.
And, yes, the shoulder is full of debris that will flat you in no time. (When I ride, I'm cruising 18-22 mph, faster if I'm riding in a paceline--not a good speed for a flat.)
In my state, bicycles are not allowed on restricted-entry highways (interstates), which is probably a good thing. Horses aren't allowed on them either, but are fine on all other roads. On two-lane roads with 65+mph speed limits, experienced cyclists are more likely to ride two-abreast. Why? To be seen!
Surely, on our motorcycles we've all experienced near-accidents in which we just were not seen by drivers. Imagine how even less visible you are on a bike with tires that aren't even an inch thick.
The road is a rough place for everyone. Remember that everyone is trying to get to Point B as safely as possible.
In addition to some of the same road hazards that motorcyclists deal with, you also get:
guys who like to blast their horn right next to you to see if you'll crash (going over your bars almost guarantees a broken collarbone, and the road rash......)
motorcyclists who like to pass you as closely as possible (and it usually ain't the sportbike riders.........just sayin')
drivers, angered that you made them slow down and wait to pass for 5-10 seconds throwing cigarettes or trash out their window at you as they finally pass
etc, etc., etc.
And, yes, the shoulder is full of debris that will flat you in no time. (When I ride, I'm cruising 18-22 mph, faster if I'm riding in a paceline--not a good speed for a flat.)
In my state, bicycles are not allowed on restricted-entry highways (interstates), which is probably a good thing. Horses aren't allowed on them either, but are fine on all other roads. On two-lane roads with 65+mph speed limits, experienced cyclists are more likely to ride two-abreast. Why? To be seen!
Surely, on our motorcycles we've all experienced near-accidents in which we just were not seen by drivers. Imagine how even less visible you are on a bike with tires that aren't even an inch thick.
The road is a rough place for everyone. Remember that everyone is trying to get to Point B as safely as possible.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 599
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From: In a van, down by the river.
The problem is that soooo many people on the road are not driving safely because they are busy being bothered by people who do stop at stop signals, who are driving the speed limits and are not using the public roads as their own personal race track. Except Fear Night, he rides everywhere on dragstrips.
I have actually enjoyed slowing to 10 mph and following a couple of bicyclists for a few minutes before passing.
Yup, some chicks really look good in those Spandex pants and tight sports bras!!
Yup, some chicks really look good in those Spandex pants and tight sports bras!!
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Tourer
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From: Alabama
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Nomad
I once stopped by the Harley dealer to pay for my wife's bike's repairs when I was out on a road bike ride.
One guy there, some guy waiting for something, very embarrassed, asked me, "Um, dude, why do you have a maxi pad in your bike shorts.":icon_say what:
I said, "Why are you so interested in what's in my shorts?" Every guy there just blew up laughing, and that guy turned red.
(bike shorts have a "chamois" in them to pad the boys a little)
One guy there, some guy waiting for something, very embarrassed, asked me, "Um, dude, why do you have a maxi pad in your bike shorts.":icon_say what:
I said, "Why are you so interested in what's in my shorts?" Every guy there just blew up laughing, and that guy turned red.(bike shorts have a "chamois" in them to pad the boys a little)
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 23,178
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From: elsewhere
I have no empathy for anyone who impedes traffic and makes it dangerous for everyone else. Bicyclists riding two-abreast does both. And, yes I pedal once in a while, and would never take up a full lane. If it was that dangerous of a place to ride, I would go somewhere else.