How to Cycle in Dallas Without Getting Runned Over, An Eight-Part Video Series

By Robert Wilonsky Tue., Mar. 24 2009 at 9:11 AM

Categories: News

YouTube'r "pmichaelsummer" has tips, many tips for folks looking to bike Dallas without getting smooshed by speeding cars. Hence, this page of "vehicular cycling techniques" from such hotspots as Lemmon-McKinney, East Dallas, Deep Ellum and elsewhere. The following one's a significantly abbreviated version of a longer downtown trek, culminating with a trip over the Houston Street Viaduct. Very relaxing, if nothing else.

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I've also been intentionally hit by a car as a weapon. It happened New Year's Day in downtown Dallas. It happened on Elm, which is one way and four lanes wide. The driver insisted on tailgating us while honking and yelling. Eventually he passes us and we all meet up at the following red light. He stares at us and we stare back at him and ask him what is problem is, why didn't he pass us on one of the three open lanes. His response was "this is my problem" and puts his car into reverse, aims it at me directly and accelerates hitting three of us then speeding down Elm. That might be an extreme case but I feel like there are way too many drivers in Dallas with that same mentality, my guy was just crazy enough to actually do something about it.
I'm an anomaly. I am one of the few people in the world who was attacked by a driver who used his vehicle as a weapon, and I survived. And I was hit in Garland while riding home after I finished my 2nd shift job in Farmer's Branch. The problem I have is even when I ride in the middle of the lane drivers will insist on trying to pass me in the same lane, to the point that I have had to wash road dirt from my clothing that was transfered from the body of the car. When I ride in my neighborhood people are used to my being there and give me lots of room, but 5 miles away and I'm treated as if I don't belong on the same road. And as for cyclists not stopping at stop signs, I stood at a 4 way stop near my house and counted the cars. There were 57 cars that went through the intersection in just under 30 minutes, of which 6 stopped, and 4 of those stopped because there was a vehicle in the intersection which they would have collided with had they not stopped. So out of 57 cars, 2 stopped, or less than 4%. I suspect the cyclists that don't stop are in similar proportion to the drivers that don't stop since 90% of cyclists are also drivers.
Howdy: I currently own three automobiles and am looking to replace two of them with a BiggAzz SUV or four door pickup. It is what makes sense for my family and this being America, it is my right to do as I please with my hard-earned income. When I drive that BASUV, I will expect to be accorded all the rights & privileges and held accountable against all the laws and regulations vehicles are subject to when operating on the streets. I also insist on similar rights & responsibilities when I ride my not-as-BiggAzz bike to work or for pleasure. I pay plenty of taxes, fees, etc., unlike many in this "gimmee-it-for-free" society. I have learned via experience that the safest way to ride the streets is to take the lane, just as if I were driving an automobile. The busier the traffic, the more likely I'll ride in the middle of the lane. This is not because I am an azz, but because I want to be visible to others who use the roads. Those little old ladies are less likely to turn you into road pizza if you are out there, bright & bold than if you hug the curb. No bike lane for me, thanks. But, please use my tax dollars to build big, bad, beautiful streets that all of us can use safely and efficiently.
I'd be ok with paying a registration if it's applied the same as all other vehicles. i.e. based on a vehicles weight and potential to damage the roads. It would also need to be the same $ figure per pound as what's charged on cars. So we're talking about $1 a year perhaps? If even that much? Problem is, it would likely cost more just to administer such a program than it would collect in Revenue. However, if it would get people in cars to adjust their attitudes, I'd gladly pay it even if it caused the State to lose money on the deal. :)
Is there some kind of license needed to ride a bike on a public street? Or some kind of safety class that's required? Or a certification about knowing the laws when riding a bicycle? I haven't heard of any, but wouldn't this be beneficial? Since a bicycle is a vehicle, shouldn't that vehicle be registered and the driver educated to operate it on a public street?
If the redneck quotient is too high in a particular neighborhood, then ride against the traffic. I find that morons will not shave you as closely when you gain and maintain eye contact.
All you people in cars DO realize that it'd be very easy for you to just go do your driving on a different street than the one I'm riding on, don't you? How long could it take the average Dallas driver to go a mile out of their way in an effort to stay out of the way of cyclists? A whole minute perhaps? ;)
@ The person trying to be nice to everyone. If you live in Garland, that would explain a lot about your neighbor's behavior.
"How To Cycle in Dallas Without Getting Runned Over" - Cycle In Friso!
Stupid question, but has anyone bothered to watch the videos? All of them? Might want to do that before throwing your hat in the ring.
Chris, now tell us exactly where you live, what you drive or ride, and what your schedule is, so we can watch you, as well.
since there are many cyclist around my neighborhood, I am going to post what I see every day. March 24th: Woman, with a very ugly white bike, decided to go straight through an intersection, from a right turn only lane. And, she completely ignored the red light in front of her.
Wow! What spirited discussion. As many of you have pointed out, there are aggressive,rude cyclists and drivers out there. However, the law provides that both are vehicles and entitled to be on the road. Therefore we must share the road and be courteous to one another. Slow down, change lanes and pass when you get the opportunity to safely do so. It seems these types of discussions always breed animosity, snide remarks and generally an us v. them mentality. We all want to arrive at our destinations safely whether we're in a car or on a bike.
WOW what is left to be said? How about we all play nice when we are going from point A to point B and everything will get better? I am bike commuter (bike commute 3000miles every year for the past 5 years) and I also drive a car to and from work every now and then. I do not think I am militant. When someone tries to share a lane with me when I am in my car and I hit the horn to remind them to get back in their lane, how is this different then me yelling hey at the encroaching car when I am on my bike? Case in point my commute is north of Dallas (Garland Richardson Plano Allen) and I was just finishing riding up a 4 lane road with a huge hill on it I was told to get on the side walk which I pointed to the side of the road and stated I would if there was one. This led to me getting cursed out and told to get my fat a$$ off the road. I took note of the car make, model and the color of the car and the driver�s face. My legs where shot from fighting the 30mph headwind for 17 miles and I knew I was traveling way to slow to be on a 40mph road but I had no other options. It was either this road or a 45mph road with bad sightlines so I kept pedaling away into the head wind. Not much I could do it was one of those days where I had a head wind in to work and a much worse head wind on my way home. I was about 2 miles from the house when I thought I saw the same car again. I was right it was the same guy; who then started to tail gate me honking his horn revving his motor and yell out his window all sorts of ugly things at me my family history. At any point along this two mile section of road he could have past me but he wanted to just harass me. I finally just stopped my bike dead in the lane and refused to move until he passed me. He finally did and went up about two blocks and turned right. Funny that was my street as well, when I turned onto the street I saw the car parked in the driveway about 6 houses down from my house. I went home got cleaned up and settled myself down. Later that evening I saw him outside cutting his lawn and walked down to introduce myself. We had a friendly conversation I did not bring up the whole incident and let it ride. He is a youth leader at his church and an all around good person. About a month or so later I was leaving for work at the same time my not so nice to cyclist neighbor was and stopped to talk to him. He kind of looked shocked to see me on a bike and then he recognized me (or the bike) and started to apologize for how he acted that evening a while ago. The moral to the story is simple you never know who your neighbor might be when you are on the road. The person riding a bike, scooter, motorcycle, driving a car, big rig or driving the farm tractor, might be your neighbor, minister, child�s school teacher, principle or some ones, father, mother, or child. Be respectful of others and treat everyone exactly how you would want to be treated. It does not matter if you are the cyclist or the person driving the car if everyone would be nice this world we lived in would be a better place, until then some people need to get a thicker skin.
Sure cyclist pay taxes on their vehicles. I own 2 trailers which sit in my backyard 95% of the year but I still have to register them unlike the state of Oklahoma. Hell, I have to register my horse in the city I live in and it has to be okay with my neighbors.
Was slow cycling with my Oak Cliff group of riding pals that leave from Jack's Backyard every Sunday around (aaaaaround 3.30) and as we rode up Beckley to a new establishment another rider said to me: Why is it that everyone honks and waves and smiles when you ride in a group but wants to run you over when you're riding all alone? Really. Why?
For the record, I break the law just about everytime I drive my car and virtually never break it while riding my bike. Cyclists are more aware than anyone else on the road. It's the unattentiveness/lack of awareness on the drivers part that is the problem. If drivers were 1/2 as aware as cyclists, overall accidents would decline by 90%. And another thing, it's not the cyclists causing all the traffic problems during your rush hour drive. It's the TRAFFIC from mainly cars causing the slow down.
Yo dude, how many cyclist already own cars and pay taxes on them, eh? nbyx said rodes were meant to xport people, goods, not just cars. You wrong, man.
Uh, I don't have a moustache, and I don't ride a Bike Friday. If Anon would put 2 and 2 together, they'd figure out that I'm not Mr. Summer. Viva La VeloRucion!
The biggest issue I see with bike lanes is the fact that they violate long held standards of safe vehicle movement and increase the danger of posed at intersections. Why is it acceptable to the bike lane people to increase the incidence of cyclists struck at intersections? The way things are now, I can ride anywhere I want to that isn't specifically marked as "no bikes" {i.e. the freeways} Whether any of the haters like it or not, if the lane is 14' or less, I own it. Or at the least, I own the part of I'm using at the time. Same as I would if I was in my car. If you need to pass, you need to merge over, pass and be on your way. Same as you would if you were passing any other vehicle moving slower than you are. Why is it only an "issue" if that "slower vehicle" happens to be a bike?
There's a venue for tax dollars. Those that want to ride their bikes on city streets or highways should have to register the bike and tag it. That away tax funds could be allocated for building bike lanes and no one can complain about slow cyclist on the roads. They can complain but people also complain about cars that drive the speed limit.
You would be delusional, anonymous.
FWIW The following identities on this thread are all the same person: @byx @LBJ's Love Child and @PM Summer
PM Summer is retarded, I mean what else is there to say?
Wow. No wonder my ears were burning (I'm pmichaelsummer). Thanks, Robert, for the widened exposure of these videos! Education is always the best step. For those interested, these videos were shot by Brian DeSousa, of Dual Chase productions, as part of their bicycling Education videos they use for League of American Bicyclists training classes. He was riding a little portable bicycle, and they averaged about 10 mph (14-15 mph on the bridge segments). They seem to be going faster (as do the passing cars) due t the fish-eye effect of the helmet cam he was wearing. You can see more of their work at http://www.cyclistview.com/ , where the principles of vehicular cycling are demonstrated clearly. And just FYI, Mr. DeSousa (from Long Beach) noted that the motorists in Dallas are friendlier to cyclists than are the ones in Southern California. Funny world we live in.
If the goal of the bike riders here was to convince people that you're self centered assholes, job well done. Maybe if you actually had lives, you could concern yourselves with what you were going to do when you reached a destination instead of obsessing on what it takes to get there.
By reading the CycleDallas weblog, I've learned that Dallas uses narrow lanes on almost all of its streets (subsequent observations confirmed this). The desire by folks like Mr. Moto to have bike lanes would require the removal of shared travel lanes for automobiles and bicycles (or narrowing the lanes to about eight feet, the same width as a car, so that you only had a few inches between cars... less for SUVs). Those of you who don't want bicycles using a travel lane as a slow-moving vehicle... how do you feel about having travel lanes removed to accommodate timid cyclists, when the streets are already congested? That's what Mr. Moto wants, but won't admit publically. http://cycledallas.blogspot.com/2009/03/gloss-on-ross.html
@mm "Riding on busy streets during rush hour, just because you can, is arrogant and dangerous." Are you aware, according to the link below, that the videos were shot during Friday afternoon early rush hour? They call it the "rubber band" effect, where the pack of cars stay ahead of the slower moving, law-abiding, cyclists. http://cycledallas.blogspot.com/2009/03/dallas-run-seven-fold-revelation.html
I live downtown, and ride my bike a lot. I agree with the ones who say take side streets when you can. When you absolutely can't, on bridges and such, ride in the middle of the lane. Riding on busy streets during rush hour, just because you can, is arrogant and dangerous. And to the other controversy: US Highway 75 runs north out of Dallas. I-75 runs from Florida up through Atlanta.
Lakewooder@ "..if 85% of the people are driving a certain speed, then THAT'S the speed limit. I mean c'mon, we all know the posted speed on Mockingbird, Preston, Skillman, etc is 35 mph, but the average driver travels 40 - 45 mph on these streets." No, that's called 85% of the drivers are breaking the law, just like a bicyclist that runs a stop sign or rides on the wrong side of the street. I'm all for zero-tolerance of ALL scofflaws.
You know, wouldn't it be interesting if our fresh ex-president took up commuting to his new library or office? Then do you think people would pay more attention?
I'll get you from downtown to Addison safely, no problem. Outside of the Tollway, I can do Midway and Marsh no problem. Used to do Midway when I lived on Preston & Beltline. Northaven dead ends at Central when you head east. Royal, just to the South, is a Pegasus Route. Hop on, hold your lane, and go East. Marsh Southbound may be a little fast, but one block over is Cox Lane, which is doable. I used to commute from the Park Cities to Preston/Beltline, and I took Thackeray till it dead ended, then took Hillcrest up to Meadowcreek. All legally, all within the law, nary a honk or a finger in sight. Now, the Walmart cyclist is a COMPLETELY different issue altogether, and there we step in to Sociological, Geographical, and Demographical differences that are on the edge of the realm of what we're discussing. Educating these people will be the real challenge, and sadly, a bike/car accident is a bike/car accident in the eyes of the anecdotal press, no matter who is involved.
byx, i do not agree with your assertation that dallas is bike friendly. bike tolerant at best. try getting from downtown to addison safely, and tell me it's "bike friendly" midway? marsh? the tollway? no dude, i go 15 miles out of the way. The town wasn't built with bikes in mind. In my opinion that's "bike friendly." Trying to ride up or down hillcrest at rush hour? you think that's safe? even Northhaven is sketchy as you cross the tollway and head east. Just because you have "rights" doesn't mean the drivers recognize them. that said, i prefer the dirt anyway. have fun out there, and i hope you stay safe. You won't convince me. I don't consider most bike commuters a nuisance, but there are a few, and you are grouped in with every guy on a walmart bike riding on the sidewalk to most of the non-riders out there in cars. They have no clue. good luck.
I-75 is a interstate, unless you still consider Oklahoma indian territory.
Laura, I already returned your potential volley regarding 75. Oh, and it's not an "I", those are for interstates. Laura, please come out and play with us. Like a door, it'll open your mind to the truth. Go. Be. Do. It's really that simple.
I'm totally using the "Jason Eric Roberts Propaganda Machine" as my next band name.
@cp Bicycles are vehicles? Really? So does that mean I can head down I-75 on my Schwinn? Get real.
Jason Eric Roberts (aka "mannytmoto") has already spun his infamous propaganda machine into full gear. "Don't worry, we "bike lane weenies" still love you." In his less than compelling rebuttal, he ponders, "Which feels safer? Which would you rather ride on? Which would bring more cyclists out? Which would you prefer to see in Dallas?" ...and then states, "Notice the Dallas cyclists look like they�re armed for battle, while the Copenhagen cyclists look like regular people." Not many people know that he censors almost all comments to the BFOC site which are critical of his particular goals. Fascism is not a productive means of discussion. I choose to dress for "battle", because my daily commute is around 30km, each way. Wearing cycling appropriate attire allows me to accomplish this year-round, without soiling my work clothes. I would prefer not having to replace my pants due to chainring damage. Also, road grime sprayed all over my clothes and rain are not conducive to a professional appearance. The "lycra" so many facilities apologists decry serves the very useful purpose of wicking away perspiration in the summer and retaining heat in the winter. I make no apologies for wearing it. Do those of you who belittle vehicular cyclists wearing specialized clothing also derogate motorcyclists who wear armor-plated pants and jackets? Despite what some of you may believe, what one wears has nothing to do with safety or acceptance. It is a matter of personal preference. Many who have responded to this thread have expressed faltering disbelief that vehicular cycling in Dallas is safe without special facilities. How many of you have actually tried it? Who among the timid who insist bike lanes are a requirement to stress-free bicycle commuting have made any effort to seek instruction from organizations or individuals with more experience than you? I would wager the answer to those questions leans toward none in both instances. For the record, I am one of the cyclists featured in the accompanying video. 2009 marks the 16th year I have been commuting by bicycle in Dallas (and nearly forty years I have been riding a bicycle as a means of transportation), including Walnut Hill, BTW, "laura s". Never have I been hit or run off of the road. This is largely because I am a competent, experienced vehicular cyclist who abides by the rules of the road and assert my right to be there.
LBJ's Love Child, if 85% of the people are driving a certain speed, then THAT'S the speed limit. I mean c'mon, we all know the posted speed on Mockingbird, Preston, Skillman, etc is 35 mph, but the average driver travels 40 - 45 mph on these streets. When a cyclist is out there doing 25 - 30 mph, it creates serious problems, especially during peak drive times. Once again, you are well within the law and have every right to cycle the busiest streets, but there are a lot of lousy/inattentive/impatient/old/medicated/inebriated/uninsured drivers out there, so don�t act surprised when something bad happens. Personally, I ride for relaxation and enjoyment and have NO idea why anyone would put themselves in such a precarious position. It just doesn't make any sense to me when you can just as easily ride the side streets.
And I'm telling you that I don't understand what you mean when you say that North Dallas is not bike friendly. I take Northaven, St. Michaels, Hillcrest, Royal, Park, um, lessee, Thackeray, and others, all the time. No hassles. Like you, I live downtown, and I selectively chose to relocate there because of all the cycling options. Dallas is a bike-friendly town. You just have to know what you're doing, and act like a vehicle, which you are.
nyx, you are preaching to the choir when you direct comments to me. I feel your pain. by militant i mean the guys that can move over just a touch, and let a car safely around, but they don't. I ride, i know what's safe. I'm not talking about putting a rider in the curb. common sense type stuff, really. don't quote me the law, i know it. i'm simply resolved to the fact that dallas (and especially the northern suburbs) is not bike friendly, and if you can't ride the speed limit you are putting yourself in harms way on roads that motorists use during rush hour. you don't have to tell me how it feels to throw a leg over and get someplace. I live downtown, and love a good ride. just not at rush hour. to each their own, but the folks reading the observer blog are not the ones you should be worried about. Seriously.
And you'll notice in the videos that what was accomplished was done "sans" bike lanes. Throwing a lane out there turns the cyclist into a pedestrian on wheels. If you want continued access to the roads, leave them alone. Bike lanes don't go everywhere. Roads do. As the bike jersey says, "I AM THE BIKE LANE!"
@Steve Don't worry, we "bike lane weenies" still love you: http://bikefriendlyoc.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/which-one-would-you-rather-ride-on/
@Toots: "Apples and oranges. Cyclists do moving violations far more often. Besides I don't think I've ever seen a cyclist break the speed limit." At any given time, about 85% of all motorists are exceeding the speed limit, or doesn't that count?
"It would be silly for someone to tell me that, as a motorist, I should make sure all other motorists should obey the law. I can't. " Gail, who is saying YOU need too? We are voicing our opinions, not telling other cyclists to lecture other cyclists.
bionicknees, Hmmm. It's not militant. It's the truth. And the truth will set you free. I'm not saying that cyclists should go clog Central. I'm saying that whenever you need to get from "Here" to "There", throw a leg over your bike and do it. You'd be surprised how little interference you'll get. And road rage happens between motorists just as often as it does between bicycles and cars. It just becomes passe and gets ignored after a few moments. And hate to break it to you folks, but the first paved roads in this nation were done at the behest of cyclists. Maps come folded so that they'll fit in to a jersey pocket, not a glove box. Cyclists were here first, and they remain integral to the movement of people and goods in all communities. Live with them, appreciate them, give them a break, and either wait or pass. But the second you harrass one, you are committing a crime that will not go unnoticed. Your actions as a motorist have consequences. Cyclists have their own responsibilities. Let the Cycling Instructors do their thing. In fact, get your kid in to a class, or take one yourself. Again, you'd be surprised at how different the world looks behind a handlebar.
cp says: Toots- the majority of car drivers don't follow the law. ================================= Apples and oranges. Cyclists do moving violations far more often. Besides I don't think I've ever seen a cyclist break the speed limit.
This is an idiotic argument. If you're on a bike and riding in traffic on whatever street of course you own the lane, just as a scooterist or motorcyclist or person who wants to go the speed limit while everyone around them doesn't OWNS THE LANE. It's not arrogance it's common sense and it's the law. If you're in a car you don't drive up on the curb because someone wants to pass you...you shouldn't be expected to do so and aren't by law. Getting angry because you have an idiotic and completely unsubstantiated by any facts or data opinion that cyclists don't obey the law and THEN asking them to not obey the law by maintaining possession of their lane is just dumb. You have a right to pass and the streets are designed for cars and bicicles and motorcycles etc. Bicyclists are ruining traffic because you get stuck behind one...sorry to tell you that though it might inconvenience you the overall flow of traffic is largely unaffected.
Laura S, It is not lunacy, and I have bicycled safely for over 40 years because I act predictably on the bicycle. And, it is illegal for me to bicycle on most sidewalks, I would be ticketed and it would be wrong as it would be breaking the rules of which I said I follow in my above post. I follow the legal rules of the road in my car and on my bike. Period. But I do appreciate your concern for my welfare.
as a cyclist i hate the militant bike commuter attitude. yeah, the law might be on their side, but taking on cars is insane. i especially don't understand why they don't use a residential route. my commute goes from 15 to 30 miles (one way) on bike...but it's the only way to do it right. dallas is fine for riding, but you have to stay off the big roads. i've known too many that have been hit. it's just not worth it. you commuters will never win here, it's a car city. so find a safe route and suck it up. quit whining, because motorists do not care about you. their attitudes won't change. Move to portland if riding to work is so important to you. I get tired of hearing this stuff...and i love riding bikes.
Laura s. - you should. A bicycle is a vehicle. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. Roads are for vehicles.
@Gail When I'm walking on the sidewalk, I'm not directly impeding the movement of a 2 ton car going 40 mph down the road. Putting my Schwinn on Walnut Hill and thinking "I OWN THIS LANE" is a completely different story. It's lunacy.
I drive a car. I ride a bicycle. I obey the laws in both the car and on the bike. I can't ever speak for how other's follow the law. It would be silly for someone to tell me that, as a motorist, I should make sure all other motorists should obey the law. I can't. I mean, how many cars are using the shoulder as a turn lane these days? But I can set an example can't I? I happen to be a League Cycling Instructor, so I teach others how to follow the rules of the road. I just know that I am not afraid to bicycle anywhere that it is legal for me to bike. And, I often do. I have little fear of anyone who drives a car and obeys the rules of the road, it is only those that feel as though their car is a weapon that I worry about. And that includes when I walk too. Do I let it stop me? No. Laws and rules are in place so everyone can benefit.
boolz, Uh, aren't you guilty of the same type of attitude? Uh, no, i'm not. Unlike you, i realize there are other people in the world and don't drive with the attitude that I OWN THE LANE!!!!1!!1!1 But if you want to continue behaving the way you do, feel free to do so. Just don't come back here asking why everyone hates bicyclists.
@byx I'm sorry, but you're going to need a better sales tactic than "act like a vehicle on your bicycle". It may be vehicle to you, but I'm not about to make someone in a Suburban slow down because I feel "empowered by my bike". This does not make me feel safe about riding with my husband and kids to work and school. I'll stick with my Accord, thank you very much.
I just feel bad for all those motorists out there. Changing lanes is exhausting and being patient sucks.
boolz, Uh, aren't you guilty of the same type of attitude? Do you want me on the gutter, so you can brush by me with your wide-ass Suburban and mondo-wide rear view mirrors? Would you LIKE to break my neck as you strike me and then spend the rest of your days wearing horizontal pin-stripes? If I'm in front of you, I have rights. You can wait, or pass. It's that simple. Lakewooder, you're preaching about something that's endemic in the society - perhaps the argument should be for greater enforcement of current laws against such things, so that ALL road users can use them more safely. Um, Laura, come on out and try it some time. Again, if you take the lane, and act like a vehicle, around vehicles, you'll be surprised at how little interference you get. Act like a gutter bunny, and you end up cowering behind the H3 bullies. Get on your bike and ride. The streets are yours, and you have rights that are enforceable. Act like a vehicle, and you'll be treated like one. It's not that difficult, and it's not that risky. In fact, every time you take your bike on a commute, you're putting cash in your pocket.
Good God! That looked anything but safe. Watching all those cars fly past these two just confirmed the reason why I would never ride a bicycle in Dallas. Dallas ain't the west coast.
byx, you are correct. Dallas is a cool place to ride, and if you want to ride down busy thoroughfares and inconvenience hundreds of your fellow citizens, you are certainly within your rights to do so, but every time I hop on my bike, I think about all the little old lady's that can't see beyond their hood ornament, and all the teenage kids driving with one hand and texting with the other, and all the women that use their "quiet time" in the car to apply lipstick & makeup, and all of the people addicted to Xanex/Valium/Percodan, and all the drunks, and then I say to myself "self, lets avoid busy streets and have a nice relaxing ride.... and live to tell about it". Bottom line�. you can ride quiet side streets and get anywhere you want to go. You won�t inconvenience others, you�ll have a better ride, and chances are you�ll arrive at home instead of a hospital.
Sorry to enlighten you, but I OWN THE LANE. Sorry to enlighten you, but if you continue to have that type of arrogant, confrontational attitude, sooner or later you're going to run across someone who's just tired of putting up with people like you. Like Lakewooder said, try showing some courtesy and use common sense.
Toots- the majority of car drivers don't follow the law. For example, running a red light is AGAINST THE LAW. The posted speed limit on NCX is 60 and yet the speed in the left lane is at least 80. When was the lasy time you broke a traffic law? Why is it that whenever there's a topic about cyclists using the road, everyone suddenly jumps to how they never follow the law? In every group there will be those that don't follow the rules, like when I go to Big Bend National Park and see evidence of a fire or when I walk the hiike paths that I've built in the Great Triity Forest and see bike tires tracks, I don't think of banning all campers from Big Bend or all cyclists (and He Kexin, cyclist plural is spelt cyclists) from the city limits. We are all just spoiled in Texas because our natural resources here are oil and sand and what do those make for? Not bike lanes. And BTW, "off my street", it's not the fault of the cyclists that you have such a small window of time to spend with your kids. Maybe you and your kids should get on a bike for a change, might slow down your blood pressure.
Toots, That's because your councilman, Sheffie, wants cyclists off the road, and on the trail, with that disaster of a footbridge, where they can get in to conflicts with the pedestrians, dog walkers and baby carriages, as well as a couple of rollerbladers. If cyclists stick to the road, and pedestrians either walk facing traffic, or take the trail, bingo, no user conflict. And yes, I always stop and signal at the 3-ways on both sides of the lake. Come on out for a ride sometime. It might refresh your experience or attitude.
whenever i bike i just travel one block over from the main street i'm trying to go down. No traffic and there's houses to look at instead of cars. There are some times, like bridges, when you have to get in the main traffic but most of the time i don't have to worry about it.
And let me add bxy, I have nothing against cyclists. But the majority don't follow traffic laws. If they want to share the road then they need to act responsibly. Getting away from the traffic thing..... I live near White Rock Lake and spend many an evening walking there with my family. There are signs posted everywhere that cyclists should warn people with a verbal, "On your left" when passing. I'd say 90% don't. Thats bullshit because without warning a bike is passing me, going 20MPH.
In fact, let me augment my last statement... Anyone here who wants to actually go for an urban ride, anywhere in the City of Dallas, including Oak Cliff or HP/UP, can google "Cycling Center Dallas" and send them an e-mail. They'll make sure you get a great tour from "Here" to "There", they'll enable you with education, visibility, and empowerment, and they'll do it IN the street, at whatever hour of the day you want, including high traffic hours, all within the boundaries of the law. Dallas is actually a really great place to ride a bike - you just have to know what you're doing, be and act confident and with assertion, and act like a vehicle. Be visible, signal your intentions, take the lane, be patient, and watch what doesn't happen.
off my street, As the natives say, "Wrong again, White man" (woman). Roads are made to transport goods and people. Cars are not specifically mentioned... Sorry to enlighten you, but I OWN THE LANE. No need for bike lanes, just me and my skinny ass on two wheels. You either have to, A, put up with it, or B, pass. Harrassment is a violation of multiple laws, and DPS is concerned for everyone's safety, not just yours. I'll do my part to enlighten other cyclists to obey the rules. You do your part to look at us as zero-impact, city-enhancing operators of a transportation mode you may need to increase your respect for. Bikes outsell cars 100 to 1, so you're going to be seeing a LOT MORE OF US around. It's inevitable. Take a deep breath, and deal with it.
I'm agreeing with Lakewooder here. You get in front of my car in the small window of time I have to get home to pick up my kids from daycare and box me in beside a semi at 15 mph...I'm not happy. I can guarantee you, neither is anyone else. Fortunately, I'm not a road rage driver, but I'd fear for your safety considering all of the other nutjobs out there. Regardless of any obscure law you may quote, roads are made for CARS. Maybe you can show us a video series of how to navigate your horse drawn carriage down Mockingbird next.
LBJ's Love Child, few of us begrudge a cyclists right to the roadway, but when he/she opts to travel a busy roadway during peak hours and forces everyone behind them to slow down and change lanes, it's a problem. Traffic grinds to a halt behind these riders. It's an inconvenience to the hundreds of cars behind them and it's dangerous for the rider. It's all about using common sense, that's all.
byx says: Um, did you see any laws violated in any of the seven videos? ===================================== Did I say there was? I'm talking about when I drive down the street and a person on a bike doesn't signal, or make a complete stop.
Lakewooder, you have it backwards. If you take a lane, and force cars to slow down and change lanes to pass you, you stay OUT of trouble. As the videos show (that was a quick way to kill an hour at work!), that's the proper way to ride a bike as a vehicle. I learned the hard way that if you ride a bike close to the curb, cars will try and pass you without A) slowing down, or B) changing lanes to pass. BTW: Texas law is that if a lane is less than 14' wide a bicyclist may take the whole lane.
Toots and Lakewooder are right, i can't tell you how many times bicyclists have ridden in the middle of the lane refusing to let anyone pass and forcing multiple cars to putt putt along behind them. Sooner or later, the arrogant attitude a lot of bicyclists have will turn around and bite them.
byx, Toots has a point. The vast majority of cyclists are very conscientious of their surroundings but a select few appear to have a death wish. If you ride your bike and thereby occupy a lane of traffic on a busy street [Mockingbird, Abrams, Preston, Hillcrest, etc] and force other cars to slow down and change lanes in order to get around you, you're just asking for trouble, IMO.
@Chris: It happens quite frequently: http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/08/cops-ticketing-cyclists-and-dr.html http://bikefriendlyoc.wordpress.com/2009/03/13/dallas-police-ticketing-bicyclists-without-helmets/
"Cue the bike lane weenies." RFLMAO!
I agree with try following the traffic laws. My assumption that many cyclist don't follow traffic laws saved two of them from serious injury 2 weeks ago. I was making a right hand turn and 2 cyclist were coming up from behind me. Instead of waiting behind me they road up beside me without stopping to make the turn. Predicting this would happen I slowed down and made a wider turn. If I would have assumed they followed the laws of the road I would have turned right into them.
when was the last time you saw a cyclist ticketed for running a red light, or a stop sign? hmmmm...
Cue the bike lane weenies.
Um, did you see any laws violated in any of the seven videos? Education, assertion, visibility, and signaling of intent go a LOOOONG way toward removing fear, anxiety, and intimidation between drivers of bikes and drivers of cars. Same Roads, Same Rules, Same Rights.
LOL'd at "Runned Over."
Actually LeeDog, it would be nice if the people riding the bikes would obey traffic laws. They are supposed too and it would save lives.
Huh, there was a lot less bubble wrap and rosaries than I thought there'd be in that video.
Can't wait to here the narrow-minnded ill-guided comments akin to "roads is fer cars and sidewalks is fer toys!" And the also inaccurate "them bicyclers don't pay no taxes so gets off my roads!"