Watch out on Park Rd tonight- cyclists! (home, shopping center)

[appstate1998]

I just got back from a quick run to the Teeter at Park Rd Shopping Center. I almost ran over a cyclist who was in the left southbound lane on Park Rd.

He wasn't wearing any reflective gear, nor did he have any lighting. I thought he was a drunk or weirdo just riding his bike. I had to swerve!

On my way back home I came across two more- this time one was wearing reflective gear and a light. Passed another one after that.

This thread is not to bash cyclists- but come on. Don't be stupid. Why are cyclists riding in the night on Park Rd???? Especially in the left lane w/out reflective gear or lighting?????

If I would have hit that cyclist, I could have easily killed him. Don't know if he has a family or kids, but he should know better. All of them should know better.

And I would have been charged with manslaughter.

WTF?

[amploud]

I am a frequent cyclist, and I couldn't agree more.

There's a lot of poorly thought through behavior from cyclists these days. There's too much "space-claiming"; too much focus on making sure everyone else understands, "I have a right to be here, and if you hit me, it's your fault." Yes, that may be true, but you won't be any less injured or dead.

Essentially, many cyclists seem to act like their safety is everyone else's responsibility, therefore there's no need to ride defensively.

[momtothree]

Speaking of cyclists, I was at a stop sign when I started to turn as there were no cars or anything. When mid turn, out of nowhere a cyclist "ran" the stop sign and cut me off causing me to slam on my brakes and he shot me a finger as he zoomed by. He was NOT at the stop sign when I was there and because of all the trees, he was out of sight till I was already in the turn.

Don't they have to observe traffic laws and stop first?

[amploud]

Originally Posted by momtothree

Don't they have to observe traffic laws and stop first?

Yes.